BULLETINS

A recent research by SAP Concur and GBTA has brought to light that Business travellers in Europe are moving away from direct booking channels.

As per the study, booking of flights and accommodation direct with suppliers has decreased in the past year, from 81% in 2017 to 69% this year. The reason for this as per the findings is the increased breadth of content in systems as well as tighter policy controls.  Adding to that almost two-thirds of travellers think their employers are to some extent or very advanced in travel booking technology.

The study shows that travellers prefer a flexible corporate travel policy rather than a stricter one to book on direct channels. Almost three-quarters of those with a flexible policy booked direct with a supplier compared to 64% of those with a tighter policy.

The research also highlights some of the reasons for booking direct with suppliers with some interesting regional differences thrown up.

While 41% choose to book directly for convenience generally, 48% of UK business travellers cite both convenience and pricing as the major reasons. 

42% of travellers across Nordic countries consider price as the popular reason while in Germany it were pricing and descriptions provided within direct booking channels. 

The survey was conducted online between September 21 and October 16 with 1252 European business travellers who had travelled for business more than once in the past year.