With the new year upon us, I switched to two nearby observers on the opposite side of the business travel industry to predict what it will look at the road warriors in 2012.
In one corner, we have greatly invested Dubin Lane, in the course of business as vice president and general manager for the American Express Global Business travel. The other is Chris McGinnis, travel consultant, blogger and observers based in San Francisco. Their predictions:
Airlines: The company continues to invest in a business trip and growth, airlines will continue to serve the business travel market with services, such as in-flight Internet, more legroom and a choice of dormitory, that the interests of the business traveler needs to get the job done on the way. Prices will rise to meet the demand continued.
Hotel: The Hotel has traditionally been followed the system of additional charges and are now charging for facilities that make a difference for business travelers. This means the road warriors can pay an additional fee to a service that allows them to be productive while they are away. In 2012, hoteliers would probably focus more on total income, and not at the level of occupancy, and as a result they may be more willing to accept a lower volume of space in the room rates are higher. This translates to hotel rates may get a little more expensive this year.