p22 Biz May 29 26/5/09 16:10 Page 22
Business travel
Martin Ferguson
020 7921 8011
maferguson@ttgbusiness.com
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Sector ‘stable’,
Lamont’s lament
finds NBTA poll
BUSINESS travel in Europe is holding up through- for UK’s recovery
out the recession, according to a new survey.
And the 600 European business travellers
Martin Ferguson.
“I think we will bump
polled by the National Business Travel Associa- SCRAPPING Heathrow’s along the bottom for
tion believe the sector will remain stable for the planned third runway some time, at least until
next 12 months. would do nothing to cur- the end of the year.”
More than a fifth (22%) of respondents said tail air traffic, according Lamont is also sched-
they expected their volume of travel to increase to a former chancellor. uled to speak at Abta’s
over the next year, while more than half Norman Lamont told Travel Convention in
predicted it would stay the same. TTG that protests would Barcelona in October.
But a quarter said they expected to travel less, not impact volumes of He said the country will
with many admitting this would have a negative travellers and the num- have to wait and see what
effect on business. ber of aircraft in the sky. effect economic stimulus
NBTA president Kevin Maguire said travellers “Even if the third packages in both the
who remain on the road will have to adhere to runway doesn’t go ahead, US and UK have on the
cost-cutting measures if their business is to be air traffic will be pushed economy.
sustainable. into other areas and “It is sure to help, but it
“While most travellers understand the need to airports,” he said. remains unclear whether
be prudent, the most important issue for them “That in itself is an any growth can be main-
when booking travel is convenience,” he said. argument against oppos-
Trade Media Partner
tained,” he said.
“It is vital travel managers work with their ing the building of the “Banks will restrict
communications colleagues to inform employees runway.” lending for some time to come.”
how travel changes are designed to meet both Lord Lamont (pictured) is to speak to Other speakers at Business Travel Market will
goals – cutting costs while offering convenience.” delegates at next month’s Business Travel include Doug Weeks, president of the Associa-
Some 62% said convenience was the most Market at London’s ExCeL exhibition centre. tion of Corporate Travel Executives, Dale Moss,
important factor when booking travel, while 25% The former Conservative chancellor was at the managing director of BA’s Open Skies, and David
said cost. helm of government the last time the country Hornby, commercial director of Visit London.
More than a third (36%) revealed their suffered recession, in the early 1990s. Paul Robin, founder and director of Business
companies had mandated cheaper travel over In his speech he will discuss how the UK Travel Market, said: “We are pleased to have
the last six months. Of these, 35% buy cheaper should work its way out of the present downturn, secured some truly knowledgeable leaders from
airline tickets, 29% have downgraded class of although he admitted the future is almost the industry as speakers.
travel and 36% stay in cheaper hotels. impossible to predict. “Their presence will provide an informative
“The truth is that all forecasts are futile,” and inspirational two days for the industry.”
he said.
Inntel granted
“It is quite clear the decline has started to ■ Business Travel Market takes place at
moderate, but that is not to say it is a recovery. London’s ExCeL on June 17-18
billback approval
HOTEL booking agency Inntel has been awarded
ITM fills posts for
joint post. The role requires a focus on providing
the Hotel Bookings Agents’ Association’s billback regional support for members and with so many
seal of approval.
the south-east
based in the south-east a joint chair will ensure
The billback kitemark confirms the company members are well catered for.
complies with the HBAA’s code for billback TRAVEL buyers Jan Pullen and Helen Day have “The region has a history of creating great
transactions. been appointed joint chairmen for the Institute networking events for members and the
A billback is a hotel charge that an intermedi- of Travel and Meetings’ south-east region. committee can continue to build on the work
ary pays for its client as part of its service. Pullen, of Moody’s Investment, and Day, of they have done to date.”
Peter Ducker, HBAA executive director, Cambrian Mining, start on June 1. The voluntary post had been filled on a
said: “Our kitemark gives both clients and Paul Tilstone, ITM’s chief executive, said: “I am temporary basis by former Merrill Lynch travel
intermediaries peace of mind.” delighted that Helen and Jan are taking up the buyer Linda Eldson.
22 29.05.2009
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