Ground transport spend control is a top priority for European travel managers, according to new research from the Global Business Travel Association and mobility platform Freenow. This comes as a response to rising fuel prices and a growing focus on green alternatives to air travel.
The research, which surveyed 105 travel buyers and 740 business travelers across the U.K., Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Italy and Poland, found that cost is a significant ongoing challenge. Almost half (49 percent) of European travel managers identified cost containment as their company’s primary priority related to ground transportation, followed by sustainability (22 percent) and employee experience (12 percent).
Business travelers also expressed concerns over inflation, with 50 percent stating that the rising cost of fuel had impacted their business travel over the last year. The survey also revealed an increased focus on sustainability and eco-friendly ground transportation options compared to pre-pandemic times, with nearly two-fifths (38 percent) of travel managers reporting a greater focus on sustainability and eco-friendly vehicles compared to 2019.
The survey also highlighted a sharpened focus on sustainability and eco-friendly ground transportation options compared to pre-pandemic times. Travel programs now include carsharing, e-scooters and e-bikes, and almost all European travel programs allow travelers to use long-distance passenger rail and public transport. This trend is likely linked to the growing emphasis on sustainability in the EU.
On average, travel managers said 30 percent of their company’s ground transport spend is on public transportation, while approximately 20 percent is allocated to traditional taxis and 14 percent to private hire vehicles. When it comes to traveler preferences, most are interested in using long-distance passenger rail/trains and rental cars.
Originally published by BTN Europe.
