DEPARTURE LOUNGE // AUTUMN 2017
Sharing services like Uber have revolutionised business travel around the globe and will continue to do so in the year ahead . have affected many places that may previously have been taken for granted as ‘ safe ’ destinations ,” says Rachael Penaluna , business manager at Sure Maritime Travel . “ A travel company cannot be responsible for passenger safety , but it is very important to recognise that all travellers must be advised and prepared when they go abroad .”
MORE PEOPLE ARE EMBRACING THE IDEA THAT COMPULSORY TRAVEL CAN BE SEEN AS A PERK
example , is steadily expanding across Africa and now includes Uganda , Egypt , Kenya , Morocco , Nigeria and South Africa on its list of markets . The Advitro forecast points out that while alternative accommodation might not be the right fit for every business traveller , it is a great option when hotel rooms are sold out or in markets where homes present a safer option than hotels . “ In 2016 , Airbnb for Business growth tripled ,” notes an Airbnb spokesperson . “ Nearly 10 % of Airbnb customers travel for business and more than 150 000 companies have completed a booking through Airbnb for Business Product Suite .” and more about mixing business with leisure ,” comments the Airbnb spokesperson . “ Around 60 % of business trips at Airbnb in the last year included a Saturday or Sunday night because business travellers are looking for opportunities to mix work travel with a chance to explore the city .”
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Bigger focus on Duty of Care
The Advito Industry Forecast 2017 notes that , with more destinations falling into the high-risk category , travel managers will have to work harder to fulfil their corporate client ’ s Duty of Care ( the steps a company is expected to take to ensure the welfare of their staff ) commitments to business travellers . “ 2016 has seen radical events that
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More and more business travellers are tagging a weekend onto their trip to explore cities like Tokyo , pictured here .
Better self-service at airports
“ Expect to see a focus on the innovative use of technology to create a better passenger travel experience ,” says Chris Zweigenthal , chief executive of the Airlines Association of South
Africa . “ In the pipeline are improved self-service offerings at the airports , with increased functionality and easier flow through airports . Airlines are expected to continue to innovate in an effort to differentiate themselves from their competitors .” When it comes to airline loyalty programmes , Zweigenthal points out that the development of alliances – between Star , Oneworld and Sky – has led to passengers belonging to more than one loyalty scheme with multiple options to redeem miles . “ However , as airlines evaluate the cost-effectiveness of their loyalty schemes , adjustments are made which impact passengers in different ways , leading to passengers evaluating the value they derive from
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Bleisure Bloom
While mixing business with leisure travel is by no means a new trend , more and more people are embracing the idea that compulsory travel can be seen as a perk of the job – a means by which to expand their horizons . “ Business travel is becoming less about being a road warrior
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16 // MAKE MEMORIES FOR LIFE