Has Business Travel Recovered Post-Covid? [What to Know]

Business Travel: Where Are We Headed? 

In 2020, the world came to an almost complete halt as the COVID-19 pandemic swept across nations, grounding airplanes, emptying hotels, and pausing the relentless pace of business travel. As the dust settles and we step cautiously into a post-pandemic era, the question on every small business owner’s mind is: What does the future of business travel look like? Has it recovered, or has the landscape changed irreversibly? 

The answer is not straightforward. Business travel has certainly not returned to its former glory—gone are the days when jumping on a plane for a quick meeting was the norm. However, the wheels of recovery are in motion, and many industries are seeing a cautious return to travel. Yet, it’s undeniable that the terrain has been altered: there is a noticeable shift towards domestic destinations and integrating virtual connections into the fabric of business relations. 

Small Business Travel Requires Strategic Planning 

For small business owners, navigating this new travel economy requires adaptability and strategic planning. It's essential to understand the interplay between cost-effectiveness and the value of face-to-face interactions. The current travel environment offers an opportunity to re-evaluate and innovate the way we connect and conduct business across distances. 

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the evolving dynamics of post-pandemic business travel. We'll explore how small businesses can leverage this recovery period—balancing virtual and physical presence, optimizing travel budgets, and seizing opportunities within the domestic travel surge. Welcome to the new age of business travel, where every trip counts, and every connection is an opportunity for growth. 

Growing Momentum of Business Travel 

Business travel is making a slow but steady recovery after being severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Corporate travel spend is projected to recover to about two-thirds of 2019 levels globally by the end of 2023, according to recent surveys of travel managers. While a full recovery to pre-pandemic spend levels is expected by late 2024 or early 2025, when adjusted for inflation and lost growth, business travel will likely remain below 2019 volumes.  

International business trips are growing steadily, with US travel managers expecting international's share of costs to reach 33% in 2023, up from 21% in 2022. For Europe, 32% of 2023 spend is forecast for intra-Europe trips and 28% for beyond Europe. Live events and conferences are poised to drive increased corporate travel spending in 2023, leapfrogging to the top trigger spot from fifth in 2022. Over half of US and European travel managers anticipate events and conferences spurring growth this year.  

This resurgence is not uniform across the board. Domestic business travel is spearheading the recovery, with organizations and business travelers feeling more confident navigating the regulations and risks within their own borders. International travel, on the other hand, is lagging behind due to continuing uncertainties around global health protocols and fluctuating travel restrictions. 

When we consider different industries, the picture of recovery is varied. Manufacturing, construction, and professional services are at the forefront of this revival. These sectors often require on-site presence for operations, deal closures, or client engagements, making travel an indispensable component of their business models. 

Conversely, industries that have traditionally relied heavily on large gatherings, like conferences and trade shows, are witnessing a slower comeback. The tech and pharmaceutical sectors, in particular, have embraced digital tools for product launches and professional collaborations, which has reduced their need to travel. This shift suggests a more fundamental change in how certain industries perceive the role of travel in their operations. 

While the trajectory is positive, the pace of recovery is indicative of a broader change in the philosophy of business travel. Companies are rethinking the necessity and frequency of trips, balancing the undeniable benefits of in-person meetings against the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of virtual alternatives. 

Factors Influencing the Return of Business Travel 

The return of business travel is influenced by a tapestry of factors as the world emerges from the pandemic’s shadow. Health and safety concerns continue to dictate corporate travel policies. Simultaneously, virtual meetings have become entrenched in corporate culture, a trend that shows no sign of abating. Businesses are now more selective, reserving travel for pivotal meetings and significant events, which underscores the importance of return on investment (ROI) for each trip. This discerning approach to travel is partly a result of the rising costs associated with airfares and accommodations, prompting companies to prioritize high-ROI trips. 

The current labor market and supply chain issues add another layer of complexity to the return of business travel. These challenges have led to reduced flight schedules and service disruptions, which can deter travel plans. 

Despite these hurdles, there is a palpable pent-up demand for in-person interactions. The intrinsic value of face-to-face meetings, particularly in sales and client relationship management, cannot be entirely replicated virtually. This is driving an uptick in travel as businesses seek to re-establish and deepen client connections in the post-pandemic world. 

How Small Businesses Should Approach Business Travel Now 

In the current climate, small businesses must tread carefully when re-integrating business travel into their operations. The first step is a critical assessment of the necessity of each trip. Can the goals of the trip be achieved effectively through virtual meetings? With the proven capabilities of digital communication tools, many previously in-person engagements can continue to be conducted remotely, saving significant resources. 

When travel is essential, prioritize domestic over international trips when feasible. Domestic travel typically involves fewer logistical challenges and uncertainties in the post-pandemic world, such as sudden border policy changes. Budgets must be scrutinized more closely than ever. Small businesses should focus on optimizing spending by investing in high-value trips that offer tangible returns, whether through direct sales, partnership opportunities, or essential training. Communicating health and safety measures to employees is paramount. Transparency about the measures being taken to protect them during travel can alleviate anxiety and demonstrate company commitment to their well-being. 

Leveraging local coworking spaces, such as Davinci Meeting Rooms, can be a strategic move to reduce the need for travel. These spaces can serve as interim hubs for face-to-face meetings with local clients or remote team members, thus bridging the gap between virtual and in-person interactions without the need for extensive travel.   

Davinci Meeting Rooms for Small Business Travelers  

For small business travelers, Davinci Meeting Rooms present a versatile solution across the country. Rather than embarking on travel for client meetings, Davinci's professional spaces provide an impressive setting to host clients locally. These spaces serve as practical touchdown points for employees on multi-city trips, offering a consistent and efficient work environment.  

Local offsite gatherings can also be accommodated in these meeting rooms, eliminating the need for costly travel and lodging expenses traditionally associated with such events. Davinci Meeting Room amenities, including high-speed Wi-Fi, printing services, coffee bars, and tech support, ensure that every meeting is as productive as possible. This approach is not only cost-effective when compared to hotel conference rooms, but also aligns with a hybrid workplace strategy, blending remote and in-person elements to create a flexible, modern business travel model. 

Future of Business Travel  

As we look towards the horizon of business travel, expectations are that international travel will see a full recovery by the years 2024-2025. This projection, however, is balanced by an immediate and continued focus on domestic trips, suggesting that near-term travel strategies will prioritize local over global engagement.  

The format of networking and knowledge exchange is also evolving, with a noticeable shift towards smaller conferences and more regional events. This change not only supports localized economies but also aligns with the ongoing health and safety precautions that have become a staple in our new normal. Another facet of this new era is the blend of virtual and in-person meetings, a hybrid model that businesses are increasingly adopting. This approach offers flexibility and maintains continuity, particularly important given the ongoing scrutiny of travel expenditures and the need to maximize ROI.   

On the upside, travelers may benefit from more convenient direct flights as airlines adjust to the changing demands of business. However, the landscape is not without its uncertainties; the potential for new virus variants, fluctuating global policies, conflicts, and inflation all pose significant challenges to the predictability and stability of business travel.  

Getting Your Business Plan Together 

As we reflect on the impact of the pandemic on business travel, it is clear that the sector is on a path to recovery, albeit with significant changes. Domestic travel is leading the charge, rebounding more quickly than international journeys. For small businesses, the new era demands strategic spending and the adoption of flexible workspaces to stay competitive. The transformation in business travel necessitates that small companies reassess and realign their travel strategies to navigate the altered terrain of corporate mobility effectively. 

About Patrick Spencer

Patrick Spencer (Ph.D.) is the President and Founder of TIRO Communications that helps companies develop, build, and manage content, customer, advocacy, and demand-gen programs. Included in its offerings is TIRO Cognition Insights, a data analytics tool that enables B2C and B2B businesses to pinpoint what their customers and competitors’ customers are saying and to identify corresponding actionable product, services, competitive, sales, and marketing intelligence. LinkedIn Profile: LinkedIn Website: www.tirocommunications.com