Let’s face it, everybody wants to tap into the $1.5 trillion business travel market to not only help boost productivity, but importantly, enjoy a slice of that lucrative market share. So how can travel providers get in on the action?
The secret to business success for travel providers is simply being equipped with the necessary data, and knowing who to target and how.
Here are some rather compelling insights to help operators and agents unlock luxury travel trends and tap into new opportunities with luxury suppliers to boost their bottom lines.
A recent report by Blacklane, “Premium Meets Productivity: The Changing Face of Travel and Work,” reveals that an overwhelming 94% of business travellers believe luxury services significantly boost their productivity. This staggering figure highlights the growing demand for premium amenities in the region.
The report explores the impact of travel planning on business travellers’ productivity in the UAE, where business travel spending is projected to grow by 11.2% in 2024.
Travel-related stress affects performance considerably, with 86% of global business travellers losing at least an hour of productivity during their trips. In the UAE, 83% of travellers experience similar challenges, with more than a third losing between four and eight hours – a full working day – due to travel-related stress.
C-level professionals are particularly vulnerable to productivity losses, with 38% reporting significant impacts. This just emphasises the need for premium services that cater to both efficiency and comfort.
To combat travel stress, 97% of business travellers are blending work and leisure, seeking premium experiences like chauffeur-driven services for seamless journeys. Dr. Jens Wohltorf, Blacklane’s CEO, notes that enhancing comfort and safety is essential for boosting productivity.
The report also highlights key priorities for UAE business travellers, including privacy and safety (33%), punctuality (31%), and comfort (31%). Nearly half expect five-star hotel stays (51%) and private airport transfers (44%) as the standard for work-related travel.
Blacklane’s data also shows a growing trend toward personalised, efficient solutions, with 42% emphasising WiFi access and 40% prioritising business-class flights. This just means minimising travel stress and being able to hit the ground running.
Combining business and leisure (“bleisure”) has become increasingly popular these days, with 96% of UAE business travellers doing just that. This just allows professionals to make the most of their time away, with 88% reporting increased productivity.
As bleisure travel rises, 49% of UAE professionals expect more luxurious business trips in the next five years. However, 32% anticipate stricter rules may be implemented around combining business and leisure travel.
To help address the increasing demand for more premium corporate travel services, Blacklane offers a suite of mobility solutions, including airport transfers, city-to-city transfers, and even chauffeur-by-the-hour services.
