Navigating international business travel trends: A guide for MEA travel managers
As a business travel manager, it’s easy to think that what happens in Dubai or Riyadh stays there. But in today’s hyper-connected world, global trends don’t just stay put—they ripple across borders, often faster than the time it takes to clear airport security. That’s why keeping a pulse on these trends isn’t just interesting—it’s essential. Think of it as your strategic advantage, helping you anticipate challenges before they become costly disruptions.
So, how can you navigate the ever-evolving world of global business travel? Let’s explore a framework designed to help you interpret these trends, understand their impact, and turn insights into actionable strategies that work for your business and your travellers.
Identify key international trends
The first step in staying ahead is identifying the global trends that truly matter to your business. Think of it as sifting through a stream of information to uncover the golden insights that can transform your travel programme. From Dubai to Tokyo, these trends shape the future of business travel and offer valuable opportunities for Middle East and African organisations to adapt and thrive.
What to keep an eye on:
- Booking patterns: Are international travellers booking trips earlier than ever to secure availability? Should your business travellers consider following suit to capitalise on savings and avoid last-minute costs?
- Pricing fluctuations: Have regional flight prices surged, or are certain routes suddenly more expensive? Understanding how these shifts affect your travel budget is key to staying on top of costs.
- Supplier capacity: Are your preferred airlines reducing flight availability or cutting key routes between the MEA, Europe, and global hubs? If so, alternative options might need to be considered to maintain seamless travel.
- Accommodation rates: Have prices for standard rooms in New York or Paris skyrocketed compared to last year? Analysing these trends and comparing them to local markets can help refine your hotel programme.
- Car rental rates: Have overseas car rental costs skyrocketed, or are there new bargains to be found?
Analyse the impact on your business travel
Once you’ve identified key global trends, it’s time to dig deeper and understand their implications for your corporate travel programme. Think of it as connecting the dots to ensure your strategy stays resilient and cost-effective. With global travel data, reporting, and insights, FCM is here to support your next steps.
Here’s how to adapt your strategy:
- Encourage early bookings: If international travellers are booking earlier than ever, it might be time to adjust your policies to encourage the same. Early planning can secure better availability and pricing, helping to keep costs under control.
- Tackle rising airfares: Are ticket prices soaring across popular international routes? It could be time to revisit your budget. FCM can help identify alternative airlines, routes, or schedules to ensure you’re still getting the best value for your spend.
- Address route reductions: If your go-to flight routes are being cut, consider new approaches like consolidating trips or extending stays to maximise productivity during overseas visits.
- Rethink your hotel strategy: With accommodation prices fluctuating globally, re-evaluating your hotel programme can yield significant savings. FCM can help negotiate rates based on your company’s travel volume and preferences.
- Reassess ground transport: Rising car rental rates or limited availability in key destinations might mean exploring alternatives like ride-sharing services or public transport, depending on the city.
Implement actionable changes for your business
Alright, you've done your global homework. Now it's time to put that knowledge to work in the context of your corporate travel programme.
Here's your action plan:
- Set early booking as the standard: If early bookings are delivering cost savings for international travel, it’s time to make this a key part of your travel policy. Planning ahead can reduce costs and ensure availability, especially on busy transatlantic or European routes.
- Optimise your travel budget: Think of it as playing global budget Tetris. Reallocate resources where they’re needed most, accounting for rising costs in air travel, accommodation, or ground transport. Staying agile with your budget ensures you’re always prepared for fluctuations.
- Negotiate smarter with suppliers: Leverage insights from international trends to secure better deals with airlines, hotels, and car rental providers. With FCM as your trusted partner, you’ll have the support needed to negotiate effectively and maximise value.
- Rethink your accommodation strategy: If global hotel rates are rising, maybe it's time to look at long-stay options or serviced apartments for those extended international trips.
- Get creative with ground transport: If car rental rates are through the roof in certain cities, consider alternatives like ride-sharing services or public transport where feasible.
Monitor and evaluate from a regional perspective
You’ve made strategic changes based on global trends, but how can you be sure they’re delivering results for your travellers? It’s time to track performance and measure success. FCM can support you with regular reports and data insights, ensuring your travel programme remains effective and aligned with both global and regional goals.
Here's how to keep track:
- Define success for your travel programme: What does a high-performing global travel strategy look like for your business? Whether it’s cost savings, improved traveller satisfaction, or reduced carbon emissions, setting clear goals is the first step.
- Schedule regular performance reviews: Don’t wait until year-end to assess how your global strategy is performing. Regular check-ins, using FCM’s quarterly trend reports as a benchmark, can help you stay agile and make adjustments as needed.
- Gather feedback from your travellers: Your business travellers are at the forefront of your programme. Their experiences—whether smooth or challenging—can provide invaluable insights. Actively seek their feedback to refine and enhance your strategy.
Prepare for future business travel global trends
Last but not least, keep your eyes on the international horizon. The global travel world moves fast, and you don't want your business travel programme to be left in the dust.
Stay ahead of the worldwide game:
- Keep your finger on the global pulse: Stay informed by subscribing to international travel industry updates, joining webinars on global trends, and relying on FCM Consulting’s quarterly reports for actionable insights into worldwide business travel movements.
- Add flexibility to your policies: Ensure your travel policies can adapt to the unexpected. Whether it’s a new route opening from Dubai to London or fluctuations in Riyadh hotel rates, a flexible approach will help you navigate change effectively.
- Monitor supplier developments: Stay alert to shifts in the supplier landscape, such as airline mergers, hotel acquisitions, or new innovations in car rental services. These changes can directly impact your travel options and costs, so being proactive is key.
And there you have it: A framework to help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of international travel trends. Whether you’re sending travellers from Dubai to Milan or London to Lima, staying informed and adaptable is the key to success.
As a savvy travel manager, you’re not just reacting to global changes—you’re anticipating them, adapting proactively, and turning them into opportunities to enhance your travel programme. With FCM by your side, you’ll stay ahead on the world stage.