It is nothing new that, among segments of the tourism sector, corporate travel was the one that suffered most from the Covid-19 pandemic – and is still dealing with the effects of low demand, in Brazil and around the world.
According to data from Abracorp (Brazilian Association of Corporate Travel Agencies), revenues from this market fell by 39.6% in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year.
Operations totaled R$ 1.427 billion, considering all segments served by companies in the sector, compared to R$ 2.364 billion from January to June last year.
Now, with the advancement of vaccination and the resumption of at least part of in-person corporate activities, what will this market be like? Here we list three trends that should dictate the direction of business travel in the future.
1 – Hybrid model
As well as returning to the office routine, activities associated with corporate travel will also occur, in many cases, in a hybrid model. This means that part of the reasons for travel to happen will no longer exist.
A very traditional example is that of conferences and fairs: they can reduce in size, adopting a program that takes place in person and on virtual channels simultaneously – more democratic, in fact.
It is difficult to imagine, however, a world in which these events, considered extremely important for building a network of relationships and business contacts, cease to exist. Therefore, demand for travel related to them should continue, at least partially.
2 – Types of trip
Company policies on what should or should not motivate a trip have become stricter due to the pandemic – and the likelihood is that this will continue in some way.
Activities that require the presence of employees will be prioritized, such as opening a new factory or starting operations in another country.
A survey by Lufthansa Innovation Hub shows that the majority of experts interviewed believe that travel for training or team integration should decline post-pandemic.
On the other hand, more than 50% of them say that activities such as searching for new talent, products or suppliers and researching trends or locations should continue to motivate exits, at the same level as before.
3 – Well-being and safety
Concern about the safety and well-being of workers reached new heights during the health crisis – and the tendency is for it to continue at high levels, including as a way to retain talent in an increasingly competitive market.
And this will naturally apply to corporate travel. In addition to paying more attention to health care, ensuring accommodation in places that respect all the necessary conditions to preserve the health of visitors, companies will have to offer other facilities.
These include the possibility of combining business trips with leisure trips, choosing accommodations that offer greater comfort or subsidies for physical activities or healthy eating during your stay.
In this context, accommodation facilities must be prepared to offer a stay that addresses these concerns, including not only an adequate structure for work, but also for travelers to rest – always with a focus on experience and well-being.
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