84% of business travelers want to travel with the right security measures in place

A new survey of 1,400 business travelers shows that 93% have reduced their travel by an average of 60% since the pandemic began. However, there is reason for cautious optimism, with 84% of business travelers confirming that they would travel if the correct security measures were in place. The percentage rises to 87% in the case of frequent travelers.

According to the study, commissioned by Amadeus market research firm Opium, the desire to travel for work is driven by human factors. What they miss most is "seeing clients and colleagues face-to-face" and "sharing ideas in face-to-face meetings," followed closely by social aspects, such as "sharing a meal.

When it comes to regaining trust, frequent travelers suggest that as the travel industry and governments around the world work together to implement new security measures covid-19, priority will be given to information sharing, contactless payment technology and more comprehensive medical insurance.

Interestingly, travelers prioritize information on health and travel restrictions, as well as contactless payments, over tests and vaccination certificates, suggesting they are looking for the toolsto more securely manage their own travel and associated risks.

Business travelers are alsosensitive to the economic environment, with 96% confirming that they would be happy to adhere more closely to their company's travel policy if it meant that business travel could be justified. 

As noted by Rudy Daniello, executive vice president of Amadeus, “travelers are willing to travel if the right security measures are in place, which is hugely encouraging for the business travel industry. While vaccination will take time, there are a number of measures that businesses and travel companies can take now to protect and reassure travelers.

The research was conducted during January 2021 with 1,400 people who traveled at least three times for business in 2019. The term 'frequent travelers' refers to those who traveled more than 15 times for business during 2019. Respondents came from France, Germany, India, Japan, Spain, the United States, the United Kingdom and the United States.