Business class demand due to stricter corporate policies and the lack of new hotel construction in certain regions will have a greater impact on price fluctuations.

This study provides its subscribers with more than 2.100 price forecasts of hotels, airfares and car rentals in Europe, Latin America, North America, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), as well as Asia Pacific (APAC), as well as recommendations

The study provides subscribers with more than 100 price forecasts of hotels, airfares and car rentals in Europe, Latin America, North America, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), plus Asia Pacific (APAC), as well as recommendations

; as well as recommendations

North America

As a whole, North American business travelers, expectán likely a number of changes that will affect prices in nearly every travel category in 2014. With a few small exceptions, North American airline ticket prices are expected to fall in 2014 as a result of stronger competition from low-cost carriers, challenging unemployment levels and increasingly restrictive corporate travel policies for business class travel. However, this price decline could be offset in the event of consolidation among the major U.S. carriers.

Overall, hotel rates in North America are expected to increase in the forecast, although forecasts indicate that they could vary considerably from city to city. Hotel rates in North America's major tourist regions (key destinations for business travel and leisure tourism such as New York and Toronto) are likely to continue to grow, but secondary destinations are saturated with supply and are expected to be more competitively priced.

Consolidation continues within the North American ground transportation sector, and automakers are expected to increase prices for their fleets. Consequently, rental companies could pass the cost increase on to their customers and therefore increase their base rates. Major providers are also exploring car sharing programs (car sharing) in specific regions as an alternative to public transportation and one that can offer greater flexibility and lower costs for corporate customers.

Latin America

As Latin America's largest economies slow down after a period of growth, changes in airfares and hotel rates are likely to vary by country. Local economies in Argentina, Brazil and Chile are expected to have the biggest impact on business travel costs in the region in 2014.

Demand coming from U.S. companies with manufacturing facilities in Latin America is likely to help create a seller-friendly market and contribute to increases in mid- and high-end hotel prices.

Brazil expects to continue to lead in occupancy rates, and as a result of preparations for a global sporting event taking place in 2014, it may also experience additional increases in hotel rates next year.

As for the ground transportation category, growing demand is likely to translate into base price hikes, especially with increased activity from multinational carriers and new hotel construction in the region.

Europe

Overall, companies will generally have to pay somewhat more for their business travel in the EMEA region during 2014, as suppliers of airline tickets, hotels and ground transportation, make adjustments. However, they are expected to see little change or some small increases. As a result of increased competition from the growing airline industry, which expects improvements in its business classes, the major airlines are expected to adapt low-cost models for these same routes.

Hotel rates are expected to increase in almost all countries                     

Hotel rates are expected to increase in almost all countries  countries and all categories in 2014, leading to an overall prediction of increases in both mid-range and high-end categories for EMEA. 2014 is also expected to see relatively higher increases in hotel rates in Germany, which has one of the strongest economies in the EU.

The train could be the first choice of business travelers traveling within Europe. In turn, rental car providers in Europe are likely to adjust to the price sensitivity and needs of the traveler by offering various alternatives to traditional  daily car rentals, including car-sharing options and introducing their rental brands to the low-cost business model.

Middle East

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) airlines, which have maintained steady economic growth, are adding capacity and new global destinations, driving down fares

for short-, medium- and long-haul business travel.

Hotel rates are also expected to rise in the Emirates, even with increased supply, as the region remains an attractive business destination. Although the region is still developing for the rental car business, rates are expected to rise due to advertising campaigns and websites, now in local languages.

APAC

Driven by slower but steady growth in China, APAC is likely to see increases in most categories. Predictions for individual countries tend to be positive as well, however, as is the case in other regions, considerable variability is expected across the region.

Hotel rates in the APAC area are also likely to increase as economic growth continues in the region, and supply is not expected to run ahead of demand in most locations. The exception is in India, where small declines are expected to be experienced.