Corporate travel expenditures remain stable

The 2014 travel spending report prepared by Diners Club Spain reflects that 2014 was more stable in terms of monthly spending distribution, although there was a slight decrease in the percentage of the budget dedicated to air travel, which went from 70% to 68%.

 

Among the airlines most used by Diners Club Spain Travel Account customers, in terms of number of flights, is Iberia (37.6%), although it recorded a decline for the second consecutive year, while Vueling (15.7%) and Air Europa (10.6%) are increasing their number of flights for corporate travel. It can be deduced that companies continue with the trend of choosing flights with airlines with a lower average price. Of the 10 most-used airlines, all recorded a decrease in fares, except British Airways, which recorded a 7.8% increase between 2013 and 2014.

The most frequent destinations, both worldwide and in Spain, are Madrid, Barcelona and Bilbao, in that order. Outside Spain, the two neighboring capitals, París and Lisbon, are among the three most chosen destinations, although it is striking that London is in second place in this ranking. The domestic flights continue to decrease, due to the growth of international flights, especially continental ones.

The preponderance of Madrid and Barcelona is also demonstrated in the destinations of train, followed by destinations Sevilla and Valencia, both also cities with AVE connections. The truth is that Bilbao, not having an AVE connection, is not among the top ten destinations by train.

In terms of accommodation, overnight stays of more than two days have decreased, while those of one and two nights have grown. The vast majority, some 62% of corporate travelers, stay only one night at the hotel. Preferably, not surprisingly, in Madrid and Barcelona. The data reflect a cutback of companies in favor of efficiency.

With regard to travel agencies, the use of a service fee is again more common, while there is a slight increase in the use of more than one travel agency. Even so, 80% of Diners Club Spain's customers continue to work with just one.