How much business travelers miss their family when they are abroad
Spanish business travelers lead Europe when it comes to keeping in touch with their families while on the move. However, it is those in the Americas who keep in touch the most when they are away, according to a study by CWT. The phone is still the preferred means of communication.
According to the study by CWT Connected Traveler, half of business travelers in the Rich Americas contact their families during their business trips, a higher figure than in other regions. In the case of travelers from Asia Pacific, the percentage reaches 31% and, in the case of those from Europe, 27%.
The survey conducted to prepare the study among more than 1.900 business travelers notes that travelers from the Americas are also the most likely to contact their family more than once a day (47%) –either by phone, text message, email or other means–. In Europe, the percentage is 37 % and, in Asia Pacific, 32 %.
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“Lógicamente, business travelers miss family life when they are away, but most of them make sure to keep in touch," comments Julian Walker, senior manager of external communications at Carlson Wagonlit Travel.
While there are similarities between the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific, the study shows key differences in the way and frequency with which business travelers keep in touch with their family.
For example, European travelers (49%) are more likely to use the telephone to communicate with family and friends while traveling, compared with 43% in the Americas and 41% in Asia Pacific.
In contrast, travelers in the Americas (20%) are more likely to send text messages to family and friends than those in Asia Pacific (17%) or Europe (13%).
Regardless of location, the CWT survey reveals that nearly a quarter of travelers in each region use Skype to communicate with family.
“Although technology continues to evolve, most travelers still favor traditional ways of contacting family and friends, according to Walker. “Digital tools such as video calling are also"making it easier for travelers to feel closer to their families when they"re away," he noted.
SPAñA
• Half (50 %) of Spanish business travelers use the telephone as their preferred means of communication to keep in touch with their family. • Spanish business travelers use Skype the most (35%) to get in touch with their family compared to the European average of 26%.