Twenty-four percent of business travelers say they've had to share a hotel room with a colleague when traveling for business, according to a survey by Orbitz for Business.
A recent survey by American Express found that business travel costs are expected to rise in 2008. In the United States, the average rate increase for mid-range hotels is predicted to be 4 percent to 6 percent while the rate increase for upper-range hotels is expected to be 5 percent to 7 percent, the survey found. Domestic/short-haul economy class airfare in the United States is expected to increase 1 percent to 5 percent, while international/long-haul business class airfare is expected to increase 5 percent to 10 percent next year.
The Orbitz for Business survey found that when selecting a hotel room, 62 percent of business travelers said they choose one that suits their needs, regardless of price, the survey found. Only 12 percent of respondents said they choose a less-expensive hotel than what their company would allow. The remaining 26 percent say it depends on other factors.
The survey also asked respondents about the biggest benefit of traveling for business:
63 percent said seeing new places
19 percent said accumulating frequent flier miles/loyalty points
8 percent said a quiet night's sleep in hotels
7 percent said Getting away from home
4 percent said the opportunity to enjoy fine dining on the company.
