Great Ways That Remote Work Have Revolutionized Travel Industry

In the not-so-distant past, the landscape of business travel underwent a seismic shift. The era of in-person client meetings seemed to be fading, overshadowed by the convenience of virtual alternatives during the pandemic. Video calls became the norm, replacing the once-critical need for face-to-face interactions.

As the world reopened its doors, corporate leaders were quick to question the necessity and financial prudence of pre-pandemic business travel. Why incur expenses when Zoom calls proved effective, and, in many cases, safer than physical meetings? This shift dealt a blow to the business travel industry, evident in the steep financial losses reported by airlines, especially in the US.

However, amidst this transformation, a phoenix is rising from the ashes. Experts predict a resurgence in business travel, taking on a new form and purpose. An August 2023 report by the Global Business Travel Association forecasts that the worldwide business-travel industry will surpass its pre-pandemic spending levels by 2024, two years earlier than initially anticipated.

Insights from American Express Global Business Travel shed light on this evolution. A survey of 425 US professionals, conducted in collaboration with Harvard Business Review, revealed a shift in the reasons behind corporate travel. The focus has shifted from sales-driven outings to what the report terms “non-customer travel” – internal company meetings.

For businesses embracing hybrid or fully remote setups, face-to-face interactions through travel have become indispensable. Patricia Huska, Chief People Officer at American Express Global Business Travel, notes, “In the pandemic, many people relocated, which has shifted the demographics of organisations.”

While virtual meetings suffice to some extent, the data from Amex GBT underscores their imperfection. Seventy percent of respondents agreed that a primarily remote work model can make employees feel disconnected. Moreover, 88% emphasized the critical role of in-person meetings in building positive, long-term relationships among workers.

According to Huska, “Connections between employees are easily stretched, so bringing people together through travel regenerates bonds, strengthens culture within organisations and creates enthusiasm.”

Deirdre McGettrick, founder of ufurnish, a UK-based online furniture platform, attests to the power of in-person off-sites. Her team of 16, working fully remotely since the pandemic, engages in two company-wide meetings a year. These off-sites, occurring in January and September, foster reflection, goal-setting, and team bonding. McGettrick emphasizes their impact on business morale and team motivation, creating a foundation for seamless communication throughout the year.

The remote working set-up with periodic in-person off-sites is proving successful for McGettrick’s team. They are even planning to increase the frequency, aiming for three off-sites in the coming year. This model, as showcased by ufurnish, is an embodiment of the evolving face of business travel, contributing not just to productivity but also to team cohesion and satisfaction.

The Amex GBT report goes beyond anecdotes, highlighting crucial benefits of business travel. Six in 10 respondents believe it is a key component of professional development, emphasizing its value beyond a mere monetary investment. As Huska puts it, “When you take away offices, there is a void, and travel is a way to fill that void.” In the era of hybrid work, business travel, in a new iteration, remains a key player, addressing both professional and human needs.