Embassy Suites Hotels' Business Travel Survey Reveals 2012 Business Travel Is On the Rise

Embassy Suites Hotels announced the results of its fourth annual Business Travel Survey*, a yearly pulse of the business travel community, which reveals the current state of business travel and what business travelers want more of in 2012. This year's survey indicates that while the current economic climate is still a factor, one-third of respondents report that they're traveling more than a year ago to have face-to-face meetings with clients. It also highlights the ways in which travelers are looking to get the most out of their business trips, from the incidence of business-turned-leisure" trips to hotel value, and underscores the importance of technology on the road.

"As an upscale hotel brand with a significant business traveler base, it's very important that we listen to these 'road warriors' and understand what their expectations are so that we can consistently accommodate their needs and provide value each time they stay with us,"  said John Lee, vice president, brand marketing for Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Worldwide. "This year's survey shows us that while people are traveling more for business; those guests want to get more - literally - out of every trip."

BUSINESS TRAVEL ON THE RISE...The Embassy Suites' survey validates that the current economic climate is still affecting business travel, but to a lesser degree than last year. Fewer business travelers cite cut backs on travel due to the economy (32 percent), down nearly 10 percent from 2011 (41 percent). These results reflect the value of "face-time" - in-person meetings with colleagues and clients - in business relationships. Rather than sacrifice these meetings, people are being more frugal on the road by cutting back on meals and other incidental expenses (19 percent) or looking for hotels that are a good value (22 percent). "Despite all the great technological advances, there is still no substitute for meeting someone in person," says Cynthia Good, CEO & founding editor of Little PINK Book, a leading digital platform for businesswomen. "Relationship-building is the best way to grow your business; getting to know someone in person and looking them in the eyes makes all the difference." 


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