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journey time from home to the airport is
less of a priority which demonstrates that
it is connectivity and a fully integrated
transport infrastructure that should be the
key investment priority.
With regards to APD, the ideal situation
is complete abolition of this tax. In lieu
of abolition any reduction must be
nationwide to ensure that no region is put
at a competitive disadvantage. Business
travellers say they will fly more frequently
if APD is simplified and reduced; and
almost three quarters (72%) in the 18-29
age group have stated that.
Over half of those we surveyed
expressed their support for high speed
projects and nearly half (49%) believe that
such projects and increasing rail capacity
should take place at the same time. Nearly
two thirds (62%) of the next generation of
business travellers (aged 18-29) say that
it would increase the frequency by which
they travel by rail for business, which goes
to show how important high speed rail is
for driving UK business and the future of
the country’s economy.
I believe firmly that there should be a
link between HS2 and Heathrow Airport
and connecting HS2 with the existing HS1.
Without it we are being sold short and are
surely only being delivered ‘HS one-and-
a-half’.
Any rail projects or new capacity must
be a UK-wide consideration in order to
rebalance the UK economy, particularly
needed outside of the South East. By
increasing rail capacity and connectivity
and reducing journey times, 40% of
business travellers also believe that HS2
will bring economic growth to the regions.
This improved infrastructure is essential to
encourage growth outside of London and
the South East.
As an island nation we cannot rely
on domestic growth alone. For the UK
to continue to grow within the global
economy, businesses require both funding
and the infrastructure to enable them
to travel further afield. The return on
investment is clear to see and we need the
infrastructure to encourage an increase
in long haul business travel to emerging
markets. The decision makers must start to
understand what an intrinsic part business
travellers play in driving a sustainable
economic recovery.
www.chamberstravel.com…that around
50% of all Google searches are expected to come from
mobile devices
by the end of this year.
OUTWARD
BOUND
As
the voice of the business traveller, the
GTMC has an unparalleled insight into the
needs of those who travel extensively for
work. We recently surveyed 1,000 business
travellers to gather their thoughts on
the current topics of contention such as
airport capacity and expansion, APD, high
speed rail and investment in transport
infrastructure.
Four in every five (79%) business
travellers believe that their company’s
international business travel delivers
large, new revenue opportunities that
easily offset costs. The proposals are in
place with high speed rail and the Airports
Commission being much talked about but
we’ve done enough talking and it needs to
convert into results.
Once the Davies Commission reports in
June this year, the new Government has a
duty to drive the process forward quickly
so that we can start reaping the benefits of
airport expansion and increased capacity.
From our research, 90% of business
travellers agree it is important for any new
airport capacity to serve as a hub with
frequent connecting flights to and from the
UK regions.
Nine out of 10 (87%) believe that
there should be expansion of UK regional
airport capacity and almost three quarters
(74%) agree there should be an increase
in the number of UK airports with direct
flights to Heathrow with more than a third
(36%) in favour of Heathrow expansion.
The key factor in determining the choice
of airport for business travellers is the
availability of direct flights, followed by
the frequency of flights available. The
DID
YOU
KNOW?
TRAVEL
TRENDS
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07
GTMC CEO
Paul Wait
outlines why a fully
integrated transport infrastructure is just one of
the crucial elements required for businesses and
UK PLC to thrive within the global economy
“Any rail projects
or new capacity
must be a UK-wide
consideration in
order to rebalance
the UK economy ”