TRAVEL AND MEETING SECTOR CALLS FOR JOINED UP THINKING
Results of Latest ITM Research Identifies Challenges Ahead
The Institute of Travel & Meetings UK & Ireland (ITM) has released the results of its latest research across members who buy and manage travel and events for companies in the UK. The survey, looking at travel and transport links, tested the opinions of these buyers on the state of the UK's present systems in supporting the business traveller, the technology available to present information to bookers and thoughts on the announcement of the expansion of Heathrow and a high speed rail system.
The research found that:-
- 94% of buyers wanted greater transportation links between airports, cities and major sites throughout the UK
- 81% supported investment in a high speed rail network
- 9% believed that investment in high speed rail over airport or road investment was a priority
- 64% believed that transportation links are poorer in the UK than the rest of Europe
Paul Tilstone, Chief Executive of ITM, said about the research, "There is an assumption that the business traveller or meeting delegate needs better facilities to fly but clearly there is a primary call here, from those who represent the customers in the business travel and meetings sector, for rail investment and for facilities to link air with other transport options. Government should be listening to the needs of this significant travelling community - and it appears they are not."
The research also discovered that travel and meetings buyers expected Self Booking Tools (SBTs) to provide door to door data across all travel options within the next 2 years and that over 25% of buyers source additional travel and transport elements, such as accommodation, rail, passports and visas etc. from sources other than the Travel Management Company (TMC).
Colin Goldney, MD of ITM's research partner, Argate, added, "Once again the data suggests there is a real opportunity for key supply sectors. The TMC's can work on creating better one-stop-shops and the SBT's should focus on better joined up data to give door-to-door data. Until these options are at a generic standard, the buyer will continue to exercise procurement from specialist providers and to aggregate information from a variety of technology sources."
The research is free to those who participated and on sale at just £40 to all members. All ITM Research papers are issued free of charge to members after a 6 month period. Visit our Research Articles for further information.
