AHLA Survey Shows Strong Sentiment Toward Return of Business Travel
Respondents see pandemic as hurting productivity and workplace culture >>
by: Harvey Chipkin
A survey conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) finds that sentiment around business travel is shifting, with 77% of business travelers and 64% of employed Americans agreeing that it is more important than ever to bring back business travel. Nearly two-thirds of business travelers say the increased reliance on virtual work that has become common during the pandemic is negatively impacting both productivity (64%) and workplace culture (65%).
The survey also finds nearly 7 in 10 Americans (69%) approve of the recent move by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to relax mask requirements, with many travelers responding by making additional travel plans. Among Americans who are currently employed, 43% say they are more likely to travel for business compared with 2020-21 in response to relaxed public health requirements from the CDC and state and local governments. Chip Rogers, CEO of AHLA, said the last two years of virtual work arrangements and travel restrictions have underscored the importance of travel and face-to-face meetings for businesses, employees and customers alike. These results are proof of that, he said. “Most Americans,” said Roger, “recognize the unmatched value business travel and face-to-face meetings provide. And after the last two years, the return of business travel is more important than ever.”
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