For Immediate Release
Globalization -- the "Hottest Issue" for ACTE Global Participants
Delegates Surveyed in Madrid on Global Issues and Trends
Washington, DC -- The Association of Corporate Travel Executives conducted an on-site survey of delegates at the ACTE Global conference held in Madrid, September 8-10, 1996. Participants were asked about a wide range of industry topics, including globalization, Internet bookings, airline alliances and travel technology. More than 70% of the 375 delegates responded to the survey, which was conducted with support from Rosenbluth International and The Global Group.
Globalization (48% of respondents) is considered the most important travel management issue facing companies around the world. Information technology (36%) and reducing distribution costs (13%) followed. When asked about the importance of globalization to the success of travel management, 63.5% of the delegates responded "very important".
"Delegates at our recent ACTE Global conference in Madrid represented every segment of the travel industry from more than 15 countries, with 50% representation from North America and 50% representation from Europe" commented Earl Foster, Operations Manager Corporate Travel Management for Hewlett-Packard and ACTE President. "Response to the ACTE Global Survey by these industry experts provides the travel industry with valuable insight into the hottest trends facing global travel today, as well as the future of the travel industry as a whole".
The impact of Internet and direct booking tools on business travel represents another hot trend in the travel industry. According to ACTE Global delegates, saving time and money are two of the biggest impacts that the these tools will have on the industry. Also of interest, approximately 30% of the respondents indicated that the ultimate impact of Internet and direct booking tools on the travel industry was still too early to tell.
Another prevailing issue among ACTE Global participants is the expanding number of airline alliances and the impact that these alliances will have on the industry. Thirty-two percent of respondents indicated that the alliances will create a less competitive environment resulting in higher airfares. Twenty-three percent responded that the alliances will improve quality and consistency of service, with 21 percent believing that reduced costs will result.
Participants were asked to forecast the ultimate provider of several travel management tools and systems. In terms of agent assisted point of sale bookings, 57% of respondents identified travel management companies. Third party software vendors (20.7%) and travel management companies (20%) were seen as the future providers of agentless booking tools. Pre-travel quality control is projected to be provided by the travel management company (41.4%). Travel management reports also will be provided by the travel management company (42%). Expense management systems will be administered by third party software vendors (19.7%) and travel management companies (20%). Airlines (50.2%) will serve as the ultimate monitor of frequent flyer points.
Approximately 60% of survey respondents support a strategy of direct purchasing between corporations and suppliers.
"ACTE Global 1996 was the largest and most successful ACTE Global to date, with a 60% increase in attendance," remarked Toby Joseph, Director of Development and Marketing for Carlson Wagonlit Travel and ACTE Global 1996 Co-Chair. "The ablility to capture the critical viewpoints of more than 375 industry experts from around the world contributed to the success of the survey and the overall conference."
The Association of Corporate Travel Executives is a non-profit professional organization comprised of corporate practitioners of travel management techniques and suppliers of business travel services. ACTE was formed in 1987 expressly to educate, promote, protect and advance the interests of its members as well as the interests of the corporate travel industry as a whole.
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