The future of business travel: September 11 has changed the way we travel forever. (Business Travel).

In response to the September 11 tragedy, corporations and their corporate travel managers are speaking out about the future of business travel. In a focus group survey conducted by the National Business Travel Association (NBTA) in Virginia, corporate travel managers revealed the actions their corporations are taking in reaction to safety and economic concerns in the industry.

The majority of corporations are not suspending travel in light of recent events. About 77% have not suspended domestic travel and 66% have not suspended international travel.

However, comments received indicated that some travel reduction initiatives are not the result of the terrorist attacks, but of previous cost-cutting measures.

About 58% of corporate travel managers say their companies will reduce travel, while 23% were unsure and 19% were not planning to reduce travel. Of those reducing travel, 65% are doing so immediately.

Other survey results indicate that corporations are looking for alternatives to traditional business travel. For instance, of those surveyed, 88% say they will increase the use of video conferencing and 65% say they will increase the use of car rentals on short-haul trips.

"Corporations are being realistic about their need to travel," concludes Marianne McInerney, executive director of NBTA. "There is definitely more caution out there, but travel remains an essential part of doing business."

Aid to recovery

Corporate travel managers revealed when they expected a recovery to occur in business travel, while also outlining the actions necessary to build senior management support and to get business travellers to schedule a trip.

At the time the survey was conducted (September 18), the majority of respondents (70%) anticipated a recovery in business travel within three to six months, while 12% anticipated recovery in nine months and 18% expected it to take 10 months or longer.

"Ensuring passenger safety is the number-one priority for getting corporations back on the road," says McInerney. "Our members are very much in favour of having the U.S. government take over security procedures in our nation's aviation system."

When asked to rate the importance of various factors in getting business travellers to schedule a trip, 71% of corporate travel managers rated the government management of security processes as extremely important. Other factors listed as extremely important were the availability of discount airfares, elimination of Saturday night stay rules, and the elimination of 21-day advance purchase restrictions.

But price will also be a major factor in driving business travel, according to McInerney. "If travellers can fly safely and with good fares, they will return to air travel," she says. "Offering discounts and reducing restrictions are strong steps."

Corporate travel managers also stated that being able to ensure traveller security would be their most valuable tool over the next six months if business travel were to resume. This fact is especially true for smaller businesses with annual air spending of less than $5 million US, that are beginning to use Internet and data collection tools more often to better ensure the safety and security of their travellers.

The survey also asked corporate travel managers what the basis would be for lifting current travel restrictions put in place in response to the September 11 attacks. Increased security would be the deciding factor, according to 46%, while 30% said the economic condition of their individual company would be the most important factor.

When looking at responses geographically, most travel managers in the West view the economic condition of the company as the basis for lifting travel restrictions, while people in the East view security as the basis.

Diane McDougall is a freelance writer based in Oakville, Ont.

RELATED ARTICLE: Travel Tips

The tragedy will forever change the way that travellers think and feel when they travel. The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) recommends these precautions be integrated into your trip-planning:

Pre-trip Planning

1. Share your travel itinerary with at least one of your business colleagues as welt as your family members. The itinerary should include flight information, local hotel information as well as local contact numbers. Advise all parties of changes to your travel plans when they occur.

2. When packing, limit carry-on bags to purses, briefcases and absolute essentials.

3. Carry two forms of identification with you. The NBTA recommends that you keep these in separate locations. Carry any medical information with you that may be required should you be injured or incapacitated.

4. Carry all documentation and receipts related to your trip and travel plans.

5. Allow time for travel processing and for airline personnel and security personnel to do their jobs. Your life and safety is literally in their hands.

6. Clearly identify all baggage -- including those bags that you may carry on the plane.

During the Trip

1. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

2. Have trip documentation and identification close by and easily accessible.

3. Be polite and considerate of airline and security personnel. They have a job to do.

4. Have ID, credit cards and money in two separate locations.

5. Carry a fully-charged cellphone at all times. For international travel, be aware of how to make long-distance and emergency calls.

6. If you are approached and feel that you may be a victim of crime or theft, do not try to be a hero. Respond to requests quickly and remain calm.

7. Carry with you at all times information related to medical conditions, blood type and all contact information.

International Travel

1. Do not display wealth or attract attention.

2. Keep a low profile. Avoid casual conversations with local citizens.

3. Dress to blend in and avoid clothing that would attract attention.

4. Check security advisories in the country you are visiting.

5. For international travel, be aware of the location of local embassies and consulates.

Airport Tips

1. Arrive at the airport well in advance of scheduled travel. For domestic travel, NBTA recommends arriving a minimum of two to three hours in advance.

2. Have all trip documentation and receipts, including two forms of photo ID.

3. When using e-tickets, make sure that you carry all ticket-related paperwork, especially the receipt. When possible, request a paper ticket.

4. Be patient with requests for baggage checks, requests for documentation, and requests for baggage to be checked by hand.