AirPlus International reported (16-Aug-2022) German demand for business travel "continues unabated", however the COVID-19 pandemic has "permanently changed" certain travel habits. Highlights for German business travel in 2022 include:
- The average trip length has increased from five days in 2019 to 6.3 in 1H2022. Intercontinental trips increased from 11.6 days in the pre-pandemic period to 14.5 days in 2022, while one day short trips which previously accounted for 17% of business trips declined to 7%;
- European destinations have accounted for 50% of business travel in 2022, increased from 38% in 2019. Companies have booked more business class tickets, increasing to 13% from 9% in 2019. On domestic services in particular, the share of business class travellers increased from 5% in 2019 to 12%;
- Spain, India and Mexico replaced China, Russia and the UK as the top destinations for business travellers. The US remained the top intercontinental destination;
- Companies are booking airline tickets at less short notice, at an average of 21.4 days before travel. The figure had been 24 days in 2019, and dropped to 16.3 days in 2021;
- Currently 81% of Germans travelling for business are men, the same level as 2019. The figure reached 87% in 2021.
CEO Oliver Wagner stated: "The trend toward longer business trips is an indication that sustainability is becoming increasingly important for companies", noting different appointments are being handled in one trip. The company also attributed the increased trip length to the combination of business with private trips. Mr Wagner added the group is observing a strong catch up effect for face to face encounters and noted "booking figures for the coming months indicate that the recovery in business travel will continue". [more - original PR - English/German]