Dramatic fall in US business travel
The average amount spent on business travel in the US has fallen by a third to reach its lowest level in a decade, according to a new report.
link: Lukewarm promise of business travel revival
Researchers Bunsheiner International reported that the average US business traveller spent just $6,667 (£4,153) in 2002, down from $10,000 in 2001.
Two thirds of respondents said they had cut costs by sticking tightly to travel policy, renting smaller cars and encouraging day trips to avoid hotel costs. Many avoided travel entirely by using telephone, web and video conferencing.
Cheaper airfares, respondents said, only had a minor impact on the decrease in travel expenses. More saving were found by cutting down the number of trips and their duration.