Business Travelers Seek Effortless Traveling Experiences
Hilton and American Express recently hosted “The Business Corner,” an invite-only panel discussion on 2018 business travel trends. Audrey Hendley, SVP of global products at American Express, noted that by 2020 there are going to be 483 million domestic business trips—and those travelers want to enjoy authentic local meals and unique attractions. A recent American Express survey found 67% of business travelers say that when they go to a destination, what they enjoy most is cultural experiences.[1]
As part of the discussion, Nick Brown, CEO and founder of Soludos, a footwear and accessories brand, noted one thing business travelers also want is frictionless, effortless travel, saying he is impressed by even small things like a digital key that allows for check-in via a phone app. Mark Weinstein, SVP of customer engagement, loyalty and partnerships at Hilton, said Hilton typically makes enhancements to its operations by asking questions, listening and observing, and depending on its community of small business owners to provide feedback. He points to several key ways hotels can help business travels, whether it’s simply by providing them an e-receipt for easier expensing, and app knowing the traveler’s preferences, or ensuring the room has a lot of outlets.[2]
Little things like having adapters in place, or enabling someone to finish watching what they were watching on the plane make all the difference to the business traveler hoping for a frictionless trip.
