【BCD_Travel】差旅买家可持续发展调查报告_24页_1mb

Summary of "SUSTAINABILITY: BUYERS SPEAK"

Core Content

This document presents the findings of a survey conducted by BCD Travel Research & Innovation in 2021, focusing on the views of travel buyers regarding the role of sustainability in business travel programs and the responsibilities of travel management in promoting sustainable travel.

Respondent Profile

• 76% of travel managers have global responsibilities.
• 58% are based in North America, and 31% in EMEA.
• The top three industries represented are:
  • Pharmaceutical (16%)
  • Professional services and Consulting (14%)
  • Financial services (14%)
• 61% work for large companies with more than 10,000 employees.
• 44% had annual travel spend of US$50 million and above in 2019.

Travel Program Priorities

• Duty of care and traveler satisfaction and wellbeing are the top two priorities for travel programs.
• Sustainability has returned to pre-pandemic levels in terms of priority, while other priorities have dipped and are gradually recovering.

Increased Interest in Sustainable Travel

• There has been an increased interest in sustainable travel from various stakeholders, including travel suppliers and leadership.
• Travelers' attitudes toward sustainability are divided, indicating a need for further engagement and education.

Sustainability Efforts of Travel Suppliers

• Airlines and hotels are seen as the main contributors to sustainability efforts.
• Travel Management Companies (TMCs) are also high on the list, but 20% of respondents do not have visibility into their sustainability initiatives.

Sustainability Efforts of Other Stakeholders

• 75% of travel buyers rate their company's sustainability efforts as "very high" or "high".
• Travel departments tend to score slightly higher than other internal stakeholders.

Company Sustainability

• Sustainability priorities for 2021 include aligning with general company sustainability goals.
• Tracking and reporting sustainability progress is a key area of focus.
• Reducing the impact of travel and transparency are also important priorities.
• Employee education and traveler satisfaction are seen as essential components.
• Offsetting carbon emissions is a growing concern, with 22% considering it in the future.

Role of Sustainability Manager/Team

• 75% of companies have a sustainability manager or team.
• 40% of travel buyers regularly interact with the sustainability manager.
• The most frequent interactions are related to:
  • Educating employees about sustainable travel (41%)
  • Selecting preferred suppliers (47%)
  • Controlling travel service quality (46%)

Annual Sustainability Report

• Two-thirds of travel buyers report their company publishes an annual sustainability report.
• More than a quarter do not have this information, indicating a gap in transparency.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• 60% of travel buyers are not aware if their company supports the UN SDGs.

Sustainable Travel Program

• 60% of travel buyers report their travel program encourages sustainable travel.
• The remaining 40% are either negative or uncertain.

Sustainable Travel Options

• The most promoted sustainable travel options are:
  • Virtual meetings
  • Combining trips
  • Flying direct
• The least popular options include public transport and reducing luggage weight.

Promotion of Sustainable Travel

• Active education and recommendations of sustainable options during booking are the most popular methods of promoting sustainable travel.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

• 60% of travel buyers are familiar with SAF, but only 3% are currently using it.
• 22% are considering the purchase of SAF in the future.

Traveler Education on Human Trafficking

• Only 25% of travel buyers educate business travelers on human trafficking and women and children exploitation.

Sustainability Metrics

• 75% of travel buyers want data on:
  • Traveler requests for green options
  • Actual use of these options
  • Traveler satisfaction
• There is a significant gap in understanding traveler interest in sustainability.

Carbon Emissions Targets

• 44% of travel buyers report their companies have science-based targets to reduce carbon emissions.
• 20% plan to introduce such targets soon.
• Approaches range from short-term reduction plans to major cuts in the next 20-30 years.

Knowledge on Sustainability

• 80% of travel buyers get their knowledge from TMCs.
• Travel industry publications and travel suppliers are also common sources.

Benefits of Sustainable Travel Program

• A sustainable travel program offers several benefits:
  • Enhances the company's image
  • Plays a role in personnel recruitment
  • Boosts traveler satisfaction

Challenges of Sustainable Travel Program Development

• The biggest challenge is traveler education.
• Lack of access to tools and best practices also hinders progress.

Authors

• Natalia Tretyakevich – Sr. Manager, Research and Intelligence, Mallorca, ES
• Miriam Moscovici – Sr. Director, Research and Innovation, Colorado, USA

Note: We have carefully researched and checked the information contained. However, we do not accept any liability for any damage or loss as a result of the use of the information contained in this article.