About half of North American travel managers expect their organizations' travel expenditures in 2014 to increase from last year's level, according to a recent survey conducted by market research company 2hm on behalf of AirPlus International. The North American figure outpaced the respondent base as a whole, of whom 42 percent expect higher 2014 travel costs.
The poll, conducted in late 2013, surveyed 958 travel managers in 24 countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Specifically, 52 percent of North American respondents noted 2014 expenditures would increase. About 54 percent expect air travel costs to increase, while 45 percent of travel managers project an increase in lodging spend.
A total of 33 percent of North American respondents surveyed also expect their organizations' travelers in 2014 to take more trips year over year. Similarly, 30 percent expect more air travel, while 36 percent of companies expect more hotel stays, according to the survey. Of the full respondent base, 31 expect more trips.