Carlson Wagonlit Travel predicted business travelers in 2009 would face higher domestic and international airfares, higher hotel rates and flat ground transportation costs

. The travel management company forecast domestic airfares to rise 8 percent to 12 percent and international airfares to jump 16 percent to 20 percent, as airlines encounter "unpredictable" fuel prices and "other costs also remain 'uncovered' based on the current revenue versus cost structure." Overall hotel rates are projected to rise 2 percent to 3 percent. With occupancy levels falling in some markets and room capacity expected to edge upward by 2.1 percent, "CWT expects this supply-demand scenario to create more favorable negotiation opportunities for many corporate travel buyers."