Business and rail travel set to grow in 2007 – 10 Jan 2007

Business travel is buoyant and rail travel will continue to grow in 2007, according to FCm Travel Solutions managing director Alan Spence.

Spence believes the airport security alerts last summer have now been “forgetten” and people will continue to travel – whether it be via air or rail.

He said: “The feel good factor is there and that is not going to change. The airport security threat last August was a blip and everyone has forgotten about it and moved on.

“The economy is good; companies are hungry for acquisitions; company results are all up, even for major high street stores. That is all good news for business travel.”

Spence said FCm saw a 25% increase in rail bookings last year – which he puts down to not only to airport security issues, but also new online rail booking tools and flexible fares.

But Spence still believes business travel on low cost carriers and travel from regional airports will continue throughout 2007.

In terms of long haul air travel Spence reckons the new business travel carriers will do well.

“Long haul clients are still looking for value, as well as reliability,” he said. “The success of Eos and Maxjet is likely to grow – business travellers are prepared to pay a sensible price for a more comfortable seat. Virgin and BA are now following suit with their new seats in Premium Economy and World Traveller Plus. Airlines need to offer travellers more to win repeat business. It’s no longer about being a brand name.”