Global GDP is expected to grow by 3.6% in 2014 – ahead of 2013 projections (2.9%) – according to the IMF’s most recent World Economic Outlook.
Emerging and developing economies will see substantially higher growth than advanced economies in 2014 (5.1% compared to 2%).
But 58% of companies in the research for AirPlus say that the current economic situation has no effect on business travel, with a third of travel managers expecting a negative impact, and only 12% expecting to see positive effects.
The positive expectations come from the UK, Russia, Australia, Singapore, Austria, Turkey, Germany and the US.
Those companies predicting a positive effect on business travel this year see more trips, bigger budgets, longer journeys and more relaxed travel guidelines.
AirPlus UK managing director Yael Klein said: “We are pleased to see that the expected global GDP is going up, and to a greater degree than in 2013. This points to good things for the global economy.
“Moreover, the UK seems to have optimisitic expectations compared to the rest of the world, which can only be a positive sign for things to come in this market, however I would urge UK businesses to act with caution and to continue using the best practices that have been put in place in harder times.”