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Business travel is back, but not as we knew it

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After the challenges of recent years, business travel continues to bounce back. American Express’ latest research finds that over four in 10 (42%) UK businesses are looking to increase the amount of business travel they undertake over the coming year. 1

The research proves that travel and the value of in-person connections go hand-in-hand in driving growth, with eight in 10 (82%) businesses saying it plays a key role in increasing revenue. 

Against the context of a challenging economic landscape, it’s important that business leaders continue to explore the vital opportunities travel presents to boost growth, and to motivate and engage employees. However, the new era of business travel is, as our research highlights, being shaped by many factors.

Wellbeing and leisure time in the spotlight

With travel often involving significant time away from home, unsociable flight times and juggling work around travel plans, over half (55%) of travellers agree that their overall wellbeing suffers when they travel too frequently.

But, as a result of advances in technology and changes in working practices fostered during the pandemic, expectations around travelling for work have changed. Business travel is morphing into a blend of business and leisure, one which prioritises people’s wellbeing, offers opportunities for greater cultural experiences and encourages better productivity. 

Instead of squeezing in work around the edges, the rise of remote working means it’s now perfectly normal to be at your productive best while on the move. In our research, three quarters (74%) of travellers agree that perks such as flying business class and access to lounges allow them to get more done whilst on trips. 

Here, American Express’ refreshed Business Platinum Card is perfect for business owners seeking an elevated experience. The Card provides the largest rewards package within our Business Card portfolio, featuring a suite of tools to improve business efficiency such as AmexExpense, an integrated business expense solution. Alongside this, the Card offers exclusive benefits that support a productive and valuable trip like global airport lounge access and hotel upgrades. 

Boosting team collaboration

Building and nurturing face-to-face relationships with customers, suppliers and new prospects is clearly important for driving growth. But it’s important to remember that business travel can also offers more for colleagues and employees. Whilst during the pandemic businesses had no choice but to lean on virtual alternatives to build relationships, the removal of restrictions has allowed teams and colleagues to come together. This enables greater collaboration, creativity and strengthens company culture.

Better business travel with American Express

It’s clear that the way we travel for work is changing. To make the most out of the opportunities business travel provides, successful business owners are seeking ways to remove the stress and inconvenience that can sometimes be involved when travelling, all while adding a premium twist to the experience, such as airport lounge access, hotel benefits including upgrades and world class customer service.

This is where the refreshed American Express® Business Platinum Card can help. The Card is the perfect travel companion, unlocking a range of valuable benefits that enable entrepreneurs to drive their business forward and enjoy their success. Here’s to more mindful and better business travel, and the many benefits it delivers next year and beyond.

Here are some of the ways the American Express® Business Platinum Card supports travellers to do business ‘the Platinum way’:

  • Business Platinum Cardmembers receive a £200 Annual Travel Credit each year when they book through American Express Travel online
  • Cardmembers also benefit from the largest rewards package within American Express’ Business Card portfolio, with the ability to earn an additional 10,000 Membership Rewards® points when they spend over £10,000 on their Card, every month – up to an additional 120,000 points per year. When converted to Avios, this is enough for one off peak Business Class return flight to New York on British Airways. This is on top of continuing to earn 1 point for every 1 pound spent. These points give business leaders flexibility to make the most of their rewards in a way that best suits them – from making a dent in monthly expenses to taking a well-earned luxury break abroad
  • With our hotel partners you and your Business Platinum Employee Cardmember can receive benefits including complimentary upgrades, early check-in and late check-out, enhanced loyalty points, Wi-Fi and much more
  • Other travel benefits include: Access to more than 1,400 airport lounges globally; comprehensive worldwide travel insurance and the ability to use Membership Rewards points for hotel stays, flights, car hire, dining and more – all of which help support and fuel business success.

Subject to status, over 18’s only. Annual card fee £650. Full terms and conditions apply. For more information visit: https://www.americanexpress.com/en-gb/business/charge-cards/platinum-business-card/