Q&A: TRENDS
Paul Robin
FOUNDER & EVENT DIRECTOR,
BUSINESS TRAVEL MARKET
Q. What are the most important things for businesses in terms of travel this year. Is it all about cutting costs?
A. For some, but more important is that they are getting their people to where they need to be efficiently and in good shape. People are under pressure to be more prudent, but travel is about securing new business, so it has to go on.
Q. I’ve been hearing a lot about rail travel as an alternative to flying. Is that really practical?
A. Absolutely. If you are travelling domestically, the providers like are much better than they used to be. There’s a lot less hassle and you can work. It’s all about time and using that time effectively.
Q. What is exciting in the world of business travel at the moment?
A. The open skies agreement, if BA can compete on routes like Paris-New York, then that will be interesting. Also, innovative brands like Yotel are doing well in the recession. We are seeing more interest in apartments and aparthotels too.
Q. What are the next big things in the world of business travel?
A. The big new developments will come from technology; nobody would have thought about online check-in five years ago. If they can simplify security, which really bother business travellers, then that would be great. Taking your shoes off in three airports in three days can be really tiresome.
Q. What are your tips for staying sharp on the road?
A. Have a good night’s sleep and don’t drink too much. Mark Bailey, a fitness guru who is talking at BTM, says that when you are travelling then all the things you do wrong are heightened. Staying sharp is about discipline.