A TripAdvisor survey has revealed interesting insights into the travel preferences of Corporate India. The online survey, administered across a cross section of above 2500 travellers working in government, public sector, private companies, multinationals as well as self employed, disclosed that an astounding 90% of respondents enjoy travelling for work.

Interestingly, 94% of the women prefer work-related travel as compared to 87% men. Also young India (22-25years) shows a 100% positive response on travelling for work. An interesting emerging trend is that increasingly employees across organisations seem to be looking at technology as a viable alternative to reduce business travel with over 50% government officials inclined towards this trend. A surprising addition to this trend is that 84% women believe technology has reduced their work travel needs compared to only 63% men (considered traditionally to be more tech savvy than women). 

Companies seem to be conservative on travel assignments this year with over 65% respondents say that their business travel has not increased or increased only marginally from 2010. ‘Break from routine office day’ and ‘seeing new places on company money’ seemed to be the most exciting perks of business travel with over 55% respondents citing both or one as their no. 1 perk. For over 20% respondents collecting hotel award points and frequent flyer miles were a great travel perk.

“This is our first travel survey conducted to understand the Indian business traveller better and the results have been extremely insightful. Most interestingly the survey has brought to light some striking facts about the Indian working woman’s behaviour & preferences in contrary to our traditional perception.” said Nikhil Ganju, Country Manager, TripAdvisor (India).

Below are the key findings of the Business Travel Survey in India:

. Travel to international destinations for business purpose has increased this year with over 73% respondents having travelled multiple times to overseas locations.

· Over 35% respondents preferred to pay more for a flight with laptop charge points and wifi facilities, while on business trips.

· 30% respondents acknowledged creating a business trip when not really required, to do personal work in another city of which 43% are in the age group of 30-40 years.

· Contrary to stereotypical roles of men vs. women, we see that unattended work back in office is topmost on a woman’s mind whereas being away from family seems to be the biggest concern for men.

· Women are more likely to ‘often’ extend their business trips to make time for personal holiday (54%) compared to a dramatically low 9% men.

· Women are also more likely to create a business trip that was not really required to wrap up personal work in another city(50%) compared to only 20% men who would do the same.

· Surprisingly 23% women would take longer routes to build their airline miles compared to only 8% men.

· A trend that marketers for Airline companies should leverage is that 23% of women travellers take longer routes to build airline miles while on business trips.

· For newbies in the age group 22-25, time away from family is the least important factor whereas it becomes the most important factor for people in the 30-60 age group.