Price increases likely, predicts Amex Forecast
Modest increases in global travel prices and a travel management environment that is coming to grips with evolving disruptors appear to be on the cards for 2016, according to the American Express Global Business Travel Forecast 2016 (the “Forecast”).
The report which predicts air, hotel and ground transportation pricing trends, as well as makes related travel management programme recommendations, says that in Africa, airfares are expected to increase slightly in 2016 as a result of protectionist policies impacting intra-regional flights and higher infrastructure costs.
Given Africa’s limited ground infrastructure, air travel to and from the continent continues to be the most convenient method of travel. However, high operating costs, a lack of low-cost carriers (outside of South Africa), and stringent intra-continental regulation are expected to support fare increases within the region.
“While we expect modest increases in global travel prices heading into 2016, travel managers are operating in an era of new challenges and evolving disrupters,” said Caroline Strachan, Vice President, Consulting, American Express Global Business Travel. “In addition to handling tasks such as measurement and compliance, new factors such as the sharing economy and mobile booking channels are becoming increasingly popular for business travelers. In order to thrive in this digital era, travel managers need to be aware of and dynamically adapt to these forces across a variety of geographies.”
Read about global pricing trends here.
