Strong Optimism for Corporate Travel in Asia Pacific

Online corporate travel booking, e-ticketing, new Global Distribution Systems, the role of travel agents and the building of travel infrastructure in Asia’s emerging business markets. These are some of the hot topics that will be discussed at a forthcoming forum on corporate travel in the Asia Pacific region.

The penetration of the internet has brought new opportunities both to travel businesses as well as corporate travel managers, bringing new players and new solutions to this region. The liberalisation of air services access, especially by Asian governments, has also created new opportunities for the expansion of the travel industry. Emerging business destinations such as China and India have begun to boost their infrastructure and services to cater to a growing band of business travelers who are now traveling beyond their respective major cities.

In this vibrant and ever-changing environment, it is little wonder that a recent industry-wide study of corporate suppliers, travel managers and travel agencies showed that 85 per cent of respondents polled foresaw a positive outlook for the growth of the industry. 

According to World Tourism Organisation, the Asia Pacific travel industry grew 40 per cent last year], despite higher aviation fuel prices and the avian flu crises.

How should travel businesses brace themselves for growth? What benefits will this dynamic environment bring to the corporate traveler?

GlobalStar Travel Management, a leader in corporate travel management, will bring together travel industry experts to discuss the latest issues and trends shaping the world of corporate travel. With the theme “Corporate Travel in a New Business Environment”, the conference will provide insights from thought leaders of top travel businesses. Among the industry experts that GlobalStar will bring together are featured speakers Peter Morris, Chief Economist, AirClaims International Transport & Tourism Consultancy and Don Birch, CEO, Abacus International.

“The changing business environment has transformed the travel industry – in particular, the business of corporate travel,” said Martin P. Metzler, President, GlobalStar Travel Management. “New technology, changing regulations and a culturally diverse marketplace have created new challenges for corporate travel management and the new road warrior of today.”

The conference will discuss topics that will provide valuable insights into corporate travel and help them position their company for the challenges ahead. Topics include:

- Demands of the new power traveler
- Effective travel management to enhance cost savings
- Challenges and opportunities for managing corporate travel in the vast Indian sub-continent

The forum is organized by GlobalStar Travel Management and will take place on Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at the Oriental Hotel, Singapore, starting at 8.30am to 1pm.