India among fastest growing business travel markets, shows study

India is amongst the fastest growing business travel markets globally and is expected to be a USD 50 billion market by 2017.

Indian business travellers are most likely to splurge during trips by availing hotel room upgrades, high end meals and room service during their visit, compared to those from other countries, a study has found.

Indians were at the top when it came to upgrading their hotel rooms during business trips, while they were placed second when it came to enjoying high-end meals, a joint study by Expedia-Egencia on 'Future of Travel' has found.

Around 48 per cent Indians (globally highest) preferred to have their hotel room upgraded, while 55 per cent preferred to enjoy high-end meals during their trips abroad.

About 44 per cent Indians undertake five business trips in a year, followed by 39 per cent Thai people, but when it came to leisure travel, 34 per cent Indians travel more than five times a year, the second highest globally after 39 per cent Thai nationals.

Around 44 per cent Indian said they had turned their business trip into a vacation but travelled alone for the business part and 42 per cent said they have had a family member or friend join them, it said.

The study was conducted online between August 20 and September 12 to analyse the behaviour and preferences of employed adults of the age 18 and above across Asia Pacific, Europe, North America and South America by Harris Interactive.

It found that about 34 per cent Indians took two-day business trip, which was highest in the segment, followed by The Netherlands and Spain (28 per cent) and Canada (27 per cent).

"The survey shows a clear progression of Indian travellers with respect to increasing number of trips annually, both business and leisure. In fact, Indian business travellers are among the most likely to splurge during business trips when compared globally," Vikram Malhi, General Manager, South and Southeast Asia, Expedia, said.

"India is amongst the fastest growing business travel markets globally and is expected to be a USD 50 billion market by 2017. The business travel industry in India is maturing very quickly. The Indian business traveller expects best in class technology," Gaurav Sundaram, Country Director Egencia India, said, adding