The inaugural American Express Business Travel Survey revealed that a large majority of U.S. respondents enjoy traveling for work, with 91 percent reporting positive feelings about business travel.
Many travelers cited cultural exposure as a key benefit: 67 percent said experiencing a new country or culture is one of the most enjoyable aspects of business trips. Other benefits include expanding cultural skills and meeting new people. More than half of respondents (53 percent) said sightseeing or taking part in local activities has a positive effect on their personal wellbeing.
Despite these advantages, engaging with local culture can present challenges. Nearly half (46 percent) of respondents admitted to making a cultural faux pas while on a business trip. Only 39 percent always research a country’s business customs before traveling, even though 86 percent agreed that understanding local business practices makes travel easier and more rewarding. The most important cultural differences travelers felt they should be aware of include appropriate forms of address, local dress codes and communication style nuances.
The survey also identified common travel obstacles. The most frequent issue was last-minute travel delays, reported by 77 percent of respondents. Other common problems included connectivity and technology disruptions, sudden itinerary changes, and jet lag or fatigue. Respondents said premium travel services—such as business-class seating, access to hotel club floors and airport lounges—help mitigate these challenges by improving comfort, productivity and recovery.
“Most U.S. business travelers feel that face-to-face meetings are essential to achieving their business objectives and thus it is important that business travel be a stress-free and seamless experience,” said Shane Berry, senior vice president, global client group, global commercial payments, American Express. “Supporting business travelers by continuing to innovate premium travel services that encourage productivity, connectivity and relaxation can have a lasting impact on executive wellbeing as well as increasing their company’s bottom line.”