An overwhelming majority of Australian small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) will maintain travelling for business in 2023 despite economic uncertainty and a slower global economy, according to a new Corporate Traveller survey.
The findings reveal 37 per cent of business owners and decision-makers will continue to travel to visit other company sites and 22 per cent of SMEs will still invest in events and conferences this year.
Only nine per cent of respondents indicated that they would not travel at all if the economy slowed.
Corporate Traveller Global Managing Director Tom Walley said the reassuring results reflect the resilient attitude within the Australian SME sector.
“SMEs have always operated boldly and bravely and despite ongoing concerns over the economy, they haven’t let uncertainty cloud their business decisions,” he said.
“They recognise business travel provides excellent opportunities to build sales, unlock new partnerships, and expand their network.
“As well as continuing to travel, we were pleased to see so many companies still had the economic confidence to attend conferences and events.”
Duty travel for work
More than a quarter (26 per cent) indicated their work required travel to customer locations and 25 per cent needed to travel to make sales.
One out of five respondents (20 per cent) said travel was important for stakeholder meetings or staff training and development purposes.
“Considering the vast size and remote location of our country, travel is one of the most effective ways to keep our businesses connected,” Mr Walley added.
“The results demonstrate Australian businesses recognise the opportunities to still invest in corporate travel, whether it’s for team building, attending international conferences or an exciting incentive or reward for staff.”
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Find out more at corporatetraveller.com.au
