Hotelschool The Hague: 13% less business travellers to Amsterdam – but they stay 16% longer
The Hague – 12 September 2024 – Hotelschool The Hague announces insights from its first Yearly Outlook report, revealing that international business travel has fully recovered, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 2% in 2024. This recovery marks a significant milestone for the global hospitality industry. In combination with key trends such as extended stays, shifts in accommodation preferences, and the rise of sustainable travel practices taking center stage. Authored by Jeroen Oskam, Director of the school's Research Centre, the report offers strategic insights for industry leaders entering a phase that is different from pre-pandemic times, driven by new developments in business travel.
The school is proud to present a new series of Yearly Outlook studies, developed by the Research Centre. This highly anticipated report provides the global community of hospitality professionals with critical insights into emerging trends and developments, with a particular focus on the future of business travel. Business travellers play a pivotal role within the tourism industry, contributing significantly to international travel, GDP, and business revenues.
In light of recent disruptions and evolving challenges, this forward-looking study aims not only to reflect on the past but, more importantly, to anticipate future developments and uncertainties in the realm of business travel. By doing so, it offers strategic insights to help hospitality leaders navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the industry.
Key findings from the Yearly Outlook include:
- Recovery of International Travel: By 2024, international travel arrivals have surpassed 2019 levels by 2%, signalling a full recovery in the sector. In Amsterdam, there was a 13% decrease in business traveller numbers, offset by an increase in the average length of stay from 2.34 to 2.71 days. Notably, more business travellers opted for 3-star accommodations, marking a shift in preferences.
- Future of Business Travel: The report outlines a baseline scenario that predicts a sustainable, personalised, and seamless business travel experience by 2035. This future will likely be driven by AI integration, shifts in travel patterns—such as an increase in short-haul trips, longer stays combining business and leisure—and a growing focus on sustainability.
- Potential Disruptors: The study also analyses several potential disruptors to these trends. These include socio-political shifts that could reverse sustainability efforts, risks associated with AI-assisted travel, the decline of less attractive business destinations, and the impact of global geopolitical tensions.
The Yearly Outlook provides practical recommendations for hospitality professionals and tourism policymakers. These recommendations focus on building resilience, anticipating changes in business travel preferences, leveraging AI and technological advancements, and promoting sustainable practices within the industry.
For more information or to read the Yearly Outlook, please click here: HTH Yearly Outlook 2024