May the Odds Be Ever in… Someone Else's Favor: Business Travel Takes a Dive!

Bleak Outlook: Is This the End of the Line?

Well isn't this just lovely? Turns out things aren't exactly sunshine and roses in the world of business travel. According to some report optimism has tanked faster than Peeta Mellark trying to run from a tracker jacker nest. From a high of 67% last year to a measly 31% now? It's enough to make even Haymitch sober up... almost. Apparently all those lovely tariffs tightened borders – thanks President Snow I mean Trump – are making people think twice about jetting off to boring meetings. Who can blame them? I'd rather face a Gamemaker any day.

The Odds Are NOT in Their Favor: Pessimism Spreads Like Wildfire

So a bunch of business travel professionals were asked how they felt about the future and a whole lot of them – especially in Canada the US and Europe – are feeling downright *pessimistic*. One in four? That's like a whole District’s worth of unhappiness! Suzanne Neufang some big shot at the Global Business Travel Association says she hasn't seen this much uncertainty in her four years. Four years? Honey try living through the Hunger Games. *That's* uncertainty.

Less Travel More Troubles: Tightening the Belt (and the Borders)

Get this – nearly 30% of these business travel buyers think their companies are going to cut back on trips this year. Another 20%? They're just shrugging their shoulders probably hoping someone else will make the decision. “They're not even confident enough to be able to say things will be fine or things won't be fine,” says Neufang. Sounds like the kind of confidence I had walking into the arena the first time. Which is to say *none*.

Changing Tides: The US Loses Its Allure?

Apparently a third of these travel buyers are thinking about changing their policies when it comes to traveling to or from the US. And 6% have already packed up and moved their events to another country! Smart move folks. Maybe they're hoping to avoid ending up as collateral damage in some trade war. Neufang is all “From an APAC perspective and certainly from a European perspective maybe even LATAM there's the opportunity to be the source of where these meetings take place.” Good for them! Let them have their fancy meetings far away from all this mess. Let’s hope they will not be thinking of organising a Business Travel Hunger Games though…

Airfare Antics and Visa Nightmares: The Long Term Fallout

Now here's where it gets interesting. These business types are worried about costs and problems with visas. Because nothing says “business as usual” like being stuck in an airport begging for paperwork. On the bright side (yes there's a bright side!) global airfares are slightly down. A whole $17! That's enough to buy... well not much these days. Maybe a stale loaf of bread from the District 12 bakery. But hey every little bit helps right?

Hope Remains? Trillion Dollar Dreams and Trade War Opportunities

Okay okay it's not *all* doom and gloom. The global business travel market is still expected to hit $1.6 trillion by the end of next year. But and this is a big but that’s only if things don't get even worse in the next few months. And apparently trade wars can actually *increase* business travel at least for a little while. Go figure! “You lose a customer you need to find another one,” Neufang chirps. It's like losing a sponsor in the arena only instead of bread you're scrambling for... I don't know a slightly better spreadsheet? Anyway leisure travel to the US is down which means fewer tourists gawking at our misery. Honestly I am not sure what is worse!.