Rob Davidson Centre for Tourism University of Westminster How business travel in Europe will change over the next 5 years

Rob Davidson Centre for Tourism University of Westminster ECONOMIC TRENDS A buyers’ market: over-supply of meetings venues and destinations A buyers’ market: over-supply of meetings venues and destinations - New types of venues - Emerging destinations: Central Europe, China, The Middle East ….even Libya ! Planners negotiating harder: to get more value for their money Planners negotiating harder: to get more value for their money Economic uncertainty means shorter lead times (corporate market) Economic uncertainty means shorter lead times (corporate market)

Rob Davidson Centre for Tourism University of Westminster ECONOMIC TRENDS Emerging markets: Emerging markets: - China (Approved Destination Status) - India, Malaysia, Thailand – growing Middle Classes SOCIAL TRENDS …..

Rob Davidson Centre for Tourism University of Westminster Events have changed from this:

Rob Davidson Centre for Tourism University of Westminster to this:

Rob Davidson Centre for Tourism University of Westminster SOCIAL TRENDS More diversity in the delegates’ profile: More diversity in the delegates’ profile: - More women - More ethnic/cultural diversity - More older delegates

Rob Davidson Centre for Tourism University of Westminster SOCIAL TRENDS Work-life balance: - Family / friends will come too ! - Delegates will extend their trips, for leisure purposes

Rob Davidson Centre for Tourism University of Westminster ADDING PLEASURE TO BUSINESS !

Rob Davidson Centre for Tourism University of Westminster POLITICAL TRENDS More emphasis on security More emphasis on security - Must be visible, but discreet - Isolated venues have an advantage Buyers will increasingly use their purchasing power, for political ends Buyers will increasingly use their purchasing power, for political ends

Rob Davidson Centre for Tourism University of Westminster TECHNOLOGY TRENDS More use of the Internet: More use of the Internet: - For site selection - For destination and venue promotion - For enhancing the conference experience Wireless everywhere Wireless everywhere Radio Frequency Identification Radio Frequency Identification

Rob Davidson Centre for Tourism University of Westminster Muito Obrigado ! FURTHER INFORMATION: ‘Industry Research Forum’ AND Rob Davidson Senior Lecturer in Business Travel and Tourism