According to the CWT Connected Traveler Study, half of business travelers from the Americas contact their families when on business trips, more than those from other regions. Only one-third (31%) of travelers from Asia Pacific (APAC) and around a quarter (27%) of Europeans touch base with their families while on the road.
The survey of more than 1,900 business travelers revealed that travelers from the Americas are also more likely to check-in more than once a day (47%), whether by phone, text, email, or other methods, compared with travelers from Europe (37%) and APAC (32%).
“Obviously business travelers miss family life when they are away, but most travelers make sure they stay in touch,” said Julian Walker, head of external communications at Carlson Wagonlit Travel.
While there were similarities across the Americas, Europe and APAC, the study exposed key differences in the ways and frequency with which business travelers connect with family. For example, European travelers (49%) are more likely to use a phone to communicate with family and friends while traveling compared with 43% of those from the Americas and 41% from APAC.
Conversely, travelers from the Americas (20%) are more likely to text family and friends than those from APAC (17%) or Europe (13%). Regardless of location, CWT’s research revealed that around a quarter of travelers from each region Skype their families.
“While technology continues to evolve, most travelers still favor traditional ways to connect with family and friends,” said Walker. “Digital tools, like video calls, are making it easier for travelers to feel more connected with their family when they’re away.”
About the survey
The CWT Connected Traveler Study was created by Carlson Wagonlit Travel and conducted through Artemis Strategy Group March 30-April 24, 2017. Survey data was collected from more than 1,900 business travelers between the ages of 25-65 from the Americas (Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico and the United States), Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom) and APAC (Australia, China, India, Japan and Singapore). To participate in the study, business travelers were required to have made more than four business trips within the past 12 months. The purpose of this study was to understand how business travelers stayed connected to both work and home while on the road.
About Carlson Wagonlit Travel
Companies and governments rely on us to keep their people connected. We provide their travelers with a consumer-grade travel experience, combining innovative technology with our vast experience. Every day we look after enough travelers to fill almost 200 Boeing 747s and around 100,000 hotel rooms, and handle 95 corporate events. We have more than 18,000 people in nearly 150 countries, and in 2016 posted a total transaction volume of US$ 23 billion.
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About Artemis Strategy Group
Artemis Strategy Group is a communications research firm specializing in brand positioning, thought leadership and policy issues.
