Travel has long been a staple of doing business, but millennial employees are changing the way it’s done.
A new survey of over 8,500 workers aged 34 and below across 24 countries found that millennials are more likely to travel more often for business than their older counterparts, taking an average of five trips a year compared to two for workers aged over 35.
Almost 60 per cent of Aussie millennials have extended business trips into personal holidays in the past year, compared to just 45 per cent of over 35s.
Georg Ruebensal of Expedia believes Australian millennials are reinventing travel.
“They are taking advantage of every opportunity to see the world, to explore a destination, have a unique travel experience, and share it with their friends,” Ruebensal said.
Aussie millennials are more likely to be freer with their company’s money when travelling, spending more on flight upgrades, room service, and high-end more than older employees.
They also feel entitled to claim travel reward points for themselves. Over 60 per cent of Aussie millennials keep the rewards for themselves, compared to 53 per cent on average globally.
However, it’s not just all fun and games; 71 per cent say they work just as much, if not more, when travelling for business as when they’re in the office.
Kyle Davis of Egencia Asia Pacific said younger business travellers also increasingly want a more personalised travel experience.
“[This] demands a focus on mobile to ensure they’re given the information they want and need throughout the planning, booking, and travelling process,” Davis said.
Almost 50 per cent of young business travellers use smartphones and tablets to plan, book, and share their travels, compared to just one in five Australians over 35. They’re also more likely to save personal details, like their mobile number, email address, and passport number online to streamline the booking process.
“While providing choice at the best possible price is essential, I believe consumers will increasingly be drawn to travel websites that provide inspiration with intelligent, personalized recommendations and offers,” Reubensal said.