Business travel is picking up in Canada, but it’s not always pretty.
A new Corporate Traveller (Flight Centre’s corp travel arm) study performed by YouGov says Canada predicts an 11% increase in business travel demand this year. That’s slightly lower than the Global Business Travel Association’s 15% growth projection.
The study also said Canada is hitting turbulent skies, with 70% of travellers having experienced disruptions. Regular disruptions affect one in 10 travellers, while another 27% encounter occasional issues and 33% rarely face problems.
When asked about their most common travel disruption, 63% said flight/travel delays, 32% mentioned flight/travel cancellations, and 31% cited missed connections.
Lost or delayed luggage was mentioned by 29%, while 22% of travellers listed overbooked flight issues. Seventeen percent cited accommodation issues.
Causes of Disruptions
- Mechanical Faults and Severe Weather: 43% each
- Administrative Errors: 19%
- Transport Worker Strikes: 17%
- Health Emergencies and Incomplete Paperwork: 15% each
- Critical Security Concerns: 13%
Regional Disparities: A Cross-Country Overview
Alberta: Highest flight delays (74%) and missed connections (43%)
British Columbia: Most mechanical issues (53%)
Ontario: Frequent delays (63%), albeit fewer missed connections (26%)
Quebec: Least overall disruptions (49%) compared to Alberta (67%), British Columbia (72%), and Ontario (76%)
Chris Lynes, Managing Director for Flight Centre Travel Group Canada—including global travel brands Corporate Traveller and FCM Travel— said the true cost of travel disruptions extends beyond mere inconvenience. They also pose a tangible threat to business productivity and economic stability.
The study showed that among business travellers who have experienced such disruptions, a staggering 91% report an adverse impact on their business plans. Specifically, 12% stated that the disruption had a significant adverse impact, while over 42% said it had some adverse impact.
“Surging business travel demand and reduced airline seating capacity compounds these challenges," said Lynes. "Together, these findings underscore the critical importance of proactive measures in managing travel disruptions. Prioritizing strategies to mitigate these risks can yield up to 15% savings through our negotiated rates and an additional 7% through our customized travel policies.”
Officials said addressing frequent travel disruptions is paramount with Canada's business travel sector on the cusp of substantial growth.
“Corporate Traveller's proactive monitoring and comprehensive solutions, including tailored travel policies, user-friendly technology, and robust risk management, ensure a seamless travel experience.
“Effective travel management and proactive support are not only vital for smoother business operations but also for Canada to continue attracting global business travellers. As the demand for business travel surges, the need for strategic, well-executed solutions becomes ever more pressing.”
