The Corporate Outdoors

As we move into the year 2005, and look ahead at the future of business travel in India, there are clear indications of trends that are likely to revolutionise the concept of business travel in this country. Having said that, most of these trends are not very different from the global trends that have been witnessed in business travel over the recent past. Our readers would recall a survey that feBusiness Traveller had conducted among our business community a few months ago. The findings of the survey are very relevant today and for the immediate future.

Cost consciousness and low budget business travel is likely to be the norm. As a consequence mid market accommodations and no frills/low budget airlines are also likely to get preferential treatment from business travellers. The emergence of far more professional and specialised business travel agencies or service providers will add to the streamlining of this segment. And this in turn will lead to the emergence of far more organised outdoor corporate activities such as team building, training and group incentives. This issue of feBusiness Traveller provides an insight into the dual aspects of corporate outdoor activities and adventure tourism. While a larger number of corporate houses in India are opting for outdoor activities for the purpose of team building etc, it is a highly evolved form of corporate travel and is yet to come into its own in this part of the world.

Adventure tourism on the other hand is becoming increasingly popular with the business travel community and is being viewed as an excellent way to unwind and destress, besides the fitness aspect. What better way to round off a hectic business trip than with a bout of white water rafting, mountain trekking or a jungle safari? It's like a complete rejuvenation package worked into your business travel itinerary... here's to more adventurous times with business travel!

Sheldon Santwan
EDITOR, feBusiness Traveller Sheldon can be reached at editor@businesstravellerindia.com