Global

Business Travel as an Input to International Trade | November 2009
Jennifer Pamela Poole - University of California, Santa Cruz, USA
The importance of business and social networks in generating trade is becoming increasingly recognized in international economics literature. An important way in which people build and maintain networks is through face-to-face meetings. This study proposes an empirical model in which business travel helps to overcome informational asymmetries in international trade, generating international sales in the form of new export relationships.
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The Return on Investment of U.S. Business Travel | September 2009
Oxford Economics USA
This study establishes the bottom-line value of business travel, especially when workers travel for meetings, conventions and exhibitions, training and incentive programs. Travel as a core component of a successful business strategy is confirmed: for every dollar invested in business travel, companies realize $12.50 in incremental revenue and $3.80 in new profits. Curbing business travel can reduce a company's profits for years.
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Managing Across Distance in Today's Economic Climate: The Value of Face-to-Face Communication | July 2009
Harvard Business Review
In this global survey of 2,300 Harvard Business Review subscribers conducted by Harvard Business Review Analytic Services, 79% said that in-person meetings are the most effective way to sell to new clients. Furthermore, 89% agreed that face-to-face meetings are essential for "sealing the deal." Virtually all survey participants (95%) said that face-to-face meetings are a key factor in successfully building and maintaining long-term partnerships.
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