Indian business travellers prefer booking hotels online: Survey

Accor Asia Pacific Business Traveller Survey 2011 states that majority of Indian business travellers prefer to book their business travel accommodation directly online with the hotel brand. 57 per cent of respondents said that they preferred booking their business travel accommodation directly online with the hotel brand while usage of online travel agents is in the minority with 13 per cent respondents going for this. Accor commissioned the Asia Pacific Business Travel Research 2011 which interviewed over 10,000 respondents across Asia Pacific on their business travel experience and hotel preferences in the first half of 2011.

The survey further found out that 62 per cent of Indian business travellers believe that hotel branded websites provide the most competitive rates, whereas only 33 per cent of them think independent websites offer the cheapest prices.

“The Indian Business Traveller is exploiting technology at hotels to its fullest. The Indian corporate traveller expects advanced facilities in hotels in the future to work more proficiently and make the most of their time while staying at the hotel. Smart phone access, biometric access control systems, in-room digital concierge system and in-room video conference are on their wish list,” the survey said.

According to the survey, Indian business travellers expect the facility of online check in and check out to be introduced in the near future, followed by fully personalised service (e.g. from room setting to food selection) and remaining consistent with environmental sensitivities and regard carbon-neutral rooms as important.