Business travel represents a substantial force in the global economy. Just before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, it contributed to more than USD 1.2 trillion, about 25 percent of the travel and tourism sector’s overall economic impact, to the global GDP. Businesses had resumed spending on travel after substantial declines in 2008 and 2009.

A research by Global Business Travel Association Foundation had found that for every one percent change in business travel spending, the US economy typically gains or loses 74,000 jobs, USD 5.5 billion in GDP, USD 3.3 billion in wages and USD 1.3 billion in taxes. The report also stated that personal vehicle (35 percent) was the most popular mode of transportation among US business travellers in 2016, followed by airplane (28 percent) and rental cars (13 percent).

Internal travel encompasses trips taken for intracompany purposes, where employees participate in activities such as training, team building or inspection of field operations. External travel, on the other hand, refers to travel done by employees for engagements outside the company, including in-person meetings with clients and suppliers, trade conferences and customer sales calls.

"Obstacles to business travel, such as cumbersome visa protocols and long flight connections, constrain access to knowhow and limit growth opportunities, especially in developing countries," said Frank Neffke, research director at Harvard Kennedy School’s Growth Lab.

Benefits Of Business Travel

In the past, companies have experienced that, on average, 40 percent of customers would eventually be lost without in-person meetings and support.

Detailed statistical modelling over 18 years and 14 industries indicates that for every dollar invested in business travel, US companies make a USD 9.50 return in terms of revenue. The modelling also found that US business travel has yielded USD 2.90 in profits for every dollar spent.

There is a small segment of employees for whom travel is deemed essential for conducting business. This category accounted for around 15 percent of all corporate travel expenses in 2019 and includes decision makers in manufacturing companies with a wide distribution of factories and plants, and field-operation workers. For some corporate travellers, it is possible to move oversight responsibility to local personnel and/or utilise digital medium. This segment will see their business travel decline. A large segment of business travel is done to cultivate new or important client relationships. This segment will bounce back as soon as Covid-related restrictions are lifted.

A tiny portion of business travel comes from the public sector, professional associations and nonprofits. During the pandemic, many professional associations were able to hold virtual events to replace in-person conferences and will likely be more cautious in their return to travel.

Business Travel Catches The Virus!

Business travel has taken a big hit during the Covid-19 pandemic and its future is still up-in-the-air, waiting for the end of the pandemic and firming up the ‘New Normal’. In 2020, total global business travel expenses contracted by 52 percent, while managed corporate-travel spending in the United States alone plummeted by USD 94 billion (71 percent).

The World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) latest annual research shows that the global travel and tourism sector suffered a loss of almost USD 4.5 trillion to reach USD 4.7 trillion in 2020, with its contribution to GDP dropping by a staggering 49.1 percent compared to 2019. In 2020, sixty-two million jobs were lost, representing a drop of 18.5 percent, leaving just 272 million employed across this sector globally, compared to 334 million in 2019. The threat of job losses persists as many jobs are currently supported by government retention schemes and reduced hours, which could be lost without a full recovery of the travel and tourism sector.

Some business travellers expect to take at least as many business trips in 2022 as they had in the year before the Covid-19 pandemic was declared. While teleconferencing will reduce the need for some business travel, many survey respondents cited the need to meet in-person to rekindle relationships with customers, suppliers and business partners. Another frequent reason cited for the need to travel for business was a job change.

The countries most eager to travel for business once Covid-19 travel restrictions are lifted seem to be China, US and Australia. Of course, the potential increase in Covid cases from the Delta and future variants of the virus may still cause further backsliding on rising confidence levels for resumption of business travel. (TT)

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TBC Corporation, one of North America’s largest marketers of automotive replacement tyres through wholesale and franchise operations, marked a significant milestone on 23 March 2026, celebrating seven decades in the automotive industry. In recognition of this achievement and the company’s broader influence, the Palm Beach County Board of Commissioners officially proclaimed the date as TBC Corporation Day, honouring the organisation’s deep-rooted impact on both its sector and the local communities it serves.

Originating in 1956 as a simple purchasing cooperative for tyre retailers, TBC has since evolved into a sprawling enterprise. The company now employs over 3,000 people, maintains more than 130 strategically located distribution centres across US and Mexico and operates globally. Its presence spans the entire automotive value chain, encompassing nearly 470 franchised Big O Tires locations alongside wholesale distribution, supply chain services and third-party manufacturing.

Beyond its commercial footprint, TBC prioritises social responsibility through its ‘Driven to Give’ initiative. This programme channels the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement by fostering volunteerism, sustainable business practices and targeted corporate giving, ensuring a positive impact in the areas where its employees live and work.

Don Byrd, CEO, TBC, said, “At TBC, we are building on our legacy by focusing on our purpose to be the distributor, franchisor and employer of choice in the markets where we compete through a steadfast commitment to excellence. We are proud of what we’ve achieved in our 70 years, and we strive to continue to be the most trusted provider of innovative and efficient solutions for our customers, franchisees and business partners.”

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Atturo Tires, a leading private brand of performance-focused tyres for light truck, SUV, crossover, UTV, hybrid, EV and performance vehicles, has confirmed it will continue as the Official Tyre Partner of the Professional Fighters League throughout North America for the 2026 season. This marks the second year of collaboration between the performance tyre manufacturer and the rapidly expanding mixed martial arts organisation. Building on a successful 2025 campaign that delivered more than 300 million impressions, the renewed agreement underscores Atturo’s dedication to supporting the league’s growth.

The partnership will be featured across the PFL’s North American event schedule. Atturo’s presence will include in-arena branding at all 10 United States events, beginning in Pittsburgh and Chicago, as well as broadcast visibility on ESPN platforms. Further integration comes through continued sponsorship of the ‘Keys to Victory’ segment, where analysts break down matchups. Collaborative digital content and brand ambassador activations tailored for MMA audiences will also extend the brand’s reach.

Alongside the renewed agreement, Atturo has introduced two official brand ambassadors for 2026: welterweight Logan Storley and bantamweight Sergio Pettis. Storley, a former interim Bellator welterweight champion and four-time NCAA Division I All-American, is set to headline the PFL’s return to Sioux Falls on 2 May. Pettis, a former Bellator bantamweight champion known for his polished footwork and technical striking, will headline the 11 April event in Chicago against undefeated Mitch McKee.

Both fighters carry strong followings within North American MMA, offering Atturo meaningful connections to an engaged consumer base. Storley’s championship pedigree aligns with the brand’s performance-driven identity, while Pettis’s skill positions him as a central figure in the 2026 title picture. Through these ambassador relationships and the broader sponsorship framework, Atturo continues to embed itself within the league’s marquee moments and fan-facing platforms.

John Martin, CEO, Professional Fighters League, said, “We’re excited to extend our relationship with Atturo Tire, a brand that aligns with our dedication to innovation and performance. As PFL continues to expand globally – including new partnerships in France, China, Mexico and Central America – our North American events remain a major foundation of our programming, and Atturo is a strong fit for that regional focus.”

Michael Mathis, President, Atturo Tires, said “Atturo is proud to remain the Official Tyre Partner of the PFL in North America. The PFL’s North American fan base is passionate, fast-growing and deeply engaged – exactly the kind of audience that resonates with our high-performance product line. We’re thrilled to continue showcasing the Atturo brand alongside the PFL’s elite athletes throughout the 2026 US season.”

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TyreSafe, UK’s charity dedicated to raising tyre safety awareness, has issued a fresh warning to owners of caravans, motorhomes and trailers as vehicles emerge from winter storage, highlighting a significant rise in towing-related incidents across UK roads. New data reveals that between 2022 and 2024, there were over 16,700 incidents involving towed vehicles on the Strategic Road Network, with a 16 percent increase over that period. The majority were breakdowns, and trailers made up the largest proportion, followed by caravans and horseboxes. With nearly four out of five such incidents classed as breakdowns and many considered preventable, TyreSafe stresses that tyre condition and air pressure are essential checks after prolonged periods out of use.

Tyres can deteriorate while stationary, even when they appear undamaged. Air pressure often drops during storage, and combined with rubber degradation, this greatly raises the risk of failure once back on the road. For caravan owners, under-inflated tyres can lead to instability or snaking, especially in crosswinds or when passed by large vehicles, while the extra flexing increases the chance of tread separation under heavy loads. Motorhomes face distinct risks due to their heavier, permanently laden construction, which places sustained strain on tyres. A blowout can be harder to control given the higher centre of gravity, and flat spotting from long storage periods may cause internal damage that manifests as vibration at speed. Horseboxes and trailers stored for extended intervals are equally vulnerable, as tyres can suffer internal weakening without visible signs.

Correct tyre pressure on the towing vehicle is just as critical. Under-inflated rear tyres can cause the vehicle to sag under nose weight, altering weight distribution and reducing steering precision and braking effectiveness. Pressures should always be adjusted according to manufacturer recommendations for towing loads. Motorhome owners must also pay attention to CP-marked tyres, which are specifically designed for camping vehicles and often require significantly higher pressures—sometimes up to 80 PSI—compared to standard car tyres. Using lower car-type pressures leaves them dangerously under-inflated, leading to excess heat, sidewall stress, and potential failure.

Tyres that have lost pressure are more prone to overheating, rapid wear and sidewall cracking, which occurs when rubber polymers degrade. Cracking can appear on the sidewall or tread even in lightly used tyres, particularly if storage conditions are poor, and can compromise structural integrity over time. Factors such as air loss while stationary, oxidation, UV and temperature extremes, ozone exposure and improper storage all contribute to deterioration. Unlike regularly used vehicles, stored vehicles miss out on the benefits that help maintain tyre flexibility and pressure stability.

TyreSafe urges road users to embrace the simple ACT protocol: regular checks of air pressure, condition and tread depth.

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “With towing incidents rising, tyre safety has never been more important. Air pressure naturally reduces over time, and tyres that are both under-inflated and degraded are far more likely to fail. When towing or driving a motorhome, tyres operate under higher loads and stresses, so even small weaknesses can have serious consequences.”

Sarah Smithurst MBE, Chief Operating Officer, NTTA, said “Many caravans, trailers and horseboxes spend months in storage over the winter, and during that time, tyres can slowly lose pressure or begin to deteriorate without the owner realising. Because these tyres are often carrying heavy loads when they return to the road, even small issues can quickly become serious safety risks.

“Before towing for the first time each season, owners should take the time to check tyre pressures against the manufacturer’s recommendations and carefully inspect the tyres for signs of cracking, damage or excessive wear. It’s also important not to overlook the tyres on the towing vehicle itself, as they play a vital role in maintaining stability and control when towing. A few simple checks before setting off can make a significant difference to safety and help prevent avoidable breakdowns or incidents on the road.”

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Mitas has launched MITRAK, a new series of rubber tracks crafted to meet the rigorous demands of modern farming. By merging robust engineering with advanced materials, this range is built to endure challenging field conditions while promoting soil-friendly operation, allowing agricultural professionals to work productively without compromising the health of their land.

Engineered for an extended service life, MITRAK tracks feature a resilient internal structure that ensures uniform strength throughout. This design supports heavy loads and maintains consistent, dependable performance in the toughest operating environments. A specialised tread compound further enhances durability by resisting wear, cuts and everyday abrasions, while a reinforced track body improves balance and distributes stresses evenly for smooth, reliable operation across the entire contact area.

Beyond raw durability, MITRAK prioritises soil preservation through reduced ground pressure and optimised flotation. This approach minimises soil compaction, boosts traction and enhances overall field efficiency, enabling operators to cover more ground while safeguarding vital soil structure. With this introduction, Mitas continues to expand its portfolio of advanced agricultural mobility solutions, delivering performance where it matters most.

Roberta D’Agnano, Global Marketing Director Mitas, Yokohama TWS, said, “With MITRAK, we open a new chapter for Mitas, entering the agricultural rubber track segment for the first time and taking a decisive step in the evolution of our brand. This step reflects our ambition to offer farmers a truly complete portfolio, capable of supporting every application and every field condition. Rooted in our core values of strength, reliability and respect for the land, MITRAK is designed to boost productivity, ensure long-lasting performance and protect the soil, because real performance should always leave the right track.”

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