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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Sun Auto Network has expanded its footprint in the Midwest through two strategic moves: the opening of a new Plaza Tire Service in Owensboro, Kentucky, and the acquisition of two Checkpoint Tire & Service locations in Illinois.

The Kentucky addition marks the 89th Plaza Tire Service overall and the eighth within the state, broadening regional access to automotive care. Meanwhile, the Illinois acquisitions include one Checkpoint Tire & Service location and one Checkpoint Express Lube Center, bringing Sun Auto’s total presence in the state to 15 sites. The Checkpoint additions specifically introduce express oil changes and maintenance services, offering faster and more convenient options alongside complete vehicle care.

Both the Kentucky and Illinois locations now operate under Sun Auto’s Driver Commitment, which emphasises clarity, confidence and customer care. They also benefit from the company’s scaled network advantages, including a Price Match Guarantee, access to leading tyre brands, round‑the‑clock online appointment scheduling, digital vehicle inspections, nationwide warranties and a full range of services such as tyre replacement, alignments, brakes, batteries and preventative maintenance.

Rob Kingery, Regional Vice President, said, "Growth is focused on strengthening the markets we already serve and improving access to dependable automotive care. These additions build on that approach, bringing greater convenience and service capabilities to the communities we support."

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Pirelli has claimed the top position in a recent ranking of the world’s fastest road-legal track tyres, according to the Tyre Reviews platform. The comparison, which evaluated four products available in Europe and North America, crowned the P Zero Trofeo RS as the pinnacle of Pirelli’s road range. The tyre integrates technological solutions derived from the Italian company’s 120 years of motorsport experience at the highest levels.

During dry handling tests, the P Zero Trofeo RS set the fastest lap time and was described as clearly superior. Tester Jonathan Benson noted he had to recalibrate his braking points twice due to unexpectedly high grip levels. The tyre enabled quick and precise turn-in, earlier throttle application and immediate traction on corner exits, with the front axle delivering strong grip and confidence. It also ranked first in dry braking with the shortest stopping distance.

Consistency of performance under demanding conditions was another standout feature, confirming the product’s ability to maintain high performance over time. These results were reinforced by a separate test from Auto Bild Sportscars, which compared five road-legal semi-slick tyres. There, the P Zero Trofeo RS also secured first place with an ‘Exemplary’ rating thanks to best-in-class dry performance and long-distance consistency.

Designed for track use yet approved for road driving, the P Zero Trofeo RS was originally developed for original equipment and is now available on the replacement market. It brings Pirelli’s expertise from bespoke fitments for high-performance prestige and premium models to all customers. While conceived to maximise vehicle performance on the track, Pirelli engineers have also ensured a high level of safety on wet surfaces.

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Goodyear Racing Eagle tyres emerged as the central strategic battleground in the LMGT3 class during the FIA World Endurance Championship’s season-opening 6 Hours of Imola. The Italian circuit’s notably smooth asphalt led to unexpectedly low tyre degradation across the six-hour race, which allowed teams to experiment with varied tactical plans rather than following a single, predictable approach. Under this season’s increased tyre allocation rules, teams enjoyed greater flexibility, although not every squad chose to use its full supply.

The performance and consistency of the Goodyear Racing Eagle Medium compound proved decisive, with most teams minimising pit lane time by double- or triple-stinting their tyres. However, a minority of competitors opted for a contrasting strategy, fitting fresher Goodyear Racing Eagle tyres more frequently. Crucially, the durability of the Medium compound ensured that both approaches remained competitive, resulting in a wide array of live strategies unfolding simultaneously across the LMGT3 field.

The FIA World Endurance Championship resumes with the TotalEnergies 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps from 7 to 9 May 2026. Over the same weekend, Goodyear Racing Eagle tyres have also been in action at Kansas Speedway in the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, as well as at Donington Park for the British Touring Car Championship season opener.

Stephen Bickley, Goodyear Endurance Programme Manager, said, “In the first half of the race, we saw several teams double stinting the unloaded left-hand side, but changing their right-hand side tyres at every stop. But as the race progressed, some teams began to double-stint both sides. This meant that teams that had only changed the right-hand side at the previous stop were onto their third stint with the left-hand tyres. Across the field, we saw some teams stop as little as five times during the race, and some as many as eight, emphasising the range of different strategies teams employed.”

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Bridgestone has reaffirmed its partnership with the Sporting Bears Motor Club by sponsoring the Golden Dream Rides competition for another year, with proceeds benefiting multiple children’s charities. The initiative builds on a collaboration first established in 2023 and underscores the company’s dedication to community-focused causes. Through this sponsorship, Bridgestone covers competition costs while also contributing directly to charitable funds.

The Sporting Bears Dream Rides offer passengers an exceptional opportunity to ride in classic or supercars in exchange for a donation, with every penny going to chosen children’s charities. Club members generously donate their vehicles, volunteer their time and cover personal expenses, ensuring that 100 percent of each donation supports those in need. To date, the club has provided more than 85,000 Dream Rides and raised over GBP 4 million, benefiting more than 400 children’s charities across the UK since its formation in 1989.

The Golden Dream Ride competition invites anyone who has engaged with Sporting Bears to share a photograph of their favourite moment with the club via official social media channels. Each month, one winner receives a Golden Dream Ride voucher redeemable for any available dream ride car at any Sporting Bears event nationwide. Beyond the contest, Bridgestone and Sporting Bears are promoting road safety as part of Bridgestone’s ‘Be a Road Safety Hero’ campaign, with volunteers conducting public tyre‑safety checks.

Sporting Bears recently announced its historic fundraising milestone at the Practical Classics Restoration Show in Birmingham. While the club is known for its presence at major events such as the two NEC classic car shows, Carfest and the British Motor Show, it also participates in more than 60 other events throughout the season. Bridgestone’s ongoing support helps sustain these activities and the broader mission of safer roads for all.

Clare Stephens, PR and Social Media Lead for Sporting Bears, said, “Our Dream Rides are all about creating unforgettable experiences while raising vital funds for children’s charities. Bridgestone’s support covers the cost of the competition, which ensures that even more money goes directly to the charities we support.”

Helen Roe, Senior Marketing Manager from Bridgestone, said, “We’re incredibly proud to support Sporting Bears and their Golden Dream Rides concept. It’s a fantastic initiative that brings together a passion for cars with a genuine opportunity to make a difference in local communities, whilst sharing vital tyre safety advice.”

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