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)
Michelin Debuts XDR Wide Body Truck Tyre Globally
- By TT News
- October 23, 2026
Michelin has introduced its first tyre engineered specifically for the new generation of wide body trucks, bringing its established safety and performance standards to a segment traditionally served by Tier-3 products. The MICHELIN XDR Wide Body Truck is positioned as a premium offering for mining fleets, built to handle high loads and speeds while delivering robustness and puncture resistance in demanding mining environments.
Wide body trucks are gaining global traction in mining because they strike an appealing balance among payload capacity, safety and acquisition cost. Michelin developed and launched the new fitment in under two years by combining intensive field analysis with agility, responding to mining customers’ needs for safety and productivity. The tyre also supports fleets moving towards more efficient and increasingly electrified haulage solutions, addressing demands for safety, productivity and operating cost control.
Safety remains paramount in mining, where a tyre failure can seriously affect personnel, equipment and operational continuity. The new tyre therefore features an innovative casing fully reinforced with thick steel cords, enabling it to carry 12 tonnes (26,786 lbs) per tyre at a recommended pressure of 9-bar (130 PSI) – significantly lower than typical market recommendations, which helps reduce blowout risk.
The MICHELIN XDR Wide Body Truck sustains heavy loads at continuous speeds, supporting productivity during intensive duty cycles. It offers strong traction, particularly on soft or muddy ground, while its robust tread compound resists damage, provides excellent grip and extends service life, optimising total cost of ownership. These qualities help cut unplanned downtime and maintenance costs, improve equipment availability and maximise material haulage volumes. The tyre launches worldwide in its first size, 16.00 R25, on 1 November 2026, with additional sizes to follow.
Kevin Maleterre, Director – Michelin Beyond Road, said, “Wide body trucks are playing an increasingly important role in mining operations. With the MICHELIN XDR Wide Body Truck, we are applying our expertise in mining applications to this new generation of vehicles, with a clear aim: to help our customers combine safety, productivity and the development of their fleets.”
Tegeta Green Planet Brings Environmental Message To Youth Forums Across Georgia
- By TT News
- October 23, 2026
Tegeta Green Planet recently participated in youth forums held across five Georgian cities – Mestia, Telavi, Gori, Kutaisi and Zugdidi – as part of the Eco Awards School Competition. The events gave young people a platform to exchange knowledge on environmental issues, explore new ideas and discuss green initiatives.
Alongside the discussions, display areas devoted to Tegeta Green Planet and Amboli introduced visitors to the two organisations' work, their approach to handling waste and their sense of environmental duty. Guests stopping by the Tegeta Green Planet section heard about the company's core operations, the thinking behind Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and why the circular economy matters.
A varied programme kept participants engaged, with educational games and hands-on exercises built to sharpen their grasp of environmental questions and push them to put what they learned into practice. International specialists and invited speakers also addressed the forums, drawing on their own experience to examine ecological difficulties and possible remedies.
Organised to deepen environmental consciousness among the young and advance sustainable development, the Eco Awards School Competition drew 280 pupils and 100 teachers from 24 public schools throughout Georgia. It operates with backing from the European Union and the United Nations through the Circular Economy Promotion Programme. For Tegeta Green Planet, reaching young audiences is central to building a lasting sense of responsibility, with sound waste practices, resource reuse and circular economy principles at the heart of its efforts to drive long-term change.
Discount Tire's Treadwell Data Spotlights Longest-Lasting Truck And SUV Tyres
- By TT News
- October 23, 2026
Discount Tire has released a new list of the longest-lasting light truck and SUV tyres, drawing on tyre life data from Treadwell, the company's tyre recommendation tool available to all consumers. Treadwell is powered by millions of real-world tyre mileage and tread depth readings along with independent testing at Treadwell Research Park.
The list identifies 10 tyre models for light truck and SUV drivers that exceed a 70,000-mile median lifespan under normal driving conditions. Every tyre carrying a listed limited treadwear warranty also surpasses its manufacturer warranty by more than 10,000 miles.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, American drivers average 13,400 miles per year. On top-performing tyres, a light truck or SUV owner could gain an extra year or more before needing a tyre change. Treadwell's aggregated lifespan figures reflect drivers who properly maintain their tyres, including regular rotations and wheel alignments, with median values collected to 2/32-inch tread – generally considered, and in some states legally mandated as, the minimum viable tread depth. Actual results may vary based on driving location and habits, such as regular highway or all-terrain use.
Discount Tire developed Treadwell using decades of data and independent testing to deliver a hassle-free tool offering personalised tyre recommendations based on where, what and how drivers drive. More than 20 million people used Treadwell online and in stores in the past year.
Dr John Baldwin, Chief Product and Technical Strategist, Discount Tire, said, "If you're driving a light truck or SUV and prioritise getting additional miles of safe driving out of your tyres, Treadwell can be a source of unbiased advice. Our goal is always to be there for our customers when and where they need tyres, which is why Treadwell is available online and used each day in our stores to empower drivers to find the best tyres for their vehicle."
Plaza Tire Service Adds Mattoon Store To Growing Illinois Footprint
- By TT News
- October 23, 2026
Plaza Tire Service, a prominent tyre and automotive service provider in the Midwest and member of the Sun Auto Network, has expanded its footprint with a new store in Mattoon, Illinois. The addition strengthens the company's presence in the state and offers drivers throughout Central Illinois improved access to trusted tyre and vehicle maintenance services.
The Mattoon location provides motorists with a convenient destination for tyres, preventive maintenance and automotive repair. Customers can choose from an extensive inventory of leading tyre brands while accessing a full range of services, including oil changes, brake service, batteries, alignments, steering and suspension repair and other routine maintenance.
Plaza Tire Service emphasises selection, convenience and value through its Price Match Guarantee and signature 4 Tires in 1 Hour Guarantee, with broad in-stock inventory available for same-day installation. Founded in Missouri in 1963, the company has become one of the Midwest's largest tyre and automotive service providers, operating across five states while combining regional heritage with the resources of the more than 600-location Sun Auto Network.
Rob Kingery, Regional Vice President, Sun Auto Tire & Service, said, "We're excited to bring Plaza Tire Service to Mattoon and introduce more drivers to the convenience, value and trusted service that have defined our brand for more than 60 years. This location allows us to serve the community with the tyre expertise, same-day service and comprehensive automotive care that customers have come to expect from Plaza Tire Service."
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