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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Kenda Tires has introduced the KENDA K-SERIES RIPPER, a new tyre aimed at modern trail and all-mountain riders seeking speed, control and confidence across varied terrain. The model combines an aggressive yet fast-rolling tread design with dual-layer compound technology and a durable Trail Casing, positioning it as a versatile option from hardpack trails to technical descents.

The RIPPER is intended to fill the space between lightweight cross-country and downcountry tyres and heavier enduro offerings. According to Kenda, it addresses demand for a tyre that climbs efficiently, corners predictably and remains reassuring when trails become difficult, giving riders a single do-it-all solution.

Its neutral-void tread pattern is designed to balance rolling efficiency with traction. Large, broad-based knobs support braking performance and cornering stability, while the layout aims to deliver predictable handling as conditions change. A dual-layer compound pairs a high-traction trail compound with a fast-rolling base layer, enhancing grip on loose or technical ground while preserving efficiency and durability.

A robust Trail Casing is said to balance protection, durability and ride quality for aggressive trail riding and modern e-MTB use. An optimised 62 mm casing and tread width, a stable casing profile and optimised mould design contribute to confidence at the limit. Kenda describes the result as a long-lasting, high-mileage tyre combining speed, grip and durability for riders unwilling to choose between efficiency and capability.

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The Tire Industry Project (TIP) has appointed Dr Willie Peijnenburg to its external Assurance Group (AG), an independent advisory committee that guides the organisation's research programs.

Dr Peijnenburg serves as Professor of Environmental Toxicology and Biodiversity at Leiden University in the Netherlands and works as a Senior Researcher at the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).

His academic work covers environmental risk assessment, ecotoxicology, predictive modelling and the behaviour of emerging contaminants in ecosystems. He joins five other independent members on the committee.

"Questions around environmental emissions, chemical safety and the sustainability of mobility systems are becoming increasingly important. I was drawn to TIP’s Assurance Group by the opportunity to contribute to conversations that have real-world relevance. I look forward to working with fellow Assurance Group members to support robust, transparent science and evidence-based decision-making." said Dr Peijnenburg.

The organisation also announced the departure of committee members Dr John Spengler of the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health and Dr Iseult Lynch of the University of Birmingham, noting their contributions to the research oversight body.

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Axens, a global process technology leader in refining, petrochemicals and circular economy applications, has been chosen by a US-based investor and project developer to supply a Process Design Package for a hydroprocessing unit. This unit is engineered to process 100 percent tyre pyrolysis oil (TPO), marking a significant step in alternative feedstock upgrading.

The broader project encompasses a local end-of-life tyre valorisation facility that integrates pyrolysis technology alongside the TPO-upgrading hydroprocessing unit. The operation will yield low-sulphur fuel for the domestic market, capped at a maximum sulfur content of 500 ppm. Currently in the FEED phase, the project anticipates a Final Investment Decision in 2027. Axens tailored the design package to meet specific product quality targets and site conditions, drawing on its hydroprocessing expertise and catalyst portfolio to enhance operational performance and product quality.

The developer's selection of Axens hinged on the company's extensive experience with hydroprocessing and upgrading projects involving alternative feedstocks. Axens' track record includes over 300 proven hydroprocessing references globally, covering applications such as Distillate Hydrotreating (Prime-D), Waste Lube Recycling (Revivoil) and Waste Plastic Pyrolysis Oil Hydroprocessing (Rewind Mix). The client particularly valued Axens' capacity to tackle TPO processing challenges and impurity management, alongside its proven project delivery capabilities as an experienced technology licensor.

The initiative delivers economic advantages while addressing a mounting waste management issue. By converting end-of-life tyres into valuable products, it fosters more resource-efficient value chains and supports local economic objectives through the production of transportation fuels.

Jean-Luc Nocca, Executive Vice-President Commercial Business Division, said, "This project highlights the growing interest in converting end-of-life tyres into valuable transportation fuels through robust and reliable upgrading technologies. We are proud to support our client with a tailored process design package that builds on Axens’ proven ability to address the specific challenges associated with tyre pyrolysis oil. This selection reinforces the versatility of our technologies in enabling circular economy solutions while delivering products that meet market and environmental requirements."

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Wallace Instruments has launched Wallace Instruments West Africa, a new Abidjan-based entity extending the UK materials testing equipment maker’s support for natural rubber producers across the region. The operation places servicing, calibration, spare parts and technical expertise closer to an established West African customer base that depends on Wallace instruments for plasticity, PRI and viscosity testing. The move is intended to shorten turnaround times and foster lasting local relationships.

Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa’s foremost natural rubber producer, ranks among the world’s leading exporters of technically specified rubber (TSR), supplying tyre and rubber product manufacturers globally, including the Americas. Properly maintained and calibrated instruments generate consistent, traceable results at source, strengthening confidence in shipment quality throughout the supply chain.

The Abidjan facility will feature a laboratory and training centre where customers can observe Wallace equipment in action and receive hands-on testing and technical guidance. Technicians trained by Wallace will use OEM calibration kits for fully compliant work, while customs-cleared spare parts stocks will cut lead times. An exclusive local partner will also provide servicing and calibration for other plantation and processing equipment across West Africa.

Chris Norval, Managing Director, Wallace Instruments, said, "Our aim is to bring trusted, traceable quality measurement closer to natural rubber production. Establishing Wallace Instruments West Africa helps our customers maintain reliable testing and strengthen quality control while giving the wider supply chain greater assurance in the test data. We're excited to be building our team locally and look forward to growing with the region."

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