MUMBAI: Over 78% Indians are eager to recommence business trips, which is higher than the global average, according to the findings of a study commissioned by SAP Concur, which offers integrated travel, expense, and invoice management solutions to businesses.
The study collected responses from 3850 business people in 25 markets, globally. It found that like their global counterparts, over 84% Indian business persons worry that not travelling for work will make it difficult to develop and maintain business connections (59% in India compared to 45% globally), it won't advance their careers (43% compared to 33% globally) and they would make less money (40% compared to 38% globally).
"Respondents to the survey carried out in India, Singapore, Malaysia, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand believe that the current travel hiatus is hurting their careers − by impeding their business goals and personal lives," it said.
"While professionals are eager to restart in-person meetings soon − they also want greater control over how they will travel, so that their safety and health can be better safeguarded amidst the pandemic," it added.
On the business front, Indian respondents worry that if their organization does not increase business travel, it will be difficult to sign new deals (47%), build new relationships (41%) and renew contracts with existing clients (43%). Overall, in the APAC region, 9% are afraid their business will shut down, and 14% worry that they will lose their jobs, it said.
