LONDON – WTM 2013 – REPORT: Almost nine out of ten (87%) senior travel and tourism industry executives attending World Travel Market, which takes place in London this week, believe the business model will spread around the world. Europe topped the table of regions where the model is likely to take off (42%), followed by Asia (40%), North America (35%) and UK & Ireland (29%).
LONDON – WTM 2013 – REPORT: The no-frills aviation industry could be poised to introduce a business class service with UK holidaymakers prepared to pay as much as £350 to experience the service, reveals the World Travel Market 2013 Industry Report.
Middle Eastern no-frills carriers are leading the way in low-cost business class travel, with Jazeera Airways introducing a business class in 2009, and in October 2013, Flydubai started its new business class services.
Almost nine out of ten (87%) senior travel and tourism industry executives attending World Travel Market, which takes place in London this week, believe the business model will spread around the world. Europe topped the table of regions where the model is likely to take off (42%), followed by Asia (40%), North America (35%) and UK & Ireland (29%).
The findings come as leading no-frills maverick Ryanair is softening its stance and attempting to charm more business travellers – who make up more than a fifth of its passengers.
Its more customer-friendly approach follows moves by rival low-cost airlines such as easyJet which have made great strides in attracting business travellers as well as holidaymakers.
No-frills business class has also captured the interest of UK holidaymakers with 22% – of the 1,001 holidaymakers polled – willing to pay extra for a seat in a no-frills business class section, providing perks such as extra leg room, free refreshments, speedy boarding and allocated seats.
A further four out of ten (39%) say they might be prepared to foot the bill, depending on the costs. The no-frills carrier may introduce the service quicker, as UK holidaymakers say they will pay up to £350 for low-cost business travel.
Reed Travel Exhibitions, Senior Director, World Travel Market, Simon Press said: “Budget airlines around the world are adapting their business models to keep up with consumer demands. Many have already been successful in wooing business travellers, but it would appear UK holidaymakers are now interested in some extra perks when flying.
“This ‘hybrid’ trend allows them to poach more passengers from the traditional carriers but they must watch out for their full-frills rivals adopting low-cost concepts.”
Photo caption: Flydubai Business Class.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
