Why are Business Travelers Important to the Tourism Industry?

India has set the world abuzz with its status of being one of the fastest-growing economies at a time of slowing global economic growth and soaring unemployment. This can be vouched by the fact that the country has earned various international accolades such as being in the club of the top 100 elite economies of the world in terms of the Ease of Doing Business, a survey conducted by the prestigious international organization World Bank.

With a favorable demographic dividend, a young workforce, the availability of plenty of venture capital, supportive flagship policies of the government like Make in India and an investor-friendly regulatory framework, the country has the suitable conditions for MNCs to start their operations in India. In fact, if numbers are to be believed, a significant chunk of travelers in India are business travelers. These travelers play a significant role not only in shaping the economy of the country but also in molding the country’s tourism industry. This blog explores the contribution of business travelers in bolstering the tourism industry.

First and foremost, a lot of these business travelers belong to a fairly affluent background as companies send their representative's officials situated at the higher echelons of power and who occupies a position high up in the occupational ladder. Wielding power and possessing economic and cultural capital, a significant proportion of these visitors are able to shell money on the items in a hotel, such as an extravagant painting from the hotel exhibition.

Secondly, business tourism gives a boost to the country’s transportation sector, which is the linchpin for the mushrooming of the tourism industry. Thus, it entails the involvement of airlines, railways and the road sector, generating jobs for an array of professionals such as automobile engineers, pilots, and cabin crew, the pantry staff of an airplane or a train and so forth.

Thirdly, it may so happen that a business meeting happens in a city different from the one where the official is currently dwelling. The tourist who is putting up in this city might choose to extend his stay for an enhanced tourist experience. Or, he may come back to visit the same city in the future with his family, thereby generating business for the travel and hospitality sector.

Fourthly, unlike other events such as wedding ceremonies or festive parties, business tourism is not a seasonal activity. This activity goes on throughout the year, come what may. This acts as a catalyst to support the tourism and hospitality sector and constitutes as a staple part of its economy.

Thus, there’s a direct correlation between business tourism and the tourism industry.