Overwhelmingly, Business Travelers 'Living With' Higher Fuel Costs' According to the Results of Latest Safe Harbors Travel Group Survey

BALTIMORE, April 24, 2006 - Soaring fuel prices -- from the gas pump to pass-along costs -- have not changed the way businesses budget for business travel according to a new online survey conducted by Safe Harbors Travel Group, Inc. (www.SafeHarbors.com), a national leader in travel management services.

More than 4,250 business managers and travelers were queried for the online survey which asked, "How are increased travel costs as a result of higher fuel costs affecting your 2006 travel budget?"

Some two-thirds of the respondents - 65% in all - said their budgets would stay the same, while 29% said they would increase budgets to accommodate fuel surcharges. The remainder - only 6% - said they would decrease travel budgets, even in the face of higher prices.

"It's business as usual for most business travel," said Jay Ellenby, president and CEO of Safe Harbors Travel Group. "Without too many choices, business travelers are living with higher costs, from gas to get to the airport and continuing right along to higher air fares and taxi surcharges."

"Our survey showed two-thirds of the respondents are holding fast on travel budgets. Our clients are economizing and adjusting where possible without sacrificing business needs and convenience," Mr. Ellenby said. "With 94% holding or adding to their budgets, the importance of business travel - even at today's fuel-related increased costs - remains at a very high priority."

"We may never see a return to truly lower fuel prices," Mr. Ellenby said, "nor do we expect to see a measurable reduction in business travel. At Safe Harbors, we work daily with smart and resourceful business people who seek and demand value. Now, more than ever, we are working to ensure the viability of their businesses by providing cost-effective business travel."

 

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