Whilst domestic business travel has maintained a steady rate of growth over the last few years, due to the strength of the economy, the outbound market has experienced somewhat of a slump. However, the market returned to growth in 2004, and in 2005 exceeded 2001 levels. The downturn in the global economy is the main driver for the slump and the renewed business confidence in major markets such as the US has led the return to growth.

This report seeks to discover whether the market is close to recovery and to what degree it has adopted the drive towards cost-cutting, budget orientated travel so prominent in the leisure sector in recent years. From the travellers point of view in this climate, how are the relative values of service and punctuality determined?

As the travel market continues to develop and diversify, what is the potential to combine business and leisure on these trips through extended stays and invitations to partners, friends and family?