In a study of the growth of social media and the impact on business travel, CWT said that younger, savvier and more socially connected Gen Y travellers offer a unique insight into the way business travel is likely to evolve in its use of mobile technology.

“They are much more positively pre-disposed to using technology when travelling for business,” says Matt Carracher, Director Products and Online Services, CWT Asia Pacific.

Interestingly, of the younger set, 34% said that the technology provided by their employers was “not so good”, while Baby Boomers rated theirs technology as being “good” or “excellent”.”

The report findings show that social media has changed the face of business travel.

A total of 82% of respondents cited ‘social contact’ as the greatest benefit of connectivity whilst travelling. This was made up of staying in touch with family and friends (68%), ensuring work/life balance (39%), enhanced business traveller experience (30%) and increasing personal safety/security while on the road (23%).

In terms of Gen Y business travellers, 64% accessed personal social media when on the road, with females being the heavier users. 

Overall, almost one third of Australian business travellers believe the technology provided by their organisation is average, poor or very poor.

The CWT research reveals that real time alerts (72%), mobile check-in (70%), in-flight WiFi (66%) and mobile paperless boarding passes (62%) are the top four technology innovations that would improve business travellers’ productivity and travel experience.