Although a high degree of economic uncertainty remains, industry prognosticators in recent weeks came up with roughly similar estimates--with exceptions--for 2010 business travel rates and fares. American Express Business Travel, BCD Travel and Carlson Wagonlit Travel generally agreed that, worldwide, airfares would increase moderately, whereas hotel rates would continue their decline into next year.
Over the rest of 2009 and all through 2010, corporations are expected to increase travel. The rebound will push the volume upwards, but it is expected that corporations will be very vigilant that prices remain low. This is a first slice of the new reality, a trend that Travolon baptized “The New Normal” some months ago.
AmericanExpress released its 2010 Global BusinessTravel Forecast. The industry leader in business travel expects a pent up need for travel and meetings to be unleashed in 2010, after a prolonged period of weak demand and price pressure.
American Express estimates that prices all through the various travel products will show light increases. Although demand will be strong for all travel products including air travel, hotel stays and meeting infrastructure, the crisis has made most companies even more price-conscious and budget focused than before the economical downturn. So 2010 will be a challenging year. Pressure will be on all sales and revenue teams to combine the search for market share with sound pricing tactics.
Although a high degree of economic uncertainty remains, industry prognosticators in recent weeks came up with roughly similar estimates--with exceptions--for 2010 business travel rates and fares. American Express Business Travel, BCD Travel and Carlson Wagonlit Travel generally agreed that, worldwide, airfares would increase moderately, whereas hotel rates would continue their decline into next year. 
AmericanExpress