'Signs of recovery' in business travel market

There are "signs of recovery" in the business travel market, according to an expert on the sector.

Christophe Peymirat, UK managing director at corporate travel management firm Egencia, said that the economic conditions have taken their toll on the industry but the revival is expected to begin soon.

An upturn in demand for business travel could be recorded as soon as April or May next year, said Mr Peymirat.

"We would expect to see the market begin growing within six months of the end of economic recession and globally, we're hearing that quarter two in 2010 will see a recovery in travel demand," he commented.

The comments follow a report from American Express which indicated that fares for business class flights could increase next year as a result of ongoing demand for international travel and reduced airline capacity.

A spokesman for the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing recently promoted the emirate as a corporate travel destination, describing it as "the ideal gateway" for companies looking to expand in the Middle East.

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