According to the CWT Connected Traveler Study, half of business travelers from the Americas contact their families when on business trips, more than those from other regions. Only one-third (31%) of travelers from Asia Pacific (APAC) and around a quarter (27%) of Europeans touch base with their families while on the road.
The survey of more than 1,900 business travelers revealed that travelers from the Americas are also more likely to check-in more than once a day (47%), whether by phone, text, email, or other methods, compared with travelers from Europe (37%) and APAC (32%).
* Chinese business travelers are the most likely in Asia Pacific (47%) to stay connected with family while traveling.
* Telephones are the preferred method of communication of Chinese business travelers when connecting with family. 67% of business travelers from China use a phone to reach family back home – compared to the APAC region average of 41%.
* Business travelers from China are more likely (58%) to check-in at home only once a day.
* 76% of Chinese business travelers have missed at least one social event or special occasion in the last year because they were away on a business trip.
* Only 21% of Chinese travelers encountered problems with their home and personal relationships because of business travel – far less than travelers from other APAC countries (39%).
While there were similarities across the Americas, Europe and APAC, the study exposed key differences in the ways and frequency with which business travelers connect with family. For example, European travelers (49%) are more likely to use a phone to communicate with family and friends while traveling compared with 43% of those from the Americas and 41% from APAC.
Conversely, travelers from the Americas (20%) are more likely to text family and friends than those from APAC (17%) or Europe (13%). Regardless of location, CWT’s research revealed that around a quarter of travelers from each region Skype their families.
“While technology continues to evolve, most travelers still favor traditional ways to connect with family and friends,” said Walker. “Digital tools, like video calls, are making it easier for travelers to feel more connected with their family when they’re away.”
