Disruption hits Asian business and corporate travel as LCCs and mobile use become ubiquitous

Corporate travel disruption, evidenced by the spread of mobile apps and use of the sharing economy, is not only impacting on travel managers in the west but it is increasingly being felt in Asia.

A recent McKinsey report on Asian Business Travellers warns that corporate travel in the region is primed for disruption by the same forces as at play in the leisure market.

Asia has long lagged markets like Australia in the adoption of online booking, much to the chagrin of travel managers keen to implement technology as part of their travel policies. However it appears that this obstacle is being overcome, with digital booking channels now more popular than 'traditional' channels - such as calling the travel agent, or booking via a secretary.

McKinsey also reports that travel managers are bracing for a wave of demand for mobile booking for business travel - with Asia on the same path as more mature corporate travel markets.