Travel buyers in most parts of the world are facing tough negotiations as the landscape increases in complexity, highlighted Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) as it released its 2012 Global Travel Forecast.

According to the company, at the same time, economic uncertainty continues in some parts of the world and has resurfaced in others, prompting increasing questions on exactly what 2012 holds in store for organisations and, by extension, for business travel.

Latin America growing rapidly, creating substantial price increases

Latin America (LATAM) will experience some of the most substantial price increases of any region across the main areas of travel spend, although a closer look reveals disparate conditions by country, with some local economies prospering and others suffering from political uncertainty and economic instability.

• CWT forecasts airline pricing to increase by about 5.8 percent in 2012, with increases in Colombia topping the charts at 7.9-11.4 percent. This is primarily due to rapidly increasing demand and limited supply in the region.
• Average daily hotel rates during the first half of 2012 are expected to increase by 9-11.8 percent, and increase by 10.1-12.2 percent during the second half of the year. Brazil could see increases of more than 24 percent in the first half of 2012 and up to a 34 percent increase during the second half of 2012.

Asia Pacific continues to flourish; prices to increase

The Asia Pacific (APAC) market is thriving, leading the way in many economic indicators and correspondingly, in business travel volumes. However, APAC travel prices will be flatter in 2012 on a quarter-over-quarter basis, given that the region was not as affected by the economic downturn as other parts of the world, and has already been experiencing strong growth rates throughout 2011.

• CWT forecasts airline pricing in APAC to increase by 3.1-3.8 percent in 2012 as a dynamic mix of legacy airlines and a growing group of low-cost carriers compete for travelers, holding down fares in the region.
• Average daily hotel rates in APAC will range from a 1.9 percent decrease to a 2.1 percent increase in the first half of 2012, and a 0.9 decrease to remaining flat for the second half of the year. APAC’s business hubs currently boast the highest occupancy rates in the world, which will present travelers with continued challenges in securing available rooms. Even so, strong supply growth across APAC will keep overall ADR growth in the region more modest than one might expect.
• Car rental rates in APAC will remain relatively flat, ranging from a decrease of 1.7 to an increase of 3.9 percent in 2012 in Australia and New Zealand, two of the primary rental car markets in the region.

North American conditions uncertain, price increases still expected

In 2012, the United States will continue to struggle with high unemployment rates and ongoing effects of the housing crisis that originated during the economic downturn, while Canada’s economy has been and is expected to remain relatively stable.

• CWT forecasts airline pricing in NORAM to increase by 3.5-4.1 percent in 2012, due to suppliers’ disciplined efforts to manage capacity even in the face of demand, ultimately resulting in fuller planes and rising prices overall.
• Average daily hotel rates in the U.S. will modestly increase in 2012, with very limited growth in Canada. As always, rates will vary widely across both countries based on geography and property type. Overall, CWT forecasts a 2.4-3.1 percent increase in the first half of 2012 for the NORAM region, and a 2.6-3.4 percent increase during the second half of the year.
• Car rental in NORAM is highly consolidated with intense competition for the business traveler, which forces suppliers to reduce or keep prices flat to retain corporate clients. Given this, CWT forecasts pricing to range from a 1 percent decrease to a 2.5 percent increase for 2012.
• M&E will continue its steady recovery throughout 2012, with a 1-4 percent increase in average group size for all meeting types, and a 5.5-6.5 percent increase in cost per attendee per day, due to strong demand and limited supply in related travel categories.

Europe, Middle East and Africa expect flatter overall pricing

A tenuous economy throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) is resulting in much flatter overall pricing expectations across the main areas of travel spend for 2012 in this region versus any other.

• CWT forecasts airline pricing in EMEA to increase by 2.1-3.7 percent in 2012, attributing the modest increase to ongoing economic challenges.
• Average daily hotel rates in EMEA will increase slightly in 2012, with a 0.2-0.9 percent increase in the first half of the year and a 0.1-0.8 percent increase during the second half. Rates will vary by market depending on local demand and occupancy rates.
• Car rental and high-speed rail are both viable ground transportation options in EMEA. CWT anticipates rail pricing to increase 3.6-4.2 percent in 2012, and car rental pricing to fluctuate by carrier due to a high level of competition, with the average ranging from a decrease of 1.9 percent to an increase of 2.9 percent.
• For M&E, CWT estimates the cost per attendee per day will decrease by 5-6 percent as more meetings are held domestically rather than internationally, reducing overall costs for attendees. Average group sizes will remain flat or down by as much as 3 percent for the region.