Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) says it is witnessing strong growth across the industry, despite the unpredictable economic environment.

The company stated the same as it announced record performance in 2011. Sales volume, at US$28 billion, grew by 15.2 percent compared to 2010 (US$24.3 billion) and the number of transactions managed by CWT increased by 7.2 percent year on year to reach 61.9 million.

Growth

CWT grew most in Asia Pacific, where transactions increased by 18.5 percent year on year, Latin America increased by 12.7 percent, North America by 5.2 percent and EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) up by 6.2 percent.

Referring to the drivers of its growth, the company mentioned that it retained over 96 percent of its existing client-base, it won US$2.2 billion in new business and acquired three companies in Kaleva Travel, Centenial Group and Net Tours.

Moreover, growth was not limited to the traditional areas of business travel but also included CWT’s specialised areas of expertise: the company’s consulting arm, CWT Solutions Group, CWT Energy Services and CWT Meetings & Events.

UK results

CWT UK supported the growth of the company’s overall achievements, with a six percent increase in turnover from the previous year, totalling £1.19b. UK transactions were down slightly from the previous year, by 1.9 percent, due to public sector downtrading.

“CWT UK’s great performance in 2011 makes it a record year, surpassing 2008 levels, which were the strongest in business travel records,” said Patrick Anderson, executive vice president, UK & Ireland, Nordics and Eastern Europe. “2012 has its own set of challenges for the industry and things are still fragile, however we are encouraged by trading in the first few months that business travel continues to be a bellwether of gradual economic improvement.”

Mobile

One of the highlights during the year was the release of its mobile app, CWT To Go. The app, available on popular smartphone platforms worldwide, gives travellers fingertip access to their travel details and essential information. If a flight is cancelled, delayed, or has a gate change, travellers automatically receive alerts on their mobile devices keeping them informed and allowing them to adjust their plans accordingly.

Travellers can also access other relevant information related to their trip, including mobile check-in, destination weather and local dining information.