Experts say demand for “green” business travel is growing - really?

According to this news item, demand for "green" travel amongst business travellers is increasing:

Demand is growing for “green” services in business travel, a panel of experts told more than 225 travel managers and suppliers gathered in Toronto last week at a two-day conference sponsored by the National Business Travel Association (NBTA) Canada.

Panelist Michelle White, Director of Environmental Affairs for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, said many organizations’ requests for proposals (RFPs) for business travel agreements now include questions about what the chain is doing to mitigate its carbon footprint. Meeting planners, too, are looking to "green" their events, she said.

Call me an old cynic (no, really, I don't mind) but it doesn't particularly ring true with what I see - and if there is a mention of green issues anywhere, I often have the feeling it's only lip service being paid.

Then again, this meeting was held in Canada, and they do things differently - and often better - over there...

10 Business Travel Tips

1. Don't expect to get anywhere on time. Accept delays as the rule rather than the exception - you'll live longer.
2. Always print out and keep the confirmation of your seat booking just in case a computer goes down.
3. Whatever else you forget, don't forget your passport, cash/cards and medicine.
4. Always take your laptop as hand luggage, never check it into the hold.
5. If you're carrying or planning to buy anything which might break or leak, use a sealable bag. Take one with you anyway even if you have no plans to use it, you might make an unexpected purchase.
6. Take dark clothes, they'll look cleaner longer.
7. Tie something colourful around your bag or bag handle so it's easier to spot on the carousel.
8. Use Skype, and make sure your account has sufficient funds before you leave.
9. Take a network (Ethernet) cable with you, don't rely on the hotel having one.
10. If you have the opportunity to recharge your phone or laptop while waiting somewhere, do so.
    

Bias and discrimination - your thoughts as a business traveller

The Seattle time recently ran an interesting article about various forms of bias in the travel industry. Here's an excerpt:

Kathleen Anderson was the only woman in business class on a recent Northwest Airlines flight from Düsseldorf, Germany, to Chicago. And it cost her. A flight attendant waited until she had taken all the other meal orders before asking Anderson what she wanted for dinner. By then, only one entree choice was available. Later, the same attendant offered her mixed nuts in a shot glass, while the men were given their snacks in a larger bowl. "I sat there wondering, 'Is this the way women are normally treated in World Business Class on Northwest?' " she remembers...

What are your thoughts and experiences? Have you been discriminated against as a business traveller on grounds of race, age, sex, sexuality, disability or some other "reason"? Please let us know by leaving a comment.