CWT Announces Strong Performance in 2010

CWT Performance Indicators Show that Business Travel is on the Rise

AMSTERDAM - Wednesday, March 16th 2011 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT), a global leader specialized in helping customers better manage their business travel, announced today that its 2010 sales volume at USD $24.3 billion grew by 13.5 percent compared to 2009. In addition, the number of transactions managed by CWT increased by 11.9 percent in 2010. These key performance indicators demonstrate that global business travel is on the rise and that CWT continues to respond effectively thanks to the expertise of its people and its leading-edge technology.

Asia Pacific leading the way CWT had growth in each region. Asia Pacific led with transactions up 27.7 percent year over year. Latin America grew by 18.4 percent, while North America saw a 12.7 percent increase. EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) experienced a 6.6 percent increase, reflecting slower economic growth in that region.

Retaining clients’ business and new sales CWT was successful in retaining 96 percent of its clients’ business and winning USD $1.8 billion in annualized new sales, excluding renewals.

“Our growth in 2010 was driven by our success in retaining our clients, winning new business and of course, a more favorable economic environment. These excellent results were particularly significant as there were many travel disruptions including heavy snowfalls in Europe and the U.S. and the Iceland volcano eruption,” said Douglas Anderson, president and CEO of Carlson Wagonlit Travel. “2011 will certainly bring more challenges but our global teams are well positioned to continue to serve our clients effectively.”

Expectations for 2011 In 2011, travel buyers will focus on containing travel spend as prices are likely to increase across the main travel areas. Travel buyers will need to ensure their travel programs are operating effectively and efficiently in all areas. According to CWT’s annual Travel Management Priorities survey, top concerns for 2011 include improving traveler compliance, optimizing online adoption, and driving air and ground transportation savings.

For the detailed press release visit our news and media page.

1. Actual sales volume at current exchange rates; includes air, hotel and ground transportation for wholly owned operations and joint ventures 2. Includes air, hotel and ground transportation for wholly owned operations and joint ventures

Contacts

Carlson Wagonlit Travel

Tom X. Scott

Senior Director, Public Relations

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