Business Travel Expenses Falling.

• Position: Brief Article - Statistical Data Included

Companies have been trimming travel budgets in the faltering economy, and overall business travel costs will decrease 7 percent during 2002, predict the travel experts at Runzheimer International. The Rochester, Wis.-based management consulting firm bases its forecast on the weighted average of the four major business travel cost components: airfares, lodging, meals and car rentals.

"The main reason overall business travel costs will drop is that companies will operate with both fewer trips and lower-scale suppliers on the ground and in the air, as well as for sleeping accommodations,"...