Among the 1,400 respondents from 14 economies in Europe, North America, Latin America and Asia, 91 percent expect to either maintain or increase their business travels during 2003.

These respondents, who accepted interviews via telephone in August this year, have completed at least one business trip outside their home economy over the previous 12 months and they took about 8.5 business trips during that period.

The survey reveals that most business travelers around the world feel safe while traveling.

Eighty-eight percent said they feel very or fairly comfortable about their safety and security when flying while the rest are not very or not at all comfortable.

"Experienced travelers have seen stepped-up and stricter security measures for air travel," said Mark Webb, a senior executive of the American Express.

(Xinhua News Agency October 25, 2002)