COVID-19 has accelerated the substitution of videoconferencing for business travel. However, little research exists about the decision-making behavior of business travelers considering virtual alternatives. We fill this gap by reconceptualizing the decision-making process and investigating the fundamental choice between face-to-face (FtF) and virtual communication (VC) using an adaptive choice-based conjoint analysis. We argue that the process of decision making of business travelers is distinct to that of leisure travelers, as the fundamental decision between FtF and VC occurs prior to subsequent travel decisions. We show that the purpose of the meeting, the character of the message, and the location of the meeting are the decision attributes of greatest importance. Using a novel methodology we present a holistic decision model that increases the theoretical understanding of business traveler decision-making and provide practitioners with comprehensive insights relevant to travel policy development, and executives in the business travel market with guidance with management decisions.

COVID-19 加速了视频会议对商务旅行的替代。然而，关于考虑虚拟替代品的商务旅行者的决策行为的研究很少。我们通过重新概念化决策过程并使​​用基于自适应选择的联合分析调查面对面 (FtF) 和虚拟通信 (VC) 之间的基本选择来填补这一空白。我们认为，商务旅客的决策过程与休闲旅客的决策过程截然不同，因为 FtF 和 VC 之间的基本决策发生在后续旅行决策之前。我们表明会议的目的、信息的性质和会议地点是最重要的决策属性。