A livestream host sells children's clothing at an e-commerce business incubator in Linyi, East China's Shandong province, on May 8, 2020 (PHOTO / XINHUA)

The number of business trips made when the coronavirus pandemic ends will never return to the level seen before the outbreak, as the contagion has reshaped communication methods, according to industry insiders.

Jason Yu, general manager of consultancy Kantar Worldpanel China, said the pandemic has grounded business travelers worldwide.

Many businesspeople, even those who had never gone digital before, have moved critical meetings to online platforms, profoundly changing the world of business communication, he said.

"When the pandemic ends, business travel will recover, as face-to-face meetings are still crucial in building relationships and trust with clients. But I think most companies will reduce such travel, as they have started to embrace digital technology for business communication and have realized that these online platforms can be convenient and cost-efficient."

There will definitely be more virtual meetings, and business travel will be reduced, whether for the sake of saving costs or reducing carbon emissions from planes

Jason Yu, general manager of consultancy Kantar Worldpanel China

Yu said online platforms have made great progress with the services they have provided during the pandemic.

For example, in the past, many companies had only tried teleconferencing, but a wide range of digital technology is now available, enabling people to communicate from different places and under various scenarios.

"There will definitely be more virtual meetings, and business travel will be reduced, whether for the sake of saving costs or reducing carbon emissions from planes," he said.

Xu Xiaolei, chief brand officer for China Youth Travel Service, said that before the pandemic, some clients thought they were not valued if they used online platforms for business, but since the contagion emerged, they have readily adopted virtual meetings.

"Moreover, in the past, even a teleconference could be costly for companies," he said.

"However, platforms for virtual meetings have developed fast and have become public products that are easy to use and are cost-efficient. As a tourism service provider, we welcome them and are happy to embrace this new form of communication."

He added that although virtual meetings can never completely replace offline events and face-to-face encounters, after the pandemic, more companies are likely to use such gatherings with clients, rather than resorting to air or rail travel.

"After the pandemic, businesses will continue to embrace new technology and the convenience brought by digital platforms, which will increase working efficiency as well as adding value to companies," he said.

Jon Geldart, director-general of the United Kingdom Institute of Directors, said that when the outbreak ends he will aim to make a similar number of business trips as before, but will also think seriously about using video links with clients he has formed a good relationship with.

"Building future relationships is going to be the most difficult thing to do and I'll be looking to be much more efficient in how I schedule my time and efforts," he added.