Prices in most geographic areas and travel categories including air, hotel, rail, car rental and meetings and events are expected to rise next year according to Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT).

According to CWT’s 2012 Travel Price Forecast, prices in most geographic areas and for most categories of spend are expected to rise in 2012, with the most substantial increases to occur in the booming Latin America region.

“Travel buyers in most parts of the world are facing tough negotiations as the landscape increases in complexity. At the same time, economic uncertainty continues in some parts of the world and has resurfaced in others, prompting increasing questions on exactly what 2012 holds in store for organisations and, by extension, for business travel,” said Nick Vournakis, vice president, CWT Solutions Group.

“CWT will keep a close eye on the evolving situation with supplier pricing, and will advise our clients accordingly on how to navigate the challenges and opportunities they are presented with as 2011 concludes and 2012 begins.”

Vournakis added, “CWT is committed to assisting clients worldwide in negotiating and managing their supplier relationships and will continue monitoring the many developments that impact travel, updating forecast projections as necessary to ensure that our clients have the most up-to-date information possible.”

According to the global 2012 Travel Price Forecast released by Carlson Wagonlit Travel, the UK is expected to see some of EMEA’s highest price increases, as it hosts the 2012 Olympic Games. Please see the attachment for specific UK numbers in addition to the regional forecasts below.