The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Foundation released its Global Business Traveler Study for 2012, according to a May 9 announcement.

The study reveals differences between managed travelers — those who operate under managed programs and must use the providers or agencies chosen by their company — and unmanaged travelers, or those without any stated company guidelines.

In the U.S., 21% of travelers are under mandated travel programs. Nearly half, or 47%, fall in between or “under guidelines,” in which they may have to follow policies but are only encouraged to use preferred providers, or they may be encouraged to follow policies but have to use preferred providers.

Travelers participating in mandated programs are significantly “less successful” with their business travel than those who are less managed or not managed at all, states the press release. Travelers under a mandated program are reported to sacrificing their personal life and comfort to stay in budget, whereas travelers “under guidelines” are more comfortable and successful during their trips because of the flexible structure.

The study also found that on average, 67% of business travelers are visiting new destinations, although traveling mainly domestic. Thirty-three percent of business trips are used for meetings with colleagues, whereas as 18% is for sales, 21% is for training and industry conferences and 9% is for other uses. Business travelers around the world tend to be college educated, 42 years old on average and two-thirds male, according to the study.

“Understanding the individual needs of the business travelers will help companies develop tactics that keep travelers productive and motived,” said Michael W. McCormick, GBTA executive director and COO. “Our hope is that this study will be used to inform the industry and guide marketing strategies and new product development to meet the needs of road warriors.”

They study is based off a survey of 1,788 business travelers in the U.S., Canada, Australia and India. It was sponsored by Concur, a provider of integrated travel and expense management services.

A full report is available exclusively to GBTA members. Non-members can purchase this study through the GBTA Foundation Website.