Average lead-in times for business travel bookings have dropped from 13 days to 10 days year-on-year as corporates book later and cheaper, according to the latest data from hotel distribution provider Hotelzon.

Hotelzon’s statistics - which come from agents and corporates around the world for activity between January and April 2012 - show there has been a reduction on average in lead times for business travel, along with a weakening of rates. Edinburgh in particular saw a dramatic reduction, with lead times decreasing by 18.75 per cent to 15 days, while lead times in Birmingham reduced 14.3 per cent to 12 days.

The statistics showed average room rates for bookings made one day prior to arrival stood at €119.04 (£95), while accommodation booked 16-24 days ahead was priced slightly higher at €121.71 (£97). Rates had also decreased overall since last year - prices in Edinburgh, London and Manchester had all decreased, with an average rate reduction of 5.5 per cent in the UK.

Jani Kaskinen, CEO of Hotelzon, said: “Our rates are based purely on transactions made by business travel agents and corporate clients alike, and therefore give one of the best indications of the reality of the business accommodation market. The reporting corporates are clearly still tightening their purse strings and making sure that their business travel is absolutely necessary.

"It will be interesting to see the next data set for the UK in particular, and to see the effects of the Olympic and Paralympic Games on the capital and the other cities in the UK.”

Pictured: Jani Kaskinen