The Internet, e-mail, videoconferencing, and other communications technologies have cut the need to travel, but the rapid growth of business in the global economy has increased it.

According to a U.K. survey by Barclaycard, the number of flights per business traveler is expected to increase by 12% by 2015. The main reason given is the increased expansion of businesses both domestically and overseas, thanks to enlargement of the European Union and the opening of China’s economy.

Meanwhile, communication technologies will continue to help organizations avoid unnecessary travel: Use of videoconferencing by staff members will increase to 50% by 2015, compared with 26% now, according to the survey.