American Express Business Travel has released its annual China Business Travel Barometer at the third American Express China Business Travel Forum (CBTF). Taking a detailed look at one of the fastest growing business travel markets in the world, the Barometer includes information from 230 Chinese and foreign companies in six key industries in Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou. The Barometer provides a glimpse into the 2008 Chinese market and companies? T&E management practices as the increasing development of business and trade in China and within Asia Pacific drives up business travel expenses. Some of the most interesting findings include:• More than half of the companies surveyed (53 percent) expect an increase in business travel expenses in 2008. • Almost half of the companies surveyed are using a travel agency for business travel, compared to 34 percent in 2006. • The number of companies using online tools to book business travel via the internet increased 24 percentage points (61 percent this year, up from 37 percent last year). • Nearly half (46 percent) of companies surveyed experienced an increase in their T&E budgets, an 18 percent point increase over last year?s 28 percent finding. • Almost half (47 percent) of companies surveyed have a compliance rate above 50 percent, up from 28 percent of companies last year.