As business travel grows, companies trim costs.(Brief Article)

Business travel continues to be big business - but it is also a changing business, according to a study by the National Business Travel Association.

With a weakened global economy, businesses are shying away from international travel, while continuing to do business on a world stage.

When it comes to travel, businesses are becoming more frugal than ever. Most are looking to cut deals with airlines, hotels and car dealers to save themselves money. The strategy appears to be working. Companies are finding lower than standard rates on airline tickets, hotel rooms and rental cars.

That doesn't mean the business travel industry is suffering.

In 1997, for example, American-based corporations spent $165 billion on business travel, including air travel, lodging, car rental, traveler support and administration. …