RALEIGH -- In a recent survey of business-focused travel agents, nearly 40% of respondents predicted that business clients will travel more in 2014 than last year. Pam Seagle, an agent at Travel Leaders in High Point, says business people realize the human element can sometimes still make a difference.

Seagle says, "I believe that the economy, because of the fact that it's coming back, and that business people realize that face time is all important. You can do so much by phone or by e-mail, but sitting down across from somebody is just something you can't take for granted."

Seagle says she believes that US Airways, soon to be American Airlines, offering direct flights in and out of Charlotte as well as the draw of the Research Triangle will lead to an increased presence of business travelers in North Carolina.