And corporate travel, with its associations of plush hotels, first-class flights and exotic destinations, can strike an inappropriate note.

ECONOMIST: Business travel

Pol says he put up "several hundred thousand dollars" organizing tests for workers in Dubai, New Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai, conceding that he flew first-class and stayed in nice hotels.

FORBES: Magazine Article

"Whilst we're in the middle of a recession it's disgusting to know that public officials are flying first class, staying in the most expensive hotels, eating in the best restaurants - all at the swipe of the Welsh credit card, " Ms Williams said.

BBC: Civil servants' ?750k cards bill

Older hotels have gone through redefining facelifts while newer hotels come equipped with first-class gyms and spas, spacious workstations and swimming pools.

BBC: The evolution of airport hotels: From staid to stylish

For some time now Lufthansa's first-class passengers, and guests at German luxury hotels, have been offered organic food.

ECONOMIST: Wholesome food, unwholesome profits

Some Daimler executives routinely travelled first class to get to meetings, or stayed at top-flight hotels over weekends.

ECONOMIST: The DaimlerChrysler emulsion