Final answer:
Saving travel costs and curtailing environmental impacts are pivotal in the shift from business travel to virtual meetings. Technological advancements in telecommunications have made it easier and more efficient to manage business interactions remotely. The environmental benefits, such as reduced air pollution from decreased travel, reinforce the move towards continued virtual engagements in the business world.
Step-by-step explanation:
Saving travel costs and curtailing environmental impacts are significant reasons for virtual meetings displacing business travel. By transitioning to digital communication platforms, organizations can save significantly on expenses that relate to physical transportation - this includes the cost of fuel, vehicle maintenance, and even time spent travelling, which could be otherwise utilized for productivity. Moreover, telecommunications advancements have enabled a plethora of services to be efficiently conducted online, negating the need for physical presence in many business functions.
With the sustainability movement gaining momentum, it is apparent that ecological considerations are becoming increasingly paramount. Studies have shown a substantial decrease in air pollution levels due to reduced travel, underscoring the type of environmental benefit that can be derived from a shift towards virtual interactions. Given these advantages, alongside developments in technology that allow for high-quality virtual experiences, there is a strong argument for the continuance of this trend even beyond the necessities imposed by situations like the COVID-19 pandemic.