Professionals in the business travel sector are looking ahead to a promising 2025, according to the Global Business Travel Association’s (GBTA) first Business Travel Outlook Poll for the year. Despite ongoing concerns about the economy, geopolitical issues, and technology-driven changes, the results reveal an overall positive outlook. Nearly half (48%) of travel buyers expect their companies to book more business trips in 2025, with 57% predicting higher travel spending this year.
The poll also highlights key industry developments, including the adoption of New Distribution Capability (NDC), technology and AI integration, and corporate sustainability efforts. The findings suggest that the industry is evolving, with an emphasis on innovation, inclusivity, and adaptability.
“As business travel continues to change, professionals must navigate challenges such as technological transformation, geopolitical instability, and sustainability goals,” said Suzanne Neufang, CEO of GBTA. “This first poll of the year shows a balanced approach, as companies aim for growth while making strategic investments in innovation, workforce needs, and sustainability.”
The 36th edition of the poll gathered responses from nearly 800 business travel professionals around the world, offering valuable insights into the trends, challenges, and expectations shaping the global business travel landscape.
Reflecting on 2024: Strong Growth in Business Travel
2024 proved to be a strong year for business travel, with 71% of travel buyers reporting an increase in company bookings compared to 2023. This exceeded the earlier projections in GBTA’s January 2024 Outlook Poll, where 60% of travel buyers had expected a rise in business travel. Spending also increased more than expected, with 77% of buyers reporting higher company expenditures in 2024. This was a notable increase from the anticipated 67% of buyers expecting higher spending at the beginning of the year.
Regional Growth in 2024
North America led the charge in 2024, with 81% of travel buyers in the region reporting an increase in business travel spending. The Asia Pacific (APAC) region also saw significant growth, with 78% of buyers reporting more trips compared to 2023, including 30% who saw a notable rise in travel.
Looking Ahead to 2025: Positive Expectations for Growth
Business travel spending predictions for 2025 are optimistic, with 48% of buyers expecting more trips and 57% anticipating increased spending compared to 2024. APAC travel buyers are the most optimistic, with 63% planning to spend more this year. North American buyers follow closely at 57%.
However, European travel buyers are more cautious. Only 37% expect increased trip volume, the lowest of any region. Half of European buyers (50%) predict higher spending, while nearly one in five (19%) foresee a decrease in travel volume in 2025.
In North America, 50% of travel buyers are optimistic about the volume of trips, planning to send employees on “more” or “a lot more” business trips this year.
Top Areas of Business Travel Spending
Sales and account management trips are expected to account for 27% of business travel spending, followed by internal company meetings (21%), conferences and trade shows (14%), and service trips (13%).
Industry Trends and Challenges for 2025
Despite the expected growth in business travel, companies remain focused on controlling costs and making selective travel decisions. The integration of technology and AI continues to be a priority, while corporate sustainability and workforce-related policies are shaping travel strategies. Hybrid work is still the dominant model for many companies, especially those buying travel, but stricter return-to-office policies are expected in 2025.
As business travel continues to adapt, the industry is positioning itself for an innovative and sustainable future, balancing growth with careful planning and strategic investments.
Related topics:
- Inbound Tourism Sees Significant Growth Amid Relaxed Visa Policies
- HK Express Revives Daily Flights to Ishigaki, Japan, Offering Easy Access to Okinawa’s Tropical Paradise
- TripGenie Celebrates Two-Year Anniversary, Expands AI Features for Smarter Travel Assistance
