Friday, July 25, 2025
The global business travel industry is set to grow further, with a spending of a robust US$1.57 trillion expected by 2025. This is an all-time high for business travel spending, albeit moderate in comparison to previous years’ growth rates, which each were above 7%, as calculated by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). The business outlook for business travel will stay strong in the long run, though there are headwinds, including trade disputes, political risk, and economic uncertainty.
The increase indicates a gradual return to business travel after the global pandemic knocked it out of whack, as companies have shown they still place value on in-person meetings, conferences, and corporate travel. The GBTA’s most recent report, which surveyed more than 7,300 business travelers worldwide, illuminates how corporate travel behavior is changing, how businesses are adjusting in the midst of the current economy, and how technology is playing a growing role in travel. Here we delve into the forecast and the primary factors driving global business travel growth.
Business Travel Spending Prediction for 2025
GBTA Unveils 17th Annual Business Travel Index Outlook – Annual Global Report & Forecast in Partnership with Rockport Analytics. Business travel will continue to record solid, if unspectacular, growth in 2018, according to the GBTA BTI Outlook – Annual Global Report & Forecast. While the rate at which global spending is projected to increase this year slows down, 2025 will usher in a massive new era, as the industry recovers from a difficult period during the pandemic. The total global market is forecast to grow 6.6% to US$1.57 trillion, despite economic pressures such as trade tensions and policy uncertainties.
The report also recognizes the near-term challenges of inflationary pressures and the rearrangement of global supply chains while projecting an 8.1% growth rate in 2026. They are estimates that global business travel would exceed $2 trillion in 2029, a year later than previously forecast. This anticipated expansion spotlights the strength of the worldwide business travel industry and the necessity of in-person business connections to foster economic and corporate growth.
Changing Trends in Business Travel
There are also a number of trends developing in the industry as the world of business travel changes. One of the key trends described in the report is the increasing belief in the return on investment of business travel. Business travelers should take heart: A study of more than 7,300 road warriors across 33 markets in Europe, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific found that 86% of those surveyed believe their business trips are worthwhile. The specific objectives of these trips differ depending on where you are, though training and meetings are generally considered among the top.
Three in four travelers (74%) indicated they’d taken between one and five trips in the past year. What’s more, more than four in five travelers reported they’re hitting the road for work as frequently (or even more often) as they did in 2019. This suggests that face-to-face meetings are still a priority for businesses in an increasingly digital landscape. And as long as there’s such a thing as the real world, though, an in-person meeting, conference, or networking opportunity continues to be essential to business travel.
Technological Advancements and Spending Growth
The rising spend on business travel is also a reflection of the deeper penetration of technology in the corporate travel space. The GBTA survey also shows average trip spend has increased to US$1,128 from US$834 last year. Part of this flight on behalf of business travelers comes from an increase in spending on new technology that is making booking and travel better for business users.
Certainly, one of the most visible of these technological changes is the widespread acceptance of AI-powered booking apps. Especially in the Asia Pacific, 78% of business travelers are open to artificial intelligence (AI) when organizing their trips, and travel is increasingly becoming automated. This desire, IBM continues, reflects broader movements within business and society, including the growing acceptance of mobile wallets and digital payments, which globally is now used by 64% of business travelers, 72% in the Asia Pacific.
In addition, the rise of corporate card adoption, currently standing at 69 per cent, and the extensive use of expense systems (67 per cent) also demonstrate how the evolution of business travel is becoming more sophisticated. This gives businesses better control over travel budgets, payment technology, and compliance with corporate travel policies. All of this tech is now making it easier, cheaper, and conducive for cloud-based, digital businesses to send their employees on business travel.
Challenges and Prospects for the Future
Although the prospects of business travel are positive, there are significant hurdles that may push back on the growth momentum. You can also find geopolitical tensions, trade policy uncertainty, and inflationary pressures, which could act as speed bumps for future growth. But even with these dangers, the world of business travel will adjust and transform — devising new methods to navigate through an ever-changing global environment.
And as organizations adjust to evolving global supply chains and economic conditions, there is also a greater focus on sustainable business travel. As we work towards reducing carbon footprint, there are multiple companies that are looking into it, but what are the alternatives that they could leverage in finding a solution that does not rob them of the benefits of having a real engagement? The emphasis on sustainability may shape future corporate travel policies as businesses try to balance growth with their environmental obligation.
Final Thoughts
The outlook for worldwide business travel for 2025 and beyond is a rosy one, with estimated overall spending at US$1.57 trillion. Though facing significant competitive and economic headwinds, the core strengths of the global business travel market are clear. Companies still value the importance of in-person meetings and are utilizing today’s technology to enhance the process of travel management and to enhance the traveler experience.
Looking ahead into 2025, business travel will remain key in supporting corporate success and aiding international connections. Still, there are unknowns, and the business travel sector’s ability to pivot and adopt new tech and sustainability practices will be crucial to what the future will look like.
(Source: Global Business Travel Association, Visa, GBTA Business Travel Index Outlook)
