
Business travel to rise in 2025 amid challenges, says GBTA
The business travel industry anticipates an active and productive year in 2025, despite ongoing economic and geopolitical challenges, according to the first Business Travel Outlook Poll of the year by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA).
Findings from the poll show a positive trajectory for business travel, with nearly half of travel buyers (48%) expecting an increase in business trips, and 57% anticipating higher travel spending compared to the previous year.
"As business travel continues to evolve, travel professionals must navigate a landscape shaped by technology transformation, geopolitical factors and sustainability imperatives," said Suzanne Neufang, CEO of GBTA. "The year's first poll underscores an optimistic yet measured approach as companies balance growth with strategic investments in innovation, workforce needs and sustainability efforts."
The poll, which is in its 36th edition, gathered responses from approximately 800 business travel professionals worldwide. The data provides insights into the trends, challenges, and future expectations for the industry.
In 2024, business travel saw significant gains, with 71% of travel buyers reporting an increase in bookings. This surpassed the predictions made in the GBTA's January 2024 Outlook Poll, where 60% of buyers expected an increase in travel.
Spending on business travel also rose, with 77% of buyers noting an increase, compared to the 67% who had anticipated this at the start of 2024.
Regionally, differences were observed with North America experiencing considerable growth. 81% of travel buyers in North America reported an increase in spending. Meanwhile, Asia Pacific led in travel spend growth, with 78% of buyers noting a higher volume of trips.
Looking ahead to 2025, expectations for business travel spending are generally positive across regions. In the Asia Pacific, 63% of travel buyers plan to increase spending, followed by 57% in North America. European buyers are more cautious, with 37% expecting increased trip volume, though 50% foresee higher spending.
In terms of travel types, sales and account management trips are forecasted to make up over a quarter (27%) of company travel spending. Internal company meetings, conferences, trade shows, and service trips are also significant components.
The poll indicates companies are being selective in business travel decisions, though they continue to focus on technology, AI integration, sustainability, and workforce-related efforts.
AI incorporation in travel programmes remains slow, with only 34% of buyers planning significant implementation this year. A notable portion, 30%, are considering changing their Travel Management Company (TMC) due to technology and service quality concerns, including issues with NDC bookings.
Environmental sustainability remains a key focus, with 33% of buyers anticipating increased investment in sustainable travel practices, particularly within Asia Pacific and Europe.
Despite the anticipated growth, hiring in the travel sector shows a mixed outlook. Only 16% of travel buyers intend to expand staff, although 41% of travel suppliers and TMCs plan to hire more employees.
Remote work continues to be a point of divergence, as nearly half of supplier/TMC respondents (47%) identified it as a barrier to hiring, given the contrast between workforce preferences and employer policies.
Remote work policies are evolving, with stricter office attendance requirements being implemented by some companies. However, hybrid work models remain prevalent, especially in Europe.
The survey collected 786 responses from global travel buyers, suppliers, and industry professionals across various regions in late January. These findings contribute to the ongoing series of GBTA's Business Travel Industry Outlook surveys, revealing key trends and expectations for 2025.