9 Business Travel Trends to Watch in 2025

After a major decline due to the pandemic, business travel is now making a steady return. As we approach 2025, companies have the chance to reimagine business travel.

What will the future of work trips be like? What will the impact of recent experiences be on corporate travel priorities and preferences? How will the travel budgets change? Although there are still uncertainties, experts in the industry have identified several trends for corporate travel that will be prevalent by 2025.

What has changed in recent years with regard to business travel trends?

Business travel is changing, reflecting changes in global economics, the diversity of the workforce, and a move towards sustainability. Travel is becoming global, more inclusive, and more technology-driven. Explore the key trends that have changed professional travel over time.

1. Globalization: Professionals are increasingly travelling abroad, making connections, attending international events and exploring new markets. This highlights the interconnectedness in today’s economic world.
2. Diversity: The demographics of business travellers are changing as more women and minorities join the workforce, emphasising the importance of inclusion.
3. More Sustainable Tourism: Travelers make more environmentally-conscious choices. They choose sustainable options such as carbon offset flights or eco-friendly hotel rooms.
4. Use Technology Technology is crucial to simplifying logistical processes, keeping travellers connected and ensuring seamless continuity of work.
5. The Growth of “Bleisure Travel Professionals are extending their trips to enjoy leisure time.

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9 Global Business Travel Trends of 2025

The way business professionals travel is changing as well. The top global trends that will shape business travel in the year 2025 are summarized below:

1. The demand for business travel is back

By 2024, business travel will reach levels comparable to those seen before the pandemic as companies resume face-to-face meetings and events. According to the GBTA Business Travel Index Outlook Report, business travel expenditures are projected to reach $1.4 billion in 2024 and $1.8 trillion by the year 2027.

In 2024, face-to-face events and meetings took centre stage again, and international business travel grew. We expect this trend to continue in 2025.

2. Bleisure gets bigger: blending business and leisure travel

Business travellers are increasingly looking to combine their business trips with other activities, such as weekend getaways.

This trend is driven largely by the demographic shift towards a younger workforce. The corporate travel dynamics are changing as younger employees seek to combine their work travel with leisure.

The “bleisure trend” offers travelling employees an attractive deal. They can travel on a flexible schedule and have a chance to relax. The hotels benefit from this trend because guests book rooms longer than the duration of their event.

3. Sustainable Development: A Growing Focus

Business travellers and organizations are increasingly aware of the environmental impact they have on the environment and look for environmentally friendly travel options.

Sustainable business travel trends include:

1. Sustainable Hotels
2. Sustainable transport options
3. Travel without paper
4. Updated sustainable travel policies
5. Corporate travel sustainability reports

4. Technology is being used more and more

In the future, technology will be crucial for business travel and will be present in all meetings and events.

Platforms for venue sourcing will allow planners to compare and find the best event spaces without having to visit each one. In 2024, virtual reality and augmented realities (VR/AR), which allow for virtual site tours and training programs, are expected to be more popular in business travel.

Corporate travel management platforms optimize bookings, track travellers, and provide full visibility to companies’ business travel expenses. Businesses will also rely on corporate travel technology to manage logistics, gain insights, ensure duty of care and control costs.

AI and machine learning will be the driving force behind new business travel solutions, which can analyze data and recommend hotels, predict flight delays, and more.

Business travel will continue to be increasingly tech-driven. Innovative solutions in venue sourcing and management, travel planning, trip management, expense reporting, etc., will take centre stage.

5. Secondary markets are growing

The growth of emerging markets in Asia and Africa, particularly Asia, will be a major trend for business travel in 2025.

Global business travel is expected to grow from $711.1 billion in 2021 to $2,997.2 billion by 2030, with a 13.3% compound annual growth rate. This growth will be driven by the rapid expansion of the emerging Asian and African markets.

India, Indonesia, and other Asian countries have emerged as new business travel destinations. To meet this demand, business travel services are increasing their offerings in these markets. Alternative accommodations, such as home rentals, are also growing rapidly to support business travellers.

Companies will need to adapt travel programs and supplier relationships to take advantage of these new regions.

6. Business travellers want connectivity and personalization

Travelers and planners expect personalized experiences when it comes to technology. In an increasingly tech-enabled environment, guests of every age want seamless and innovative digital solutions that simplify travel and personalize their stay.

Booking is the first step. A recent survey found that 80% of respondents said it was essential to book their trips online in this regard. Hotels should allow guests to filter and view amenities and services available at the time of arrival.

76% of travellers worldwide appreciate travel apps that reduce stress and friction. Another 80% of travellers say that integrating personal devices with property technology, such as Wi-Fi and streaming apps, is important.

Travelers want more than just messaging. They also wish for the mobile technology they use every day, such as touchless payment from smartwatches or phones or the ability to tap credit cards. Travelers now demand a personalized experience with connectivity and the ability to use their own devices.

7. Loyalty programs must evolve beyond points to experiences

In 2025, business travellers will be looking for more than simple perks. They want enriching experiences as well as meaningful rewards. Loyalty programmes need to provide real benefits that go beyond simple upgrades and conveniences.

Travelers are looking for rewards that will enhance their experience and make them feel closer to the service provider. They expect practical benefits such as late checkouts or room upgrades. However, the real appeal is in unique experiences. These can range from exclusive events and complimentary services to adding an extra layer of luxury to their trip.

8. Business travel will shift to purposeful, ROI-focused trips

Business travel in 2025 will be more focused on ROI and purpose. Gone are the days of casual trips with a briefcase. Every trip is now carefully evaluated for return on investment and return on expectations. Travel with clear ROI—like closing deals or contracts—will be more easily approved, while relationship-building trips will face more scrutiny.

Travel is more uncomfortable than ever due to staff shortages and issues with the supply chain. Flight delays are also increasing. All of these factors add to travellers’ stress and can undermine their meeting experiences.

Staffing shortages, especially in hotels, can significantly impact the guest experience. Despite industry pressures, hotels will continue to emphasize empathy training and customer service in 2025 to provide exceptional experiences.

Brands that invest in the people they serve and their purpose will breathe new life into business travel. Corporate travel policies will be determined by ROI and the “return on experiences.” Only trips that are worth the time and money will be approved.

9. The importance of wellness for business travellers will increase

Wellness will be a key component of business travel in 2025. Travellers and businesses are now more concerned about their health and immunity than ever before. Services at all price points must provide authentic and holistic wellness services to meet this demand.

Wellness cannot be an afterthought, from destination activities to hotel amenities and safety protocols. The concept of wellness must be integrated into all aspects of the business travel experience.

Companies are recognizing that while safety is still paramount, employees benefit from activities that promote mental health and fun.

What is the future of business travel?

Business travel will continue to grow, but not in the same way as it was a few short years ago. Technological advancements in the business travel industry will force hotels to use tools that streamline their travel operations and reduce friction while also making their programs more sustainable.

Technology will reshape business travel as travellers seek more personalized and flexible options. Travellers will look for flexible options that allow them to make changes to their plans without having to pay high fees. They will also seek experiences that are customized to their needs and preferences.

The future of corporate travel is defined by global, personalized, mobile experiences that prioritize the health, safety and productivity of travellers. In the future, hotels and travel providers who can provide these services to business travellers are likely to be successful.