Business Travel: Trend Analysis and Future Forecasts

In 2024, the global business travel industry experienced strong growth. According to the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) report, 86% of business travel buyers and suppliers stated that corporate travel met or exceeded expectations. However, over the next 15 years, the industry will undergo significant changes driven by sustainability, technology, evolving work models, and geopolitical dynamics 

The report highlights key trends: 

 Sustainability as a new priority 

• Companies are integrating sustainable travel policies, favoring eco-friendly destinations like Amsterdam and Copenhagen.
• Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and environmental impact scores will influence corporate bookings.
• Rail and electric transport are increasingly replacing short-haul flights, as seen in France. 

Technology as an alternative to physical travel 

• AI, virtual reality, and blockchain are transforming travel management.
• Virtual meeting platforms like Google and Logitech enhance remote collaboration, reducing the need for business trips. 
• The adoption of electric aircraft and autonomous vehicles could cut travel time and costs. 

Evolution of work models 

• Companies are revising travel strategies to align with new work trends.
• Corporate retreats and team-building events are becoming more frequent, while training trips are concentrated in centers of excellence.
• The trend is shifting towards fewer but more targeted and extended business trips. 

The influence of geopolitical and demographic dynamics 

• Expansion into emerging markets in Asia and Africa will drive an increase in business travel.
• An aging population in developed countries may lead to fewer corporate trips.
• Companies may limit travel to high-risk areas, instead prioritizing the hiring of local talent. 

At Twissen, we observe business travel is rapidly evolving under the influence of sustainability and technological innovation. Companies must balance reducing their environmental impact while maintaining global connections. The future of the industry will depend on the ability to integrate sustainable and technological solutions to ensure efficiency and productivity.  

Giorgia Sartorato