With the rapidly evolving global landscape and changing corporate travel preferences, the business travel industry is undergoing a significant transformation. HSMAI's Business Futures Forum shared four emerging themes that are shaping the future of business travel:
- Expansion of more autonomous and personalized corporate travel as a great opportunityCompanies that allow employees to organize their own travel don't always receive the attention they need, but they represent a significant space for value creation. Solutions that integrate booking platforms, expense management tools, and AI-based technologies have the potential to transform this area. For example, AI-powered bots can simplify processes like research and booking, while providing data that helps companies better understand their employees' travel habits and preferences.
- Digital transformation in managed travelCompanies are investing in more efficient tools to improve booking, approval, and cost management processes. Technological advances are reshaping centralized corporate travel:
- AI-powered booking tools: They promote faster decisions aligned with company policies, ensuring efficiency and savings.
- Direct folio invoicing: Simplifies payments and increases control over corporate expenses, facilitating audits and tax recovery.
- Continuous rate monitoring: Ensures that negotiated rates or discounts are respected, optimizing costs.
- Huddle Technology: Meets the demands of remote and hybrid teams by offering more effective solutions for smaller meetings.
- The convergence of business and leisure travel: Increased flexibility in remote work has led many corporate travelers to combine business and leisure. Extended trips of six weeks to six months have become common, highlighting the importance of long-stay travel in corporate planning. Furthermore, tools that consider travelers' complete identities—their histories and preferences, both personal and professional—can significantly improve the experience and engagement.
- Sustainability and Responsible TravelConcern for the environment and sustainability is increasingly present in consumer decisions, including those regarding corporate travel. Companies are looking for partners who demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainable practices, such as reducing their environmental impact, engaging with local communities, and transparent reporting on their sustainable practices.
Strengthening business travel
The indicators for corporate travel are optimistic. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, the global business travel market will reach $1.5 trillion, an increase of more than 61% in Q3 compared to five years ago. In the US, the estimated value is $472 billion, 13.4% in Q3 above pre-pandemic levels (unadjusted for inflation).
This recovery is linked to the perception that face-to-face contact is irreplaceable. A Calendly survey of 1,200 business leaders revealed that 811% of event organizers believe in-person meetings provide concrete benefits. According to the 2025 Global Meetings & Events Forecast by American Express Global Business Travel, 661% of event organizers expect an increase in spending on meetings, especially in-person meetings.
These data reinforce the prospect of a promising future for corporate travel.