Global Business Travel Faces Decline Amid U.S. Policy Changes

The Global Business Travel Association’s latest poll reveals a decline in business travel optimism for 2025, driven by U.S. government actions affecting travel volume, spending, and revenue.

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) recently released a poll highlighting the ongoing impact of U.S. government actions on the global business travel industry. The findings indicate a shift in the 2025 outlook for business travel volume, spending, and revenue, with significant concerns about costs, traveler safety, and meeting decisions.

Supplier Revenue Concerns

The poll reveals a growing concern among global travel suppliers regarding revenue. Almost half (48%) of suppliers anticipate a drop in business travel revenue, with an average decline of 17%. This marks an increase from 37% in April, with lodging suppliers being the most affected, as over half (58%) expect revenue decreases. The divergence in spending and revenue outlooks underscores the challenges faced by suppliers amid the current geopolitical landscape.

Business Travel Volume and Spending Outlook

The outlook for business travel volume and spending remains uncertain. One-third of buyers (34%) expect a decline in the number of business trips taken by their companies in 2025 due to U.S. government actions. International travel is more vulnerable, with 49% of respondents anticipating declines compared to 23% for domestic travel. The anticipated average decreases are 19% for international and 21% for domestic travel. Meanwhile, the spending outlook remains relatively consistent, with 31% of buyers expecting declines in business travel expenditures.

Regional and Sectoral Optimism

Optimism within the business travel sector is muted, both globally and regionally. Industry optimism has declined to 28%, down from 31% in April, and significantly lower than the 67% recorded in November 2024. The decline is particularly notable in the Asia Pacific region, where optimism has dropped to 27% from 40% in April. While buy-side corporate travel manager optimism remains steady, supplier and travel management company optimism has decreased to 27% from 36% in April.

Safety, Budget, and Travel Willingness Concerns

Concerns about safety, budgets, and employee willingness to travel are increasing. Higher travel costs and administrative burdens remain the top long-term concerns, cited by 55% and 47% of respondents, respectively. However, concerns about safety and duty of care have risen to 46%, while border detentions are a concern for 31% of respondents. Budget cuts and decreased willingness of non-U.S. employees to travel to the U.S. have also increased.

Meeting Cancellations and Relocations

U.S. government actions have led to an increase in meeting cancellations, relocations, and shifts to virtual formats. From April to July, there has been a rise in global travel buyers canceling U.S.-based meetings (18%) and events (17%), relocating meetings (13%) and events (12%) outside the U.S., and shifting meetings or events online (24%).

Exploring New Trade Partnerships

In response to U.S. policy changes, one-third (35%) of non-U.S.-based industry professionals report that their organizations are seeking new trade partners or vendors outside the U.S. Europe and the Asia-Pacific region are the top destinations for companies exploring new trade partnerships, with 70% and 53% of respondents, respectively, indicating interest in these regions.

Personal Impact of U.S. Policy Changes

The impact of U.S. policy changes is also personal for many in the industry. One in five travel buyers globally (18%) report that employees have declined U.S.-based business trips due to concerns related to U.S. government actions. Additionally, over a third of global respondents (35%) now personally know someone whose travel has been affected by these policy changes, up from 23% in April.

The GBTA’s July 2025 poll, conducted from June 16–27, includes responses from 951 global travel buyers, suppliers, and other industry professionals across various regions. The findings underscore the ongoing challenges and uncertainties faced by the business travel industry amid evolving U.S. policies.

Access these links to view the complete GBTA July 2025 poll results and key highlights.