Poll Reveals Rising Optimism and New Patterns in Business Travel Industry

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) has released its latest findings, indicating a resurgence in optimism among business travel professionals. Despite ongoing challenges such as anticipated decreases in travel volume and revenue for 2025, the industry is adapting to new travel patterns and technologies. The poll highlights the resilience of the sector while underscoring the need for strategic planning to navigate external pressures and policy changes.

Rising Optimism in Business Travel

The GBTA’s recent poll reveals a significant increase in optimism among business travel professionals, with 43% expressing a positive outlook for the remainder of 2025. This marks a notable rise from 28% in June, indicating renewed confidence as the industry approaches the end of the year. Canadian respondents, in particular, have shown a substantial increase in optimism, with 54% feeling positive compared to just 23% in June. However, this optimism remains lower than levels seen in November 2024.

Challenges Impacting Business Travel

Despite the positive sentiment, business travel continues to face challenges, particularly due to recent U.S. government actions. Approximately 35% of global buyers anticipate a decline in their company’s travel volume in 2025, with an expected average decrease of 19%. Similarly, 30% predict a reduction in travel spending. The outlook for business travel revenue is slightly more optimistic, with 37% of global travel suppliers expecting an impact, an improvement from 48% in June.

Shifting Travel Patterns and Policies

The GBTA poll highlights evolving travel patterns, with a shift towards longer, multi-stop trips. Nearly 39% of travel buyers report an increase in linked trips, while 33% have observed longer trip durations. Additionally, premium economy bookings are on the rise, particularly in the EMEA region. Travel policies are tightening around short-term rentals, with 57% of corporate travel programs prohibiting platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.

Blended Travel and Accessibility Challenges

Blended travel, combining business and leisure, is gaining traction, with 43% of travel programs having defined policies for such trips. This trend is linked to improved employee satisfaction and work-life balance. However, challenges persist in ensuring traveler accessibility, with only 18% of travel managers reporting that they provide extensive accommodations for travelers with accessibility needs. Limited awareness and booking complexity remain significant barriers to growth.

Embracing Artificial Intelligence in Business Travel

The adoption of agentic AI is accelerating within the industry, with nearly half of suppliers and TMC professionals experimenting with autonomous AI. The primary applications include customer service, traveler personalization, and automated itinerary planning. However, concerns about data privacy and integration with existing systems remain prevalent among industry stakeholders.

Conclusion

The GBTA’s findings indicate a cautious optimism within the business travel industry as it navigates evolving patterns and challenges. While confidence is rebounding, strategic planning is essential to address external pressures and policy shifts. The industry’s adaptation to new technologies and travel behaviors will be crucial in shaping its future trajectory.

Access the full GBTA Poll results.