The global business travel sector is entering a pivotal phase, poised for transformative growth that combines heightened demand, technological advancements, and a strategic focus on sustainability. Recent forecasts and industry surveys suggest that 2025 will mark not just a full recovery of pre-2019 levels but also a fundamental reshaping of how business travel operates, as budgets rise, travel patterns evolve, and companies prioritize innovative solutions. As a leader in travel technology, DerbySoft recognizes that this resurgence offers unparalleled opportunities. By leveraging advanced connectivity, data analytics, and sustainable practices, we help travel brands navigate this dynamic environment. Here’s an in-depth analysis of the trends shaping 2025, supported by statistics and insights from GBTA and other authoritative sources.
Global Business Travel Spending: A Surge in Growth
According to the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), global business travel spending is expected to reach $1.48 trillion by the end of 2024, exceeding the previous record of $1.43 trillion in 2019. This trajectory continues upward, with spending forecasted to hit $2 trillion by 2028. Deloitte’s Corporate Travel Outlook aligns with these figures, noting that 58% of travel managers expect budgets to increase in 2025, reflecting rising demand for face-to-face interactions in client meetings, conferences, and internal collaborations.
Regional Highlights:
Asia-Pacific: This region leads the resurgence, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6-7%. China and India are driving this growth, supported by expanding economies and increased corporate activities.
North America: Business travel spending in the United States is forecasted to hit $350 billion by 2025, driven by the return of large-scale events and domestic travel demand.
Europe: While rebounding at a slower pace, Europe’s business travel market is growing at a CAGR of 4-5%, with Germany, the UK, and France leading the recovery.
The Evolving Profile of Business Travelers
Business travel is no longer limited to executives or sales representatives. By 2025, the volume of trips taken by employees across all roles will rival 2019’s highs, driven by the growing need for company-wide retreats, team-building events, and in-person collaborations among distributed workforces. Skift’s 2025 Megatrends forecast notes that work trips for all employees, fueled by hybrid work models, will account for a significant portion of corporate travel. According to the AMEX GBTA forecast, meeting budgets are anticipated to increase by 1-5%, with 60% of meetings expected to be held in person—signaling a significant rise in travel for small group gatherings. When it comes to spending, the report reveals that 74% are optimistic about the health of the industry.
Gen Z and Millennial Travelers: Younger employees are shaping the future of business travel with their demand for flexibility, seamless digital experiences, and environmentally conscious options. This demographic is also more likely to blend business with leisure (“bleisure” travel), with GBTA reporting that 46% of travel buyers observed a rise in such trips in 2024.
Linked and Extended Trips: More than 53% of buyers noted an increase in “linked trips,” where multiple meetings or stops are combined into a single itinerary. Simultaneously, 36% reported that trip durations are getting longer, reflecting the need to maximize travel efficiency.
Technology: The Cornerstone of Growth and Efficiency
Technology is at the forefront of reshaping the business travel ecosystem. While GBTA reports that 88% of travel management companies (TMCs) and 74% of suppliers believe their organizations are performing well in terms of technology, significant opportunities remain to integrate advanced tools such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and real-time analytics.
AI in Business Travel: Adoption of AI is on the rise, with 44% of travel professionals expressing excitement about its potential, up from 32% the previous year. AI-powered tools offer personalized travel recommendations, automate booking processes, and provide real-time expense tracking. Yet, adoption remains limited, with only 14% of buyers actively using AI in their programs—a clear indicator of untapped potential.
Attribute Based Selling: Data-driven Attribute-Based Selling (ABS) enhances this approach by dynamically pricing individual room attributes based on factors like availability, guest persona, and attribute combinations. This allows guests to select the features they value most, creating a personalized booking experience and a seamless journey from start to finish.
Real-Time Data Analytics: Companies are increasingly using analytics to identify cost-saving opportunities, optimize travel patterns, and enhance traveler satisfaction. This data-driven approach allows for dynamic policy adjustments based on real-time market conditions.
Sustainability: A Strategic Imperative for the Future
Sustainability has moved from a “nice-to-have” to a critical focus for the business travel industry. GBTA reports that 46% of travel programs prioritized sustainability in 2024, with 44% actively integrating green initiatives into their policies. However, obstacles such as higher costs, complexity, and inconsistent standards remain significant barriers.
Regional Leadership in Sustainability:
In Europe, 60% of travel buyers have integrated sustainability initiatives into their programs, compared to 36% in North America. European markets also lead in adopting multimodal travel options such as rail and public transport.
The Asia-Pacific region is increasingly incorporating sustainable practices, driven by government policies and corporate mandates.
Eco-Friendly Travel Choices: The shift toward lower-emission travel options is gaining momentum. GBTA found that 38% of buyers reported an increase in rail travel, while 33% observed more multimodal trips.
At DerbySoft, we are committed to enabling sustainability through tools that can help travel providers align with corporate social responsibility goals while maintaining operational efficiency.
Balancing Growth with Cost Efficiency
While the business travel market is poised for expansion, managing rising travel costs remains a top concern. GBTA’s survey reveals that 78% of travel buyers cite cost control as a strategic priority for 2025. Key strategies include:
Dynamic Travel Policies: Flexible policies allow employees to make cost-conscious decisions, such as choosing budget-friendly accommodations or off-peak travel times.
Partnerships with TMCs: By leveraging the expertise of TMCs, businesses can negotiate better rates, streamline itineraries, and gain valuable insights into travel trends.
Virtual Meetings as a Supplement: Companies continue to invest in hybrid meeting technologies, balancing the benefits of in-person interactions with the cost and sustainability advantages of virtual solutions.
2025: A Turning Point for Business Travel
As the business travel sector approaches the new year, it is clear that the industry is entering a new era—one defined by innovation, sustainability, and a deeper understanding of traveler needs. This transformation is not without its challenges, but it is precisely these challenges that present opportunities for companies willing to embrace change.
DerbySoft’s Business Travel Suite (BTS) simplifies collaboration between Travel Management Companies (TMCs) and suppliers, improving efficiency and reducing costs. With advanced features like dynamic pricing and real-time analytics, BTS streamlines workflows and ensures accurate booking and commission reconciliation through partnerships with providers like Arise.
A single connection to BTS gives TMCs direct access to a wide range of rates—corporate, rack, negotiated, and loyalty—without the hassle of managing multiple APIs. It connects suppliers of all sizes, from independent hotels to alternative accommodations, enabling unique product offerings and better service. BTS empowers hoteliers and travel companies to cut costs, expand market reach, and maintain a competitive edge in the evolving travel industry.
Together, let’s redefine the possibilities for 2025 and beyond.
About DerbySoft
DerbySoft is the Travel Commerce Accelerator, with a mission to converge the diverse elements of travel, creating a unified and efficient ecosystem of connectivity services, high-performing AI-driven marketing services, and an end-to-end content platform. Our world-class services are designed to deliver seamless, frictionless commerce, accelerating the pace at which properties can connect, grow, and optimize profit. DerbySoft consistently pushes the boundaries of innovation to unlock new opportunities and accelerate travel commerce. Our team of travel industry experts is passionate about uniting people and technology and committed to enhancing every aspect of travel, making it more accessible, efficient, and enjoyable for all. Our approach is centered on making travel better – not just for today, but for years to come. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, USA, DerbySoft’s cutting-edge technology is trusted by the world’s leading online travel distribution partners and hotel companies in 197 countries. To learn more, visit DerbySoft.com.
With six offices around the globe and over 300 employees in over 11 countries, DerbySoft continues to grow and develop the next generation of online hotel distribution infrastructure. DerbySoft.com.
Caroline TerryDirector, Corporate MarketingDerbySoft
