The State of Corporate Travel in 2025

Business travel is staging a robust comeback in 2025, but it looks different from its pre-pandemic roots. Corporate travel management now demands agility, with finance leaders balancing travel budgets against cost control, employee wellness, and ambitious ESG targets.

This report is based on the latest credible data, covering regional trends in corporate travel spending. It will also explore how technology, such as AI and cryptocurrency, is revolutionizing the corporate travel experience.

Key Findings at a Glance

Global Spending Reaches a New High: Corporate travel spending is set to hit a record $1.57 trillion in 2025, marking a 6.6% YoY growth.
Regional Trends in Corporate Travel: The North America and APAC regions outpace growth rates worldwide, while parts of Europe and Latin America face slower trajectories.
Bleisure Travel is Mainstream: Over 40% of companies now integrate “bleisure” (business + leisure) options into their travel policies.
Sustainability-Driven Travel Policies: Travel programs now prioritize sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives (e.g., traveling by train over flying, carbon offsetting).
AI and Crypto Adoption Accelerates: Rapid adoption of AI-driven tools and the use of crypto for payments is on the rise, especially among digital-first companies.

Global Corporate Travel Spending in 2025

Corporate travel budgets are experiencing moderate yet sustained growth globally. The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) forecasts that global business travel spending will reach a new historical high of $1.57 trillion in 2025, a 6.6% YoY increase. Let’s take a closer look at the growth in each region:

North America: $395.4 billion led by technology, finance, and healthcare.
Asia-Pacific: $373.1 billion fueled by economic expansion in China, India, and Southeast Asia.
Europe: Robust in select markets (Germany, UK), but slower in Spain, the Netherlands, and some Southern European countries due to economic and policy headwinds.
Latin America, Middle East & Africa: Mixed outlook. Growth is driven by infrastructure investment and government spending, but overall volumes remain smaller.

Regional Trends in Business Travel

Understanding the global landscape requires a closer look at regional dynamics, as each market is on its own unique trajectory.

Corporate Travel in North America

Spending Forecasts & Recovery Trajectory

North America is projected to reach $395.4 billion in 2025, with continued expansion in tech and service industries driving demand. Budgets are up compared to 2024 but companies are showing greater scrutiny in spend allocation.

Policy & Business Priorities

Key industries (tech, finance, healthcare) push travel for business development and client meetings. Government events and conferences remain a growth area.

Sustainability Focus

While not as advanced as Europe, North American companies are increasingly integrating carbon reporting and greener initiatives into their travel policies, with an eye toward future ESG compliance.

Technology & Payment Adoption

North America is a leader in adopting advanced travel technology. The region has a high rate of corporate card usage and a growing comfort with AI-driven booking and expense platforms.

Challenges & Risks

Inflation, supply chain issues, and evolving DOT/FAA regulations may affect policy and pricing.

Outlook for 2025

North America remains resilient, growing moderately and focusing on digital innovation and compliance.

Corporate Travel in Europe

Spending Forecasts & Recovery Trajectory

Europe continues to grow, with Germany and the UK as top spenders. Some markets, like Spain and the Netherlands, see stagnation or slight decline.

Policy & Business Priorities

Stricter ESG mandates, Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) compliance, and a move toward local events to reduce travel-related emissions.

Sustainability Focus

Market-leading sustainability initiatives, such as preferred rail travel, mandatory carbon reporting, and regulatory scrutiny of “green claims”.

Technology & Payment Adoption

Steady rise in AI-powered travel management tools; crypto adoption is cautious, with regulation still evolving.

Challenges & Risks

Geopolitical tensions, economic stagnation in select countries, and infrastructure constraints in emerging markets.

Outlook for 2025

Expected to plateau in overall spend with selective high growth in ESG-driven and tech-enabled travel segments.

Corporate Travel in Asia-Pacific

Spending Forecasts & Recovery Trajectory

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, predicted to reach $373.1 billion in 2025, with China and India leading the way. Spend is now above pre-pandemic levels in major markets.

Policy & Business Priorities

Strong demand from technology, manufacturing, and services. Major government investment in infrastructure and business events.

Sustainability Focus

Expansion of high-speed rail, more eco-preferred travel mandates, with Japan, Singapore, and Australia leading the movement.

Technology & Payment Adoption

Rapid adoption of mobile-first booking solutions and alternative payments (including crypto in select markets).

Challenges & Risks

Infrastructure bottlenecks in high-growth cities, currency volatility, and variable COVID policy legacy issues.

Outlook for 2025

Continued robust growth, though firms must watch for inflation and regulatory shifts.

Corporate Travel in Latin America

Spending Forecasts & Recovery Trajectory

Accelerating, but from a smaller market. Growth powered by government investment in infrastructure and startup support.

Policy & Business Priorities

Focus on trade shows, government programs, and connecting emerging innovation hubs.

Sustainability Focus

Early-stage green travel initiatives are not yet as widespread as in Europe or North America.

Technology & Payment Adoption

Adoption of booking platforms and automated systems is increasing. Crypto is occasionally used for cross-border payments.

Challenges & Risks

Economic volatility, weak currency, and infrastructure limitations.

Outlook for 2025

Expected to experience moderate growth but remain vulnerable to macroeconomic shocks.

Corporate Travel in the Middle East & Africa

Spending Forecasts & Recovery Trajectory

Growth driven by infrastructure and state-owned carrier investment; the business traveler segment is steadily expanding.

Policy & Business Priorities

Focus on business events, government-backed economic diversification, and partnerships with multinational firms.

Sustainability Focus

Not yet mainstream but gaining traction via major hubs such as the UAE and urban centers like Johannesburg.

Technology & Payment Adoption

Mobile and contactless payment systems are expanding, and AI is making inroads in larger markets.

Challenges & Risks

Geopolitical instability and security risks may hinder expansion, and policies often need to be nimble.

Outlook for 2025

Growth outlook is strong in leading urban centers but dependent on broader regional stability.

The Rise of Sustainable Corporate Travel

Sustainability is now a core component of corporate travel policies. Companies face mounting pressure from stakeholders and new regulations, such as the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), to report and reduce their emissions.

46% of travel programs now prioritize green procurement as businesses actively encourage employees to choose greener alternatives, such as high-speed rail for short journeys, and to stay in eco-certified hotels.

The growth in carbon offsetting tools and corporate reporting frameworks is making it easier for travel managers to track their company’s carbon footprint and make data-driven decisions that align with their environmental goals.

Technology Reshaping Corporate Travel

The modern corporate traveler expects a seamless experience, and technology is delivering on that promise. AI-powered booking platforms are now a core component of corporate travel management.

The emergence of Agentic AI, systems that can autonomously rebook a flight or recommend an alternative route in case of a delay, is poised to free up travel managers for higher-value work.

Alongside AI, alternative payment methods like the use of crypto are increasingly used for travel booking payments. It offers a low-fee, borderless solution that can simplify cross-border transactions.

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This shift in using alternative payments also brings new considerations for corporate travel policy, as finance teams must adapt to the tax implications and accounting nuances of these digital transactions.

Bleisure and Changing Employee Expectations

Bleisure is a portmanteau of “business” and “leisure” that describes the practice of combining work trips with recreational activities and personal enjoyment.

With the rise of hybrid work, the modern workforce is demanding more from their work and travel experience. With over 40% of business trips now including a leisure component, companies are recognizing that offering this flexibility can improve employee well-being and satisfaction.

This trend is particularly appealing to younger generations in the workforce. A flexible travel policy that supports bleisure travel can be a powerful tool for attracting and retaining top talent.

What Businesses Should Expect in 2025

Risks: Global economic and geopolitical risks remain elevated, requiring corporate travel programs to be agile and policy-driven.

Opportunities: Growth in emerging markets, new technology-enabled efficiencies, and flexible policy frameworks empower companies to balance cost, sustainability, and employee satisfaction.

Companies should reassess travel policies annually, invest in smarter procurement tools, and prioritize sustainability to future-proof travel programs.

The firms that succeed will be those that navigate this complexity by embracing technology and flexible policies. Opportunities lie in new, fast-growing markets, the continued digital transformation of travel management, and finding innovative ways to balance cost, sustainability, and employee needs.

Final Thoughts & Conclusion

The corporate travel market in 2025 is changing. Every trip now serves a clear, strategic purpose and is influenced by a new set of priorities, such as budget constraints, regulatory change, and evolving employee preferences.

The businesses that will thrive are those that can adapt to these changes, finding innovative solutions that meet the evolving demands of a modern, mobile workforce.

Travala continues to track the evolving landscape of both corporate and leisure travel. With access to over 3 million travel products worldwide, Travala allows you to easily find the perfect hotels, flights, and activities for your business trip, all on a single platform.

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Methodology

Data sources:

Assumptions:

Year-on-year/country comparisons are based on published projections and peer-reviewed benchmarks.
All numerical data are current as of September 2025 and subject to revision as new industry releases become available.