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Global business travel has shown remarkable resilience, overcoming post-pandemic challenges to enter a new era of growth. Global business travel spending is forecast to reach $1.48 trillion by the end of this year, setting the stage for unprecedented growth in the industry.

As always, this comes with a cautionary caveat as challenges remain. Persistent inflation, geopolitical instability and evolving sustainability regulations are continuing to shape the travel landscape.

For travel buyer decision-makers, the question is clear: what do you need to have on your radar to help you future-proof your corporate travel programme?

Let’s explore what the road ahead for corporate travel and events looks like for 2025?

Corporate travel trends 2025

Encouragingly, Reed & Mackay’s global senior leadership team is optimistic for the year ahead.

In our Business Travel Trends: Predictions 2025 report, they share their expert insights on the issues likely to affect both corporate travel and event management over the next 12 months. 

Forecasts include:

• How New Distribution Content (NDC) will revolutionise airline pricing strategies.
• How travel management companies are innovating to support organisations reach their Net Zero goals.
• How tracking and reporting on traveller wellbeing remains crucial.
• How immersive technologies can elevate meetings and events.

The report also takes a look at how travel programmes can remain fit for the future. One area is the essential development of online booking tools (OBT) and technology by TMCs. “Clients are increasingly seeking enhancements that simplify the booking process while providing vast, easily searchable content,” Reed & Mackay CEO US John Keichline says. “Many also value features such as carbon data at the point of booking, allowing them make informed, sustainable choices.” 

Reed & Mackay CEO Asia Pacific Jane Warren also points to the continued importance of duty of care, adding “tools that incorporate duty of care products and services are becoming a priority, as organisations strive to maintain a high standard of traveller safety and wellbeing. By evolving our OBT to meet these needs, we are positioned to add value to client travel programmes.”

Warren also highlights the importance of working with partners to ensure traveller wellbeing. “Reed & Mackay clients have access to our 24/7/365 global Incident Management Unit and we have strong relationships with our risk management partners to ensure we are proactive in keeping our travellers safe,” Warren says. “Furthermore, considering the increased challenges we are facing, it’s important companies ensure their travel is booked via a TMC to ensure their travellers receive that important duty of care.”

Read the report to find out how to steer through the challenges and opportunities ahead for 2025, helping you work towards achieving maximum return on investment for business travel and event spend.

Download the full report to discover our 2025 forecasts.

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