What to Expect for the 2026 Business Travel Season (current statistics & projections)

July 10, 2025

What to Expect for the 2026 Business Travel Season

Explore the top trends, price forecasts, and industry shifts shaping the 2026 business travel landscape. Find out what business travelers and travel managers need to know to plan ahead.

Data-driven trends, pricing, industry shifts, and strategy for the next phase of business travel recovery

Executive Summary

Business travel continues its post-pandemic resurgence in 2026, building on momentum from 2024 and 2025. While demand is expected to normalize from the record “rebound” pace, most indicators, spend, trip volume, and meetings are on a steady upward trajectory. Key drivers for 2026 include moderate but persistent inflation, global events (like the 2026 FIFA World Cup), the rise of AI-powered travel management tools, sustainability mandates, and significant growth in the SME sector.
(Sources: GBTA BTI Report 2024, U.S. Travel Association 2025 Forecast, Deloitte 2024 Corporate Travel Survey, BCD Travel 2024 Outlook, McKinsey, Cvent, GlobalData, American Express, Navan Study, Booking.com Business Travel Trends 2025)

1. Global & U.S. Business Travel Spending: 2026 Forecast

Key Facts:

Global business travel spending is forecast to reach approximately $1.62 trillion in 2026 (GBTA, Navan, Deloitte, GlobalData).
U.S. business travel spend is expected to top $329 billion in 2026, continuing year-over-year growth of 4–5% since 2023 (U.S. Travel Association, GBTA).
Full recovery to pre-pandemic volumes is largely achieved by end of 2025, but trip frequency per traveler is lower, offset by higher per-trip spend and more group/conference travel.

Sources: GBTA BTI Report 2024, U.S. Travel Association, Navan, Deloitte

Chart: Global Business Travel Spending, 2023–2026

Table 1: Global Business Travel Spending (2023–2026)

Year	Spending (USD Trillion)	YoY Growth (%)	Source
2023	1.3	30.0	GBTA, U.S. Travel Association
2024	1.48	13.8	GBTA, U.S. Travel Association
2025	1.55	4.7	GBTA, U.S. Travel Association
2026 (Projected)	1.6	3.2	GBTA, Navan

2. Price and Inflation Trends

Hotel rates: After sharp increases in 2023–2024, hotel rates will stabilize but continue to grow at 2–4% per year into 2026. High demand in major business hubs and during global events (World Cup, large conventions) will keep premium dates expensive.
Airfares: 2026 airfares are projected to rise moderately (2–3%), with fuel costs and sustained demand as primary factors. Ancillary fees (seat selection, baggage, etc.) will contribute more to total trip costs.
Ground transportation: Car rental and ride-share prices are expected to hold steady, but adoption of sustainable and electric options is accelerating.
Inflation Impact: General inflation remains above long-term average but below the 2022-23 peak. Companies continue to optimize travel policies and budgets to manage higher per-trip costs.

Sources: BCD Travel 2024 Outlook, GBTA BTI, U.S. Travel Association, Booking.com Trends, Deloitte 2024

3. Industry Segments: Growth & Contraction

Industries with Rising Business Travel in 2026

Tech, Finance, Pharma, and Consulting: Lead business travel recovery with international project, sales, and client service travel increasing.
SMEs (Small & Midsize Enterprises): Outpace large corporates in percentage growth. According to GBTA, SMEs drive 50%+ of all new managed travel programs in the U.S. and EU.
Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions (MICE): Conference and trade show travel is projected to grow 7–9%, driven by a desire for face-to-face connection and high ROI.
Construction & Engineering: Sustained infrastructure spending and projects lead to more field and crew travel.

Industries with Flat or Shrinking Travel

Remote-first Tech and Back-office roles: Less internal team travel as virtual collaboration tools reach maturity.
Energy (traditional oil/gas): Slight contraction in travel as investment pivots to renewables and ESG goals.

Business Travel Growth Table - By Sector 2025 - 2026 (Estimated)

Sources: GBTA BTI Report, McKinsey, Deloitte, U.S. Travel, Cvent, GlobalData

4. Key 2026 Trends to Watch

1. Sustainability

Corporate clients are enforcing carbon tracking, with 85% of travel managers required to report emissions (GBTA, BCD Travel).
Preference for eco-certified hotels, sustainable ground transport, and virtual/hybrid meetings when practical.

2. Technology & AI

Widespread adoption of AI-based booking, spend optimization, and real-time travel support tools.
Seamless mobile booking, digital payment, and automated expense management are table stakes.

3. Traveler Experience & Safety

Duty-of-care (24/7 traveler support, safety alerts, risk management) is now a baseline expectation.
Flexible booking and cancellation policies remain critical.

4. Group and Extended-Stay Travel

Group travel for team offsites, conferences, and incentives is surging (+8–10% YoY).
Extended-stay bookings increase as more workers blend business and leisure, with an average trip length rising 10% since 2023.

5. Dynamic Pricing and Negotiation

Hotel RFPs are shifting to more dynamic, market-based pricing and direct negotiation, replacing static annual rate contracts.
Buyers must be nimble and leverage data to secure the best rates.

Sources: GBTA, Cvent, BCD Travel, McKinsey, Booking.com, CWT, GlobalData, Deloitte

5. Visuals & Tables

Projected Business Travel Spend by Region (2026, est.)

6. Actionable Recommendations for 2026

Budget for Higher Per-Trip Costs
Factor in 2–4% annual rate hikes for air and hotel. Consider dynamic pricing strategies and prioritize flexibility.
Leverage Technology
Adopt AI-powered travel management, spend tracking, and duty-of-care tools for efficiency and savings.
Prioritize Sustainability
Partner with eco-certified suppliers and track emissions to meet client/ESG mandates.
Expand Group and Extended-Stay Programs
Capitalize on the growing demand for group bookings, conferences, and long-stay trips.
Prepare for Peak Periods
Global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup will spike demand in key cities—secure inventory early.