Stat: Global business travel spending hits historic high

Global – Business travel is set to reach a record £1.18 trillion ($1.57 trillion, €1.36 trillion) by the end of 2025, according to a new report from the Global Business Travel Association despite mounting economic headwinds.

Growth is forecast at 6.6% year-on-year, slowing from earlier double-digit gains, with factors such as trade policy uncertainty and inflation weighing on momentum. An increase to 8.1% in 2026 is expected, although the long-term path remains tied to geopolitical stability.

Together, the US and China make up 58% of global business travel spend. India, South Korea and Turkey are emerging as fast-growth markets, while Spain and the Netherlands lag.

Travel spending by those in sectors such as professional services or financial services have surpassed pre-pandemic levels, while spending by workers in manufacturing, which currently accounts for nearly a third of the market, is at risk because of ongoing trade tensions.

Traveller sentiment remains resilient, with 86% deeming trips worthwhile. Mobile-first payments are gaining traction, with 64% using digital wallets.

For more insights, explore our reports about the Travel & Hospitality sector.