Travel professionals are displaying undeniable confidence as they look toward 2025. A recent study by the GBTA reveals optimistic outlooks that exceed expected predictions. A transformation in the sector is emerging, driven by a quest for efficiency and sustainability. This dynamic encourages stakeholders to reassess their business strategies in order to meet increasing demand. The return to in-person meetings is boosting the recovery of business spending. Moreover, new technologies are establishing themselves as essential levers to support this renaissance of professional travel. A necessity is taking shape: to reconcile expansion and responsibility within this evolving framework.
| Information |
| 67% of travel professionals remain optimistic about the future of the industry. |
| 86% assert that business travel has exceeded their expectations for 2024. |
| The CEO of GBTA, Suzanne Neufang, emphasizes that the sector is transforming rather than simply bouncing back. |
| 71% of buyers in North America and 72% in Latin America are particularly optimistic about 2025. |
| More than 55% of respondents do not plan to limit business travel in 2025. |
| 52% of buyers expect an increase in their business travel budget. |
| 59% of buyers report more in-person meetings than a year earlier. |
| Cost control remains a priority for 78% of buyers. |
| Major concerns include rising travel costs and the compliance of travel programs. |
Optimism within the Travel Industry
A recent survey by the GBTA reveals that 67% of travel professionals express a positive outlook regarding the future of their sector. Conducted with nearly 900 business travel stakeholders, this study shows that 86% of respondents feel their activity has outperformed their forecasts for 2024.
Transformation of Business Travel
Suzanne Neufang, CEO of GBTA, highlights the significant evolution during this pivotal period for the industry. Business travel is not just bouncing back; it is transforming. This transformation is characterized by the need to manage costs and risks while enhancing productivity and traveler experience. Professionals anticipate that these changes will enable measured and responsible growth.
Preparations for 2025
As sector stakeholders look ahead to 2025, regions in North America and Latin America exhibit clear enthusiasm, with optimism rates of 71% and 72% respectively. This positive sentiment is particularly pronounced among buyers, where 71% feel confident about the future, compared to 62% among suppliers.
Increase in Travel Budgets
A significant trend is emerging: 52% of buyers expect a budget increase for travel to support various initiatives such as conferences and meetings. Only 16% of them anticipate cuts, thus reaffirming their commitment to in-person interactions in 2025.
Trust Factors Among Travel Stakeholders
When asked about the factors motivating their optimism, professionals primarily cite reducing travel costs and economic recovery. Responses from participants reveal that 46% mention cost relief as essential, followed by 44% regarding economic improvement.
Increased Frequency of In-Person Meetings
A clear observation emerges: 59% of buyers state that their employees are participating in more in-person meetings and conferences than a year ago. At the same time, 45% of buyers express that their colleagues’ desire for more travel has grown over the year.
Evolution of Travel Practices
Combined trips, which aggregate multiple meetings into a single journey, are becoming more popular, with 53% of professionals highlighting their prevalence. Conversely, day trips are experiencing a decline, while the duration of trips is increasing. Hence, 36% of buyers report longer trips compared to the previous year.
Priority on Cost Management
Cost management remains a significant topic, highlighted by 78% of buyers as a priority for their travel program next year. Concerns related to traveler safety follow, with mention by 65% of respondents, while 49% emphasize the return on investment from travel.
Concerns Over Rising Costs
Major concerns for the upcoming year include the increase in travel costs, which worries 74% of professionals, followed by technological evolution and compliance of employee travel programs, both cited by 40%.
International Scope of the Study
This survey gathered 890 responses from professionals across various backgrounds, covering North America, Europe, Latin America, as well as the Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Middle East regions. The results reflect a collective willingness to adapt and progress in the face of a constantly changing world.
For more information and analysis regarding the travel sector and its trends, feel free to consult articles such as The New Masters of the Earth in Benin, La Grande Motte: from mass tourism destination to a favored spot, and Albania: a country on the rise.
