Purposeful Business Travel Is Back

Business travel is growing again

Business travel continues to gain momentum in 2025. According to the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), nearly half (48%) of corporate travel buyers expect their companies to take more business trips this year, and 57% anticipate increased travel spending compared to 2024. This growth is particularly strong in regions like Asia-Pacific and North America. While economic and geopolitical uncertainties remain, the overall outlook for business travel is positive, with companies focusing on trips that deliver clear value.

Travel must have a clear purpose

During the pandemic, companies learned to think twice before sending someone on a trip. That habit is still here. Quick, one-meeting trips are being replaced with more meaningful ones.

Now, each trip often includes several goals. For example, one journey might include a team meeting, a sales pitch, and a site visit. Travel requests are checked by automatic systems to make sure the trip is needed. After the trip, companies review the results: was it worth the cost?

In short: fewer trips, but better ones.

Why face-to-face still matters

Video calls are useful, but not always enough. Some things still work best in person:

• Closing deals – It’s easier to build trust and read body language.
• Keeping strong relationships – Meeting in person helps people feel more connected.
• Teamwork and creativity – Brainstorming works better when people are in the same room.

Research shows people understand each other better face-to-face. So when leaders approve a trip, they believe it will bring value.

Purposeful travel is also responsible travel

Many companies now care more about the environment. That means cutting emissions while still growing the business. Here’s how they do it:

• Take the train when possible: On routes like Paris to Amsterdam, trains are replacing short flights.
• Choose better flights: Nonstop flights usually pollute less. Bundling meetings into one trip saves both money and carbon.
• Set a carbon budget: Some companies give each team a CO₂ limit. If they reach it, trips must be reviewed again.

This way, when a trip is approved, it’s clear that it matters, and that boosts traveler motivation.

The role of technology

Modern travel tools help companies plan better trips. Here’s what they do:

• Offer smarter search options like multi-city routes and train choices.
• Follow company rules automatically, blocking low-value trips.
• Let teams plan trips together in real time, like a chat.
• Track spending as it happens, so finance teams don’t wait weeks for reports.
• Connect trip data to business results, so managers can decide if future travel is worth it.

When these tools work well, travel becomes more strategic, not just about price but impact.

What travel agents can do

If you’re a travel agent, here are five things you can do to help clients in 2025:

Look back at 2024 travel. Find patterns that cost more than they should, like repeated trips to the same city or too many layovers, and suggest better ways.

Add questions during booking. Ask why the trip is needed. If there’s no strong reason, send it to a manager for review.

Suggest smart leisure add-ons. Staying a day longer after a work trip can reduce flight costs and improve the traveler’s experience.

Push for early booking. Trips planned in advance usually cost less and have more flight options.

Share wins. Show clients how they saved money or reduced emissions, so they see your value clearly.

Travel that supports people

Since workers travel less often now, they expect better conditions when they do. That means:

• Good internet at hotels and on transport
• Better scheduling, avoid overnight flights followed by long meetings
• Wellness extras, like lounge access or hotel gyms

Healthy, well-rested travelers perform better. That’s why comfort is now part of the business case.

How suppliers are adapting

Airlines, hotels, and other suppliers are changing too:

• Airlines are adjusting schedules and using more fuel-efficient planes.
• Hotels offer flexible meeting spaces and strong video systems for hybrid events.
• Event planners design shorter, tighter agendas that help travelers get more done in less time.
• Transport providers offer electric cars through booking tools.

Travel agents who understand these changes can offer better advice and deals.

The bottom line

Business travel will keep growing over the next few years, but companies won’t go back to the old ways. Leaders now want each trip to have a clear reason, a clear result, and a low impact on the environment.

To stay relevant, travel agents should focus on three things:

• Know the numbers: Show how travel connects to results.
• Stay flexible: Keep up with budget and environmental goals.
• Support the traveler: Make trips smooth, productive, and healthy.

Today, business travelers don’t want to fly more, they want to fly smarter. Help them do that, and your role becomes essential.