The global business travel sector is on track to exceed pre-pandemic levels by 2025, hitting a record $1.5 trillion in spending, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) latest report. This development highlights the remarkable recovery of corporate travel, which had lagged behind leisure travel in the years following COVID-19.

A Revival of Face-to-Face Interactions

While the pandemic saw virtual platforms replace in-person meetings, 2025 will mark a resurgence in face-to-face engagements. Business travel spending globally fell 5.4% below 2019 levels last year, even as leisure travel nearly rebounded. However, with spending projected to grow 6.2% above the 2019 peak in 2025, companies are reaffirming the value of in-person connections.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, remarked on this trend during the 24th Global Summit in Perth:

“After a challenging few years, business travel is not only back on track but is recovering much faster than expected, highlighting the importance of international travel for businesses worldwide. Business is better face-to-face.”

U.S. and China Lead the Way

The report highlights the United States and China as key drivers of this growth. The U.S., which accounted for 30% of global corporate travel spending in 2019, is projected to reach $472 billion in 2025—13.4% higher than pre-pandemic levels. Similarly, China’s corporate travel spending is expected to climb 13.1% to nearly $211 billion.

Europe is also experiencing growth, with Germany, the UK, and France contributing significantly. Germany’s corporate travel spending is set to reach $87.5 billion, the UK is forecast to hit $84.1 billion, and France $42.1 billion.

Why Business Travel Is Booming

Several factors are driving the resurgence of corporate travel:

1. Economic Recovery: Companies are reinvesting in travel to boost growth and foster client relationships.

2. Blended Travel: The rise of “blended travel” (combining work and leisure) has made corporate trips more appealing.

3. MICE Sector Rebound: The resumption of in-person meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions has fueled demand for business travel.

Paul Abbott, CEO of American Express Global Business Travel, highlighted travel’s broader societal and economic importance:

“We always said travel was a force for good, driving economic and societal progress. Companies now understand that travel is essential for growth and creating winning cultures.”

Premium Travel Trends

Corporate travelers are increasingly prioritizing quality, with 28% expanding their budgets for longer stays, upgraded accommodations, and premium airfare. Many are leveraging AI and social media tools for seamless planning and personalized experiences.

The Future of Business Travel

The projected $1.5 trillion spending milestone represents not only a recovery but also a transformation of business travel. With remote work enabling “laptop luggers” to blend professional and personal exploration, the lines between business and leisure are blurring.

As companies and professionals redefine the value of corporate travel, the sector is poised to drive global economic growth, innovation, and cross-cultural engagement. For providers, this marks an opportunity to enhance loyalty through personalized and innovative offerings, ensuring business travel remains a cornerstone of international collaboration.