Global business travel is on track in 2025, according to the latest Business Travel Index Outlook from the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA).
The report forecasts that business travel spending will rise to USD$1.57 trillion next year, marking a 6.6% year-over-year increase.
While that growth is slightly tempered compared to previous years, the GBTA remains optimistic about the industry's overall resilience.
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A stronger rebound is anticipated in 2026, with spending projected to grow 8.1%, though the association notes that geopolitical tensions, inflation, and global supply chain shifts are creating a more unpredictable path forward.
GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang acknowledged that optimism may need to be tempered, saying “But just as we are now seeing globally, Canadian business travel professionals are feeling the pressure of U.S. trade uncertainty, shaping a more cautious outlook for the year ahead.”
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Long-term projections suggest spending will surpass US$2 trillion by 2029, one year later than previously expected. The GBTA attributes this shift to ongoing structural changes in trade patterns, foreign investment, and corporate travel behaviour.
Annual growth is expected to remain steady in the coming years, with 6.4% growth projected for 2027 and 6.3% in 2028.
For more insights, visit www.gbta.org
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