Amadeus Cytric and Globetrender report that global business travel spending is projected to reach $1.64 trillion in 2025, up from $1.48 trillion last year, according to the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). As the industry grows, the way employees travel—and how companies manage that travel—also continues to evolve. Together with its partners at travel trend forecasting agency Globetrender, Amadeus Cytric has explored the biggest advancements and transformations anticipated this year and
shares its Corporate Travel Trends 2025.
Thanks to investment in AI-powered technologies, business travel is becoming more flexible, agile, and tailored to individual needs. Travelers themselves are more aware of the impact their travel has on their well-being and the world around them. By embracing these changes, companies can maximize the value of corporate travel, empower their employees, and remain competitive in a constantly evolving world.
Mark Cullen, Chief Commercial Officer of Amadeus Cytric: "In 2025, business travelers are increasingly aware of the impact their travel has on both their well-being and the environment. They are open to investing in more sustainable travel options that benefit them and the planet. Factors such as hybrid working arrangements, economic uncertainty, and geopolitical tensions are reshaping the priorities of travel managers and suppliers. Meanwhile, investments in transformative new technologies are helping travel providers improve the overall experience, making business travel more seamless and efficient, while enabling providers to allocate resources more effectively."
These are the seven trends that will transform business travel in 2025:
1. AI with agents is transforming the way corporations manage travel and expenses
The next wave of AI will shift technology from passive assistance to proactive functionality, with AI-powered agents in the background allowing travelers, travel managers, travel agents, and finance teams to focus on more valuable tasks. In the past two years, Generative AI has focused on providing assistance and support; from 2025 onward, the next stage will be defined by "proactive functionality."
Rather than simply responding to requests, Generative AI will autonomously anticipate travelers' needs, helping them rebook flights in real time, optimize itineraries based on schedule changes, and even assist travel managers in negotiating hotel rates, as well as creating, auditing, and approving expense reports. This shift means business travelers will experience a seamless and highly personalized trip with minimal manual intervention, allowing them to focus on productivity rather than logistics.
2. On-the-go meetings are gaining ground to meet the needs of modern professionals.
From strategizing with colleagues during flights to holding summits in privately booked train cars, travel is becoming an opportunity for collaboration among business travelers.
Now that hybrid work models are the norm, the concept of meetings on the go is emerging as a key trend. This approach means business travelers can take advantage of opportunities for informal, real-life interactions to network and share ideas—think of it as a "water cooler" on the road.
3. Tailor-made packages are changing the way airlines interact with travelers and how companies manage corporate travel.
New Distribution Capability (NDC) technology enables airlines and corporations to jointly create airfare packages that align with corporate travel policies.
Imagine booking a flight where every detail, from lounge access to onboard Wi-Fi, is included in a personalized package that saves time and money. This new level of personalization isn't just a distant dream; it's currently reshaping the way airlines interact with travelers and how companies
manage business travel.
4. The new generation of frequent travelers is driving demand for more personalized and flexible business travel experiences.
By 2025, Generation Z will represent more than a quarter of the global workforce, driving a shift in corporate travel toward flexibility, sustainability, and meaningful experiences. For this young group, international business travel isn't just about fulfilling work obligations; they see these opportunities as avenues for both career progression and personal growth. For these digital natives, business travel takes many forms.
Flexibility is at the heart of Gen Z's work preferences, with many seeking hybrid or remote work arrangements that allow them to travel while still staying connected to their professional responsibilities. This shift is influencing corporate travel planning, with policies now incorporating options for adding annual leave to business trips.
5. Biometric gateways are enabling seamless, digitalized airport experiences
As airports and airlines look to offer travelers smoother, more hassle-free journeys, physical passports and even smartphone boarding passes are becoming obsolete. Soon, travelers will be able to navigate the airport without repeatedly showing travel documents or waiting in long lines, simply by scanning their faces at key touchpoints.
For frequent travelers, being able to navigate an airport with minimal lines is key to keeping stress levels low, so it's no surprise to learn that 73% of global air passengers are interested in using biometrics instead of passports, according to IATA's GPS 2024 report.
Vision-Box is leading the way with its facial recognition technology and intelligent automation that makes airport experiences smoother and safer.
6. Jetset hacking is a growing trend as business travelers choose to prioritize their well-being while traveling.
From sleep labs to cryogenic chambers, wellness-focused innovations are redefining business travel, helping professionals stay healthy and productive on the road. Business travel can take its toll on people's well-being, whether it's from late-night dinners with clients or sleepless nights caused by jet lag.
However, as wellness becomes a growing priority for travelers, professionals are paying much more attention to taking good care of their mental and physical health when traveling for work.
7. Domestic and regional travel is becoming a priority in response to a more fragmented environment
In a world reshaped by hybrid work, sustainability imperatives, and new political leaders, domestic and regional business travel is becoming a cornerstone of the corporate travel landscape.
In a highly complex globalized economy, the World Economic Forum (WEF) warns that companies need to prepare for the future and diversify their logistics strategies as global trade routes become more disrupted by factors such as climate change, geopolitical tensions, transport costs, and crippling tariffs. In the context of a more fragmented environment, companies can try to prioritize trading with local or neighboring suppliers whenever possible.
Jenny Southan, CEO and Founder of Globetrender, said: "Business travel is evolving in response to changing worker expectations, new technologies, and a greater emphasis on well-being and human connection. By 2025, companies that adapt—whether through AI-driven automation, a reinvention of meeting spaces, or a more strategic approach to traveler health—will be best positioned to maximize the value of corporate travel. This report explores the key trends transforming the future of business travel, providing insights that will help organizations stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing landscape."
Fuente: Amadeus Cytric / Globetrender