Although uncertain times usually spell bad news for business travel, the prognosis for 2025 is positive.
Despite current geopolitical tensions and ongoing climate concerns, business travel budgets are predicted to rise by 6% - 10% compared to 2024,even if most travel buyers expect the same or fewer trips in 2025.
Yet, the volatility in the Middle East, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine make the immediate future uncertain and complicated.
Biggest challenges in 2025
Amidst this uncertainty, how can organisations leverage business travel to achieve growth? The pressure of increasing costs is the biggest challenge facing corporate travel buyers in 2025, according to anew survey by Business Travel Show Europe.
After increasing costs, the biggest challenges are cost cutting, demonstrating value and enforcing compliance. So, it’s no surprise that many companies are battening down the hatches in response to the events beyond their control.
It’s not just about cost savings though. The true answer lies in business travel’s ability to foster stronger relationships, uncovering new opportunities, and enable agile decision-making.
Stronger client and partner relationships
A big lesson from the post-pandemic period has been the realisation that face-to-face interaction builds trust and deepens connections that virtual meetings can’t fully replicate.
Those personal engagement help negotiate deals, resolve conflicts, and create long-term partnerships.
Discover new market opportunities
The on-the-ground insights that business travel enables help businesses adapt to changing market conditions. Visiting key markets allows for firsthand observation of trends, customer behaviors, and competitive dynamics.
Drive innovation and collaboration
Business travel enables teams to brainstorm, exchange ideas, and work on cross-border projects more effectively. Exposing team members to diverse perspectives and business cultures fuels innovation.
Enhance agility and crisis management
Being present in critical situations allows leaders to make informed, real-time decisions. Rapid response to supply chain disruptions, regulatory changes, or geopolitical shifts can prevent major setbacks.
Boost employee engagement
Business travel provides growth opportunities for employees by expanding their experience and global mindset. Face-to-face networking also enhances professional development and leadership skills.
Maximising ROI
Market conditions demand that business travel remains cost-effective and delivers the best possible return on investment.
This means prioritising high-value trips that align with strategic goals; using data-driven insights to optimize travel budgets, and balancing technology with the knowledge and personal service delivered by humans within TMCs like Clarity.
In uncertain times, organisations that use business travel strategically can strengthen resilience, build key relationships, and unlock growth in ways that remote interactions alone cannot achieve.
