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Global Business Travel Spending to Hit Record $1.71 Trillion in 2026, While Trips Reach 1.84 Billion, Says GBTA Forecast 

ByDebbie Iannaci

GBTA’s latest Business Travel Index report shows spending gains driven by higher prices as geopolitical uncertainty and transportation pressures weigh on the outlook Global business travel spending is forecast to reach a record $1.71 trillion USD in 2026, with the number of business trips worldwide expected to surpass 1.84 billion. The forecast highlights how rising transportation and travel costs are increasingly driving higher industry prices, ahead of the number of trips.  This is according to the 2026 GBTA…

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Fuel Shock Keeps Business Travel Prices Elevated Through 2026 With Relief Ahead in 2027, According to New GBTA Forecast

ByDebbie Iannaci

Airfares, hotel rates, ground transportation and meetings and events costs are expected to remain under pressure through year-end, driven by higher energy prices, rising labor costs and resilient global demand Following a year marked by unprecedented energy-market disruption and rising operational costs, global business travel prices are expected to remain elevated through the remainder of…

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Corporate Hotel Programs Evolve Amid Market Complexity, Cost Pressures and Rising AI Adoption 

ByFintan Hastings

New GBTA-Radisson Hotel Group research reveals shifting priorities, increased AI use and persistent challenges facing travel managers in driving hotel program compliance Corporate travel managers continue to adapt their hotel sourcing strategies in response to changing global market dynamics, the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), and evolving program priorities, according to new industry research from the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) in partnership with Radisson Hotel Group. Based on a survey of corporate travel managers across North America and EMEA, the study explores…

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GBTA Brings Industry Voices to Capitol Hill to Champion Business Travel’s Value and Economic Impact

ByTara Erwin

120 GBTA members from across the U.S. engaged national lawmakers during GBTA’s annual U.S. Legislative Summit to advocate for policies that support economic growth and global mobility Bringing the voice of business travel to Capitol Hill, 120 Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) members and stakeholders from 31 states convened in Washington, D.C. this week for…

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Business Travel Within the U.S. Drives Over $623 Billion in Economic Impact as Spending Reaches $538 Billion, According to New GBTA Study

ByDebbie Iannaci

Findings reveal business travel supports 6.7 million U.S. jobs and accounts for 2.1% of GDP, underscoring its role as a critical driver of economic growth nationwide Business travel within and to the United States continues to be a major engine powering the nation’s economy and growth, generating $623.8 billion in total gross domestic product (GDP)…

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Technology, Managed Travel and Hotel Distribution Gaps Stall Progress Toward the “Perfect Business Trip,” According to New GBTA Research

ByDebbie Iannaci

Survey of North American and European travel buyers shows strong demand for artificial intelligence, persistent global program complexity and growing interest in next-generation hotel booking models The convergence of AI innovation, the realities of managing global travel programs and shifting hotel distribution models are shaping the next era for business travel—yet key gaps remain including…

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As India’s Business Travel Market Expands, GBTA’s Role Grows Stronger

ByTara Erwin

In this feature series, GBTA’s Board of Directors share their perspectives on topics that matter most to members, the industry and the way forward for business travel. Today’s guest author is Board member, Amarnath Lal Das, India Travel Lead and Global Crisis and Compliance at Accenture Solutions PVT. LTD. When it comes to business travel, India is…

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Asia Pacific Business Travel to Surpass $700 Billion in 2026, Leading Global Growth Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty 

ByDebbie Iannaci

At its 2026 APAC Conference attracting over 1,100 delegates, GBTA revealed new data on regional business travel growth as well as its economic impact in Singapore Business travel across Asia Pacific is on a strong upward trajectory, with the region projected to remain the largest global market in 2026 — even as companies navigate ongoing…

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Study: Navigating Transport in Unfamiliar Places is Southeast Asia’s Biggest Business Travel Stressor, Fueling Unapproved Ground Trips and Expense Uncertainty 

ByDebbie Iannaci

Nine in 10 business travellers (93%) desire a single, unified platform to manage ground transportation and meal-related expenses across Southeast Asia A new study by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) and Grab For Business reveals that companies in Southeast Asia can significantly improve the business travel experience by aligning their business travel programmes with…

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Canada Sees Continued Business Travel Growth and Strong Economic Impact in Toronto

ByTara Erwin

Canada’s business travel and meetings market is gaining momentum, according to analysis and insights shared about the sector by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) during its 2026 Canada Conference, held April 27-29 at The Westin Harbour Castle. GBTA research shows that despite ongoing global uncertainty and economic pressures, business travel remains a critical driver of economic growth, innovation and face-to-face collaboration in Canada and beyond.  “Business travel continues to prove its resilience and relevance worldwide, and Canada is no exception,” said…

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Global Business Travel Continues but Confidence Drops Sharply as Conflict, Costs and Complexity Reshape the 2026 Outlook

ByTara Erwin

Global business travel is continuing at a steady pace into 2026, but with significantly more caution, less confidence and moreoperational complexity than at the beginning of the year. Organizations are still pressing forward with trips, spending and meetings, yet are doing so amid escalating conflicts, higher costs and growing disruption. The shift can be seen…

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Corporate Travel Policies Strengthen, Modernize and Embrace AI─While Opportunities Remain for Improving Accessibility, Policy Clarity and Compliance

ByDebbie Iannaci

New research from GBTA and ALTOUR reveals meaningful progress but also persistent gaps in North America business travel programs Corporate travel policies across the U.S. and Canada are showing significant positive momentum: companies are sharpening policy clarity, enhancing the employee traveler experience through technology, and strengthening compliance frameworks. At the same time, travel programs continue…