2027 Global Business Travel Forecast 

The 2027 Global Business Travel Forecast is new research from GBTA, in partnership with ALTOUR, examining the economic and industry forces shaping business travel pricing through the remainder of 2026 and into 2027. 

The report explores how rising energy prices, labor costs, capacity constraints, and regional market conditions are influencing airfare, hotel rates, ground transportation, and meetings and events. It also provides regional forecasts and category-specific insights to help organizations build more informed travel budgets and sourcing strategies. 

Key Findings 

• Business travel prices are expected to remain elevated through the rest of 2026, with pricing growth moderating in 2027. 
• While pricing pressures are expected to ease, organizations should plan for relief, not a return to pre-2026 pricing, as structural market factors continue to influence travel costs. 
• Global blended airfare is forecast to increase 4.7% in 2026 before slowing to 1.5% in 2027. 
• Global hotel average daily rates are expected to increase 3.7% in 2026 and 1.8% in 2027, with significant regional variation. 
• Car rental rates are forecast to increase 3.6% in 2026 before stabilizing in 2027. 
• Meetings and events budgets are expected to continue rising, driven primarily by food and beverage, production, and labor costs. 

Download the full forecast to explore global and regional pricing projections, market drivers, and planning recommendations across every major business travel category.