The State of Corporate Travel Policies

The State of Corporate Travel Policies is new research from GBTA conducted in partnership with ALTOUR, examining how corporate travel policies are evolving across the United States and Canada. Based on a survey of 168 travel managers, the study benchmarks how organizations are strengthening policy structure, addressing compliance challenges, and modernizing through technology and clearer standards. It also highlights where gaps remain, particularly in accessibility, education, and enforcement.

Key findings include:

• 32% of travel managers say their policy is stricter today than it was three years ago, while only 5% report becoming more lenient.
• 51% of policies exceed 10 pages, and lack of policy awareness is the top driver of non-compliance.
• 64% of buyers are interested in using AI-generated tools to simplify and summarize policy guidance.
• Booking outside required channels and out-of-policy hotel stays are the leading compliance challenges.
• Only 13% of policies strongly address accessibility needs, and just 19% clearly provide inclusion guidance.
• Air, lodging, and meal standards vary widely, from business class eligibility and lowest logical fare rules to homesharing restrictions and spending limits.

Travel policies sit at the center of every managed travel program. They influence cost control, duty of care, supplier strategy, and traveler experience. As organizations navigate inflation, regulatory shifts, and evolving employee expectations, policy clarity and structure matter more than ever.