Business travel is set to soar back to pre-pandemic heights by the end of this year, with companies remembering the power of face-to-face connections. The GBTA's Business Travel Index Outlook predicts that spending will hit £1.1 trillion in 2024 and nearly £1.4 trillion by 2027. 

We can expect this momentum to flourish and redefine the landscape of corporate travel. With a growing emphasis on global connectivity, inclusivity, and technological integration, let's explore the transformative trends redefining professional travel.

Bleisure is a mix of "business" and "leisure," where you combine a work trip with some personal time. Basically, you extend your business travel to squeeze in some fun—whether it’s exploring the city, focusing on wellness, or bringing along family or friends. It's an increasingly popular way to balance work and play!

Remote work and "work from anywhere" benefits have helped to revolutionise the travel industry. Employees now look to extend work trips, transforming them into solo travel or family vacations and blending business travel with leisure. This means that hotels must provide a more hybrid service, catering to all types of travel needs.

AI I tools are starting to make a splash in the corporate travel sector, as well as the leisure sector. Virtual travel agents can now map out travel itineraries and secure the best fares, catering to each individual’s personal preferences with the utmost precision. 

AI has the added benefit of offering proactive budget management. With nine out of ten travel decision-makers prioritising AI and machine learning investments, personalised and efficient travel experiences are definitely on the horizon.

2024 has seen a significant shift towards wellness in corporate travel programmes. The pandemic only underlined the importance of health and immunity, for both travellers and companies, which led to increased demand for authentic, holistic wellness offerings across all price ranges.

From destination activities to hotel amenities and safety protocols, wellness must be integral to the entire business trip experience, and not just an afterthought. Companies have caught up to embrace the health aspect of travel in their policies, recognising activities that support mental health and enjoyment as beneficial for their employees.

Organisations and business travellers are increasingly conscious of their environmental footprint, seeking out sustainable options such as carbon-offset flights and eco-friendly hotel amenities. Key trends in sustainable business travel include:

• Eco-conscious hotels

• Green transportation choices

• Paperless travel solutions

• Updated sustainable travel policies

• Corporate travel sustainability reports

These trends reflect a growing commitment to sustainability in the overall business travel landscape.

In our tech-savvy world, travellers crave personalised, seamless digital experiences. A recent survey reveals that 80% of travellers consider online booking an essential, requiring hotels to offer effortless viewing and filtering of amenities. 

While on the move, travellers demand a seamless integration of personal devices with on-property tech, from Wi-Fi to streaming services. Additionally, they seek out tech options like touchless payments, elevating their corporate travel experience and helping them to feel connected at all times, no matter how far from home they may be.

Business travel is actually a necessity for many professions, such as sales reps, client service managers, consultants, and event staff. For these individuals, travel is intrinsic to their roles and remains budgeted for, even in uncertain economic times. 

Nothing compares to face-to-face interactions with clients and the data shows that this drives performance and growth. And, 87% of business travellers agree!

In 2024, business travellers desire more than practical perks; they crave enriching experiences and meaningful rewards. Loyalty programs will evolve to offer real benefits that enhance travel beyond basic upgrades and conveniences. 

Practical benefits like late checkouts and room upgrades are now the standard. So, the true allure lies in unique experiences—exclusive events, complimentary services, and luxurious touches that add personal value to every journey.

The future of corporate travel is certainly looking bright, with well-being, family, and overall balance playing a key role! It’s not just one element but several that contribute to a more satisfying business travel experience. 

From sustainable and personalised experiences to a strong focus on health, safety, and productivity, the emphasis is increasingly on creating a work-life blend that supports mental and physical well-being. This includes integrating family time and ensuring a balanced approach to travel, to maintain a healthy lifestyle while staying productive on the road.