Global business travel spending is on track to reach a record $1.71 trillion in 2026, according to the latest Business Travel Index (BTI) Annual Global Report and Forecast from the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA).
GBTA expects companies to take approximately 1.84 billion business trips worldwide this year. That represents a 1.3% increase over 2025. Business travel spending, however, is projected to grow 7.2%, reflecting higher transportation and travel costs.
The report, released during the GBTA Convention in Chicago, shows companies continue investing in face-to-face meetings and business travel. At the same time, organizations are becoming more selective about when and where employees travel.
GBTA Business Travel Index Report. Courtesy image
Global business travel spending in 2025 increased by 8.4% vs. 2024, totaling $1.59 trillion. GBTA expects spending to surpass $2 trillion by 2030, supported by continued business investment and international commercial activity.
“The big story this year is that companies haven’t stepped away from travel, but they are increasingly more selective and productivity-focused,” GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang said. “Travel remains essential, and companies are critically disciplined about where, how and why they travel.”
Rising costs continue to shape business travel.
For the first time, the BTI report estimates global business travel volume.
GBTA projects 1.84 billion business trips worldwide in 2026, up from 1.82 billion in 2025. Asia and Europe continue to generate the highest number of business trips.
The report points to higher transportation costs, geopolitical uncertainty and changes in airline networks as key factors influencing business travel this year.
Regional growth remains strong.
The United States and China remain the world’s largest business travel markets. They account for nearly half of projected global business travel spending.
Several countries are expected to post strong growth in 2026, including:
- Brazil (13.8%)
- Australia (11.5%)
- South Korea (11.3%)
- Turkey (10.9%)
- Japan (10%)
GBTA also identified artificial intelligence and technology investment as important drivers of business travel growth, particularly in North America and Asia Pacific.
Business travelers continue to adapt.
The report includes responses from more than 4,700 business travelers across 66 global markets.
Among the findings:
- 74% said they traveled as much or more in 2025 than in previous years.
- 28% expect to travel more in 2026.
- 42% typically fly in premium cabins.
- 65% book travel through a managed travel program.
- 68% receive a corporate credit card for business travel.
Rail continues to play an important role in Europe and Asia Pacific, while managed travel programs remain a key part of corporate travel policies worldwide.
Download the Executive Summary here from the 2026 GBTA Business Travel Index.
GBTA members can exclusively access the full report on the GBTA Community+ platform here.
To learn more about GBTA Research or to inquire about GBTA BTI, visit the GBTA webpage or email research@gbta.org.
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