Corporate Travel is Back, But It’s Not Business as Usual

As we sail through 2025, corporate travel spending is set to hit record highs. But it’s not just about more trips, it’s about better trips. More strategic. More intentional. More measurable.

Recent global research by Skift highlights a major shift in how companies view business travel and expense (T&E) management, and there are big implications for travel agencies servicing corporates with technology.

Here are 5 key takeaways shaping the future of our industry:

✅ Purpose-led travel is the new normal

 Companies and employees are now aligned on why they travel, it's not just about presence; it's about impact. Trips must drive value.

✅ Hybrid work is declining

 With only 50% of employees now in hybrid roles (down from 70%), the demand for in-person meetings and travel is growing again.

✅ T&E systems are still broken

 Shockingly, 60%+ of companies still handle expenses manually. This is slowing down reporting, policy enforcement, and ROI validation.

✅ There’s a demand for unified platforms

 77% of finance and travel managers now prefer an all-in-one travel and expense solution. The days of disconnected systems are numbered.

✅ Tech-powered travel partners are in demand

 Agencies who can help companies automate, optimize, and integrate T&E solutions will be the ones who grow in this next phase.

💡 As travel tech consultants, we see this as a pivotal moment for the ecosystem, from booking tools to expense management to travel policies, there’s never been a greater need for smart, flexible, integrated solutions.

Let’s talk if you’re exploring how to future-proof your corporate travel program or want to better serve your corporate clients through modern tech!