Even before modern transportation, business travel has always been essential to how organizations operate, compete, and grow. As we move into 2026, new data confirms that work-related travel will become even more important as companies respond to global complexity, evolving work models, and heightened performance expectations.
The GBTA Business Travel Index (“GBTA BTI”) estimates that global business travel spending reached $1.57 trillion in 2025. On this basis, spending growth in 2026 is projected to continue increasing at 8.1%, indicating continued momentum despite the potential impact of economic and trade-related uncertainties. This continued investment reflects our long-standing value and reliance on direct engagement to support our business and revenue generation, strengthen our partnerships and teams, and drive our strategic priorities across markets and geographies. This also applies if you need to find new markets, business partners, or manufacturing companies.
With this increase in travel in mind, organizations’ focus in 2026 will be on more intentional planning and smarter ways to travel for work.
Intentional travel for work continues to increase in value
GBTA BTI insights consistently show that business travel pays off. More than 80% of business travelers report traveling the same or more than before 2019, and 86% say traveling for work is worthwhile, highlighting that travel is valuable and closely tied to achieving business goals. Organizations continue to rely on in-person interactions to deliver results and impact that cannot be replicated virtually.
What has evolved is the way we plan and structure our trips. Travelers are increasingly combining multiple meetings into a single trip or extending their stay to make better use of their time in their destination. This reflects a more deliberate approach that maximizes productivity while respecting limited time and resources.
Travel programs support this change by focusing on traveler needs, clarity, compliance, and alignment with business outcomes. Many organizations view travel as a strategic investment rather than just a discretionary budget item.
Data shows practical technology adoption
A recent GBTA poll shows that organizations across the business travel ecosystem are actively exploring how new technology can support smarter travel decisions. Almost half of travel agents and travel management companies report experimenting with artificial intelligence, and around a third of travel buyers say their companies are doing the same.
These findings demonstrate the growing exploration of how AI can support business travel decisions and operations.
The signals are clear. Business travel is the driving force behind growth. Resilient demand, sustained spending, and the adoption of impactful technology, taken together, support a simple truth: Travel advances business and the global economy. In 2026 and beyond, the winners will be organizations driven by intent, enabled by AI, supported by smarter programs, and committed to turning every trip into a measurable outcome.
