Global Business Travel spend to reach USD 1.57 tn in 2025; India among top 15 markets: GBTA
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A rebound to 8.1% growth is projected for 2026, while long-term forecasts remain clouded by geopolitical and economic volatility. The GBTA report also shows that the spending is projected to grow in 2027 by 6.4% and 6.3% in 2028.
According to the latest edition of the GBTA Business Travel Index (“BTI”) Outlook – Annual Global Report & Forecast, the global business travel spending is projected to reach a new historical high of USD 1.57 trillion USD in 2025. This represents a moderate year-over-year growth rate of 6.6%, as global spending is expected to slow this year due to trade tensions, policy uncertainty and economic pressures. A rebound to 8.1% growth is projected for 2026, while long-term forecasts remain clouded by geopolitical and economic volatility.
Despite near-term challenges, global spending is projected to surpass USD 2 trillion by 2029 ─ one year later than anticipated a year ago ─ driven by structural shifts in trade, investment, and corporate travel behaviour.
As per the report released at the annual GBTA Convention in Denver, the spending is projected to grow in 2027 by 6.4% and 6.3% in 2028—modestly higher than forecast a year ago. The pace and trajectory of this growth, however, will depend heavily on the resolution—or escalation—of global trade tensions.
“As we thoughtfully anticipate reaching a new high in business travel spending this year, the outlook is steady ─ but the road ahead is more complex,” said Suzanne Neufang, CEO of GBTA. “Trade policy uncertainty, inflationary pressures, and shifting global supply chains are reshaping how and where companies travel. This latest forecast reflects the resiliency of business travel and our industry as well as the acknowledgment of the risks ahead.”
The latest forecast reflects a moderation from double-digit gains of the past two years. Trade policy uncertainty has emerged as a key risk leading to downward revisions in business travel growth projections for 2025 (from 10.4% projected a year ago, to 6.6% now) and 2026 (from 9.2% projected a year ago, to 8.1% now).
Spending figures for 2024 were also adjusted in this latest forecast – spending rose to USD 1.47 trillion, slightly below the previously projected USD 1.48 trillion. While this still marked a new high, real inflation-adjusted spending remains 14% below pre-pandemic levels, underscoring a slower recovery in travel volume.
In the 2025 forecast, the top 15 markets for business travel spending represent USD 1.31 trillion. The two top markets – the U.S. (USD 395.4 billion) and China (USD 373.1 billion) – together represent 58% of that total. The U.S. is projected to reclaim the top spot this year followed by China (which led the list in 2024 and 2023), Germany, Japan, and the UK.
India, South Korea, and Turkey are among the fastest growing among the top 15 markets, while Spain and the Netherlands are forecast to have little to no growth or a slight decrease.
Global Business Traveler Sentiment Remains Strong
A global survey of over 7,300 business travellers across 33 countries in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East reveals continued evolution and confidence in the value of traveling for work:
The report shows that the business travel is seen as valuable—86% rate their trips as worthwhile. Primary trip purposes cited vary by region, with training and conferences topping the list globally. Most travellers (74%) took between one and five trips in the past year, and over 80% say they are traveling for work as much or more than before 2019.
Average trip spending rose to USD 1,128 USD (up from USD 834 in the 2024 survey). Expense systems are common (67% use them), and comfort with artificial intelligence booking tools is growing, especially in Asia Pacific (78%). Corporate card access rose to 69%, led by North America (73%). However, only half of cardholders are required to use them. Mobile wallet use is also up, with 64% adoption globally and 72% in Asia Pacific.
“As corporate travellers increasingly expect seamless, mobile-first payment experiences, it’s no surprise the report found notable usage of corporate credit cards through mobile wallets. At Visa, we’re focused on enabling this shift, offering secure, flexible digital payment tools that meet travellers where they are, and help organisations modernise their expense processes,” said Edward Galvin, Vice President and head of North America B2B Commercial Payments, Visa.
The GBTA BTI report is a comprehensive five-year forecast on business travel spending covering 72 countries and 44 industries and includes insights from 7,300+ global business travellers. In its 17th edition, this report is made possible in partnership with Visa and reflects a continued recovery in nominal terms.
