NINE BUSINESS TRAVEL TRENDS TO WATCH IN 2025

As we look ahead to 2025, several trends are poised to shape the future of business travel, according to predictions from Booking.com for Business, as shared by Travel Daily News.

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From a shift toward sustainable ground transportation to the use of artificial intelligence in trip planning, inclusive travel policies, and impressive technology, here are the key trends to keep an eye on.

1. Growth of Ground Transportation

Sustainability has become an increasingly important factor in business travel, expanding into transportation methods. As organizations strive to reduce carbon emissions, train and car travel are gaining preference over short-haul flights. Trains, for instance, are 12 times more energy-efficient per passenger than flying. With ground transportation valued at approximately $157 billion annually in 2024, this sector is expected to grow at a rate of 4.8% annually until 2032, signaling a decline in air travel over the next few years.

2. AI-Assisted Business Trip Planning

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a bigger role in business travel planning, and this trend will only continue into 2025. Platforms like Booking.com and TripAdvisor are now integrating virtual travel assistants to help users with trip suggestions during the planning process. Corporate travel planners are using tools like Mindtrip to merge individual and group itineraries based on data input, allowing team members to share real-time scheduling updates. Apps like DeepL also support language translation, while virtual assistants and chatbots can adjust flight schedules and make new bookings in the event of cancellations.

3. Inclusive Corporate Travel Policies

As workplaces become more equitable and diverse, the need for inclusive travel policies is growing. Companies are focusing on creating travel policies that actively support and ensure the safety of individuals from diverse backgrounds, helping them feel secure while traveling for business. This trend emphasizes fairness and safety in corporate travel planning.

4. Virtual Reality Previews

One of the standout trends for 2025 is the use of virtual reality (VR) to manage traveler expectations. Business travelers will have the ability to take virtual tours of hotels before deciding to book, helping them make more informed decisions. This trend is expected to grow and include virtual experiences of a wider range of locations. For example, before booking a meeting space, travelers can take a virtual tour to ensure the venue suits their needs. Additionally, augmented reality integrated into apps will provide on-the-go navigation and information directly on smartphones.

5. New Distribution Capability (NDC)

One of the biggest technological trends in business travel is the rise of New Distribution Capability (NDC). Developed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), NDC allows airlines to distribute flight content in a more personalized way, impacting airline strategies by aligning ticket prices with market demand through dynamic pricing. For business travelers and corporate travel managers, this means access to the latest information on delays or schedule changes, along with personalized offers based on preferences. Travelers will have the ability to seamlessly adjust bookings online or through an app.

6. Business Travel Safety Apps

As geopolitical tensions continue to be a concern, the need for safety during business travel is more critical than ever. Political instability and extreme weather conditions are just a few of the risks that come with traveling for work. In response, the demand for business travel safety apps is set to increase in 2025. These apps will help companies track their employees’ whereabouts and provide real-time assistance in emergencies.

7. Immersive Event Experiences

In-person meetings and conferences are making a strong comeback following the pandemic. In fact, 59% of corporate travel buyers reported that their employees attended more conferences compared to the previous year, and this trend is expected to continue into 2025. As more business events return, the use of technology to create more immersive event experiences will increase, enhancing networking opportunities and boosting revenues.

8. Personalized Travel Approaches

In 2025, personalization will be a dominant trend as businesses seek to meet the demand for flexible booking experiences. The shift toward flexible cancellation policies, accelerated by the pandemic, is now standard. Travel companies will use big data, machine learning, and AI tools to analyze past behaviors and current preferences to offer tailored, individually designed travel experiences. For instance, these tools will allow business travelers to receive recommendations based on previous flight preferences or seating choices.

9. Corporate Travel Booking Tools

With so many applications and platforms for business travel, there is no reason why booking corporate trips should be cumbersome in 2025. Manual processes, such as submitting travel expense reports or approval forms, are becoming outdated. Modernized booking tools will continue to evolve, providing administrators, planners, and travelers with centralized dashboards for fully automated efficiency, keeping corporate travel processes seamless and competitive.

As we move through 2025, business travel will be shaped by sustainability, personalization, and cutting-edge technology. From the rise of AI in travel planning to a focus on safety and inclusivity, these nine trends promise to redefine the way companies approach business travel.