The outlook for business travel in the coming year is robust, with over 90% of senior corporate leaders in the United States anticipating either steady or increased business travel compared to the past year, according to the latest findings from the Amex Trendex: Business Travel Edition survey, conducted by American Express. The results, published in July 2025, reinforce business travel’s enduring value amidst evolving economic and workplace dynamics.

Resilience and Optimism in Business Travel

This positive forecast arrives at a critical juncture for the travel industry, which has been recovering from pandemic-related disruptions and adapting to new challenges worldwide. The survey gathered insights from over 1,500 respondents, including both corporate decision-makers and business travelers across companies with 50 or more employees.

The research reveals that:

• 93% of corporate leaders attest that business growth can be linked to in-person meetings and events.
• 87% of business travelers believe client relationships benefit more from face-to-face interactions than from virtual calls.
• Maintaining and enhancing client relationships (64%) and pursuing new business opportunities (59%) are cited as the main drivers behind the expected travel increase.

American Express data aligns with recent industry reports from the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), which expects global business travel spending to surpass $1.5 trillion by 2026, signaling a return to—and surpassing of—pre-pandemic levels.

Emerging and Re-Emerging Global Destinations

2025’s survey marks the first time American Express has spotlighted rapidly rising international destinations for business travel. The three globally emerging hotspots are:

• Kumamoto, Japan: Known for its innovation clusters and advanced manufacturing, the city is attracting increasing inbound business activity in technology and automotive sectors.
• Cork, Ireland: Buoyed by growth in pharmaceutical, technology, and financial services, Cork is rapidly becoming a European business hub.
• Malmö, Sweden: Recognized for its leadership in sustainability and urban innovation, Malmö is increasingly appealing to international corporations with environmental mandates.

The survey also highlights five domestic US destinations witnessing elevated demand for business travel:

• Richmond, Virginia
• Columbus, Ohio
• Charleston, South Carolina
• Boise, Idaho
• New Orleans, Louisiana

These cities are benefiting from regional economic growth, a surge in tech and creative industries, and increased investment in event and convention infrastructure. Observable trends such as the decentralization of corporate headquarters and the rise of secondary cities for remote and hybrid working have contributed to this diversification of travel destinations.

The Strategic Role of Business Travel in Talent and Culture

Beyond direct client engagement, business travel is now viewed as a cornerstone of talent management:

• 80% of surveyed companies believe travel plays a key role in attracting and retaining top talent.
• A remarkable 84% of business travelers consider corporate travel a job perk, with this sentiment being even higher among Gen Z and Millennial employees (88%).

With flexible and hybrid workplaces becoming the norm, companies are leveraging travel not just for external growth, but also to nurture internal culture, build social capital, and keep employees engaged. According to Deloitte’s 2024 Global Human Capital Trends report, creating opportunities for in-person connection is emerging as a critical retention tool, especially among younger professionals who value travel experiences as part of their career development.

Managing Costs and Expectations in a Dynamic Environment

While the appetite for travel grows, so does the focus on cost management and compliance. Fernando Iraola, General Manager of Global & US Large Enterprises at American Express, emphasizes that companies must now, more than ever, balance travel policy oversight with employees’ expectations for seamless, flexible experiences. This includes ensuring efficient booking, duty-of-care protocols, and access to amenities that support wellbeing and productivity on the road.

Corporate travel managers and suppliers are also investing in digital solutions, expense management systems, and sustainability initiatives to align travel programs with organizational goals. According to the 2025 CWT and GBTA Business Travel Forecast, companies are expected to prioritize data-driven decision-making, carbon tracking tools, and multi-channel communication to support a productive and responsible travel ecosystem.

Business Travel Outlook: 2025 and Beyond

The prospects for business travel’s recovery and expansion are brighter than at any point since 2020. The American Express Trendex data is corroborated by leading airlines and hospitality groups:

• United Airlines reports corporate booking rates in the second quarter of 2025 at 105% of 2019 levels, fueled by tech, healthcare, and consulting sectors.
• Marriott International and Hilton Worldwide cite significant rebounds in group and corporate event bookings, with hybrid meeting solutions also gaining ground.
• Event organizers are seeing strong demand for both domestic and international conferences, especially within the technology, finance, and healthcare industries.

Industry analysts caution, however, that travel programs must remain agile as geopolitical risks, inflation, and changing work patterns continue to influence the global landscape. Collaboration between travel suppliers, corporate managers, and travelers themselves will be essential to maximize the value and sustainability of business travel in the years to come.