As we close out 2024, we proudly celebrate 30 years of success in business travel and extend our deepest gratitude to our dedicated employees, loyal clients, and trusted partners who have been the cornerstone of our journey. This year has been marked by the return of corporate business travel and innovative advancements, which have transformed the way our customers experience travel.
2024 saw the surprising recovery of the industry, and a rise in business travel. Many companies called employees back to the office, and if they haven’t been called back yet, employees like those from Amazon are being expected back to the office in 2025.
At G3, we understand how evolving business travel trends and our client’s needs have guided the transformation of business travel in 2024. In 2025, several key business travel trends are expected to shape the industry, especially for Travel Management Companies (TMCs). These trends reflect shifts in sustainability, technology, traveler preferences, and prioritizing employee health in the corporate world. Here are some of the most important trends to watch.
1. Sustainability and Green Travel
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): More companies are prioritizing sustainability, with a growing demand for eco-friendly travel options. TMC’s are increasingly expected to provide eco-friendly options, including carbon-offset programs, sustainable lodging, and low-emission flight choices.
- Sustainability Tracking: TMCs will increasingly provide tools that allow businesses to track their carbon footprint and reduce travel-related emissions. This trend will be driven by both environmental goals and government regulations on emissions.
- G3’s Take: Known for its commitment to sustainability, our partner BCD Travel implements innovative practices that align with modern corporate responsibility. They introduced an innovative sustainability offering, helping clients set and achieve carbon targets, change traveler behavior, and streamline sustainability efforts across travel bookings. As businesses commit to minimizing their ecological footprint, look for more virtual meetings and longer stays.
2. AI and Automation
- AI-Powered Tools: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning will continue to play a significant role in business travel. TMCs are adopting AI-powered platforms that automate tasks like itinerary creation, expense reporting, and real-time travel updates.
- Chatbots and Virtual Assistants: AI chatbots will assist travelers throughout the booking process, updates to itineraries, and resolving issues in real time.
- G3’s Take: If you have avoided AI up to this point, it’s time to accept the future. Travel managers should stay ahead of the trends and find ways to incorporate AI into the overall travel experience. In fact, according to a GBTA study, two out of five respondents (44%) look forward to the impact of AI on the business travel industry.
3. Personalization and Traveler Experience
- Custom Travel Preferences: Businesses are focusing on employee well-being, so TMCs are expected to offer personalized travel options. This includes preferences related to flight times, seating, hotel accommodations, and dietary needs.
- Traveler-Centric Services: Companies are increasingly recognizing the need for seamless and flexible travel experiences. TMCs will offer personalized itineraries, concierge services, and on-demand support to enhance the overall travel experience.
- G3’s Take: G3 treats every traveler and every request with care and personal attention. In addition to our industry-leading standard of service, we have created Enhanced Services to take your experience to the next level.
4. Hybrid and Bleisure Travel
- Hybrid Work and Remote Work: As remote work becomes more common, hybrid travel—where business trips are combined with personal vacations or extended stays—is on the rise. TMCs will need to cater to this trend by managing both business and leisure elements in travel bookings.
- Bleisure Travel: Business travelers are increasingly extending their trips to include leisure activities, blending work and relaxation. As this bleisure trend continues to grow, TMCs must adapt by offering flexible packages and managing both business and leisure travel needs seamlessly.
- G3’s Take: In recent years, the trend of “Bleisure” travel has gained popularity, as professionals seek to blend business trips with leisure experiences. This innovative approach allows travelers to extend their work commitments into enjoyable explorations, offering a unique opportunity to unwind and discover new destinations.
5. Employee Health and Safety Concerns
- Post-Pandemic Health Protocols: Health and safety remain a priority, particularly with varying regional requirements. TMCs will continue to help businesses navigate changing health protocols, including vaccination requirements.
- Travel Risk Management: With the global landscape still unpredictable, businesses are increasing investment in travel risk management tools. TMCs will offer solutions that provide real-time travel advisories on safety risks and medical emergencies, as well as support with emergency evacuations.
- G3’s Take: Corporate travel managers can adopt strategies that reduce employee risks, create a better travel experience and help encourage a sense of security for employees on business trips. G3’s focus in 2025 will be continuing to focus on digital integration, real-time updates, and collaboration with TMCs could strengthen the impact of health and safety compliance measures.
To stay competitive in the dynamic business travel market of 2025, TMCs must embrace advanced technology, embrace sustainability, and deliver tailored services that cater to their clients’ evolving needs. By remaining adaptable and responsive to shifting demands, TMCs can position themselves as essential partners in the ever-changing landscape of business travel.
Welcoming 2025
As we embrace the opportunities of 2025, we extend our deep appreciation to our valued clients and partners for your unwavering support and collaboration. Your collaboration and input has been instrumental in refining our services and travel management solutions, while our partners have played a vital role in ensuring safe journeys and exceptional experiences for our business travelers.
At G3, we’re eager to continue delivering revolutionary solutions that address the evolving needs of the travel industry. Contact us today for a free consultation with the G3 staff!