GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Corporate Travel Industry Statistics

The corporate travel industry generates over $1.3 trillion in revenue annually, with business travel expected to continue growing in the coming years.

Highlights: Corporate Travel Industry Statistics

  • Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, global business travel spending reached approximately 1.3 trillion U.S. dollars in 2019.
  • U.S. corporate travel spending is projected to reach 140.01 billion U.S. dollars in 2024.
  • In the U.S, 445.3 million business trips occurred in 2019.
  • The U.S accounts for 27% of the corporate travel market share globally.
  • In 2019, the Asia Pacific region had the highest business travel spend, reaching $392 billion.
  • The global corporate travel management market is forecasted to reach $35.27 billion by 2023.
  • 92% of travel managers said they expect their travel budgets to decrease because of COVID-19.
  • The biggest growth areas in corporate travel spending concern hotel spending (up 6%) and ground transportation (up 7%).
  • Over 1.3 billion business trips were taken in the U.S. in 2019.
  • Airlines earned $35.2 billion from corporate travel in 2019.
  • By 2022, business travel is expected to yield $1.7 trillion globally.
  • Nearly 40% of businesses have increased their travel budgets in the last year.
  • Corporate travel makes up roughly 30% of the travel and tourism industry.
  • In Europe, the travel industry is dominated by Germany, as it accounts for 20% of the total corporate travel market.
  • An estimated 80% of businesses had their travel impacted by COVID-19 in 2020.
  • Corporate travel is predicted to decrease by 36% by the end of 2021 as a result of the pandemic.
  • 14% of global businesses reported they continued to travel without restrictions despite the pandemic.
  • 61% of travel buyers are confident the corporate travel industry will rebound within 2 years according to a GBTA poll in 2020.
  • In 2019, China was the second-largest corporate travel market globally, with a spend of $327 billion.
  • Business travelers are responsible for about 60% of all air travel revenue.

Our Newsletter

The Business Week In Data

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!

Table of Contents

The Latest Corporate Travel Industry Statistics Explained

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, global business travel spending reached approximately 1.3 trillion U.S. dollars in 2019.

The statistic indicates that in the year 2019, global business travel spending had surged to an estimated value of 1.3 trillion U.S. dollars before being impacted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This figure reflects the substantial amount of money that was being allocated towards business-related travel expenses worldwide. The significant investment in business travel highlights its integral role in facilitating crucial face-to-face interactions, fostering business relationships, and driving economic activities across various industries. However, the subsequent impact of the pandemic likely led to a drastic decline in business travel expenditures due to travel restrictions, lockdown measures, and a shift towards virtual communication platforms.

U.S. corporate travel spending is projected to reach 140.01 billion U.S. dollars in 2024.

The statistic ‘U.S. corporate travel spending is projected to reach 140.01 billion U.S. dollars in 2024’ indicates the anticipated total amount that businesses in the United States are expected to spend on travel-related expenses for their employees in the year 2024. This figure encompasses costs associated with airfare, accommodations, ground transportation, meals, and other related expenses incurred by companies for business purposes. The projected amount suggests an increase in corporate travel spending compared to previous years, reflecting potential growth in business activities, economic conditions, and overall corporate strategies. Tracking and analyzing this statistic can provide valuable insights into the trends and priorities of businesses, as well as the broader health of the economy.

In the U.S, 445.3 million business trips occurred in 2019.

The statistic that in the U.S, 445.3 million business trips occurred in 2019 represents the total number of trips taken for business purposes within the United States during that year. This figure includes travel undertaken by employees, executives, entrepreneurs, and other professionals for meetings, conferences, site visits, and other work-related activities. Business travel plays a significant role in the U.S. economy as it fosters networking, collaboration, and business growth. The sheer volume of business trips highlights the importance of face-to-face interactions and the need for professionals to travel for work-related reasons despite advancements in technology enabling virtual communication. Tracking these statistics can provide valuable insights into trends in business travel and help inform decisions related to travel policies, infrastructure development, and economic forecasting.

The U.S accounts for 27% of the corporate travel market share globally.

This statistic indicates that the United States holds a significant portion of the corporate travel market worldwide, accounting for 27% of the market share. This suggests that a substantial amount of corporate travel spending and activity occurs in the United States compared to other countries. The dominance of the U.S. in the corporate travel market may reflect its strong economy, large number of businesses, and extensive transportation infrastructure. Companies in the U.S. are likely to engage in frequent business-related travel, either domestically or internationally, contributing to their share of the global corporate travel market. Understanding this market share can provide insights into the importance of the U.S. market within the broader context of global business travel.

In 2019, the Asia Pacific region had the highest business travel spend, reaching $392 billion.

The statistic that in 2019, the Asia Pacific region had the highest business travel spend, totaling $392 billion, highlights the economic significance and growth potential of the region’s business travel sector. This figure indicates the substantial investment made by businesses in travel-related expenses such as transportation, accommodation, dining, and other services within the Asia Pacific region. The substantial spending not only reflects the region’s economic vitality but also emphasizes the importance of personal connections, networking, and face-to-face interactions in fostering business relationships and opportunities. With such a significant expenditure on business travel, it underscores the region’s role as a key player in the global business landscape and signals potential opportunities for further growth and development in the future.

The global corporate travel management market is forecasted to reach $35.27 billion by 2023.

The statistic indicates a projected value for the global corporate travel management market, forecasting it to reach $35.27 billion by the year 2023. This figure represents the estimated total revenue that companies providing travel management services to other businesses are expected to generate in the upcoming years. The forecasted growth suggests an increasing demand for corporate travel management services worldwide, likely driven by the expansion of international business activities, globalization of markets, and the need for efficient and cost-effective solutions for corporate travel arrangements. This statistic serves as a valuable insight for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and investors to understand the potential growth opportunities and economic impact of the corporate travel management sector in the near future.

92% of travel managers said they expect their travel budgets to decrease because of COVID-19.

The statistic indicates that a high proportion, specifically 92%, of travel managers anticipate a reduction in their travel budgets as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This suggests a significant impact on the travel industry due to the widespread disruptions caused by the pandemic, such as travel restrictions, cancellations, and overall uncertainty. The expectation of decreased budgets reflects the financial challenges faced by organizations in managing their travel expenses during these turbulent times. As a result, companies may need to adapt their travel policies, prioritize essential trips, and explore alternative ways of conducting business to align with the anticipated budget cuts.

The biggest growth areas in corporate travel spending concern hotel spending (up 6%) and ground transportation (up 7%).

The statistic indicates that the most significant increases in corporate travel spending are in the categories of hotel spending and ground transportation, with both registering notable gains. The 6% uptick in hotel spending suggests that companies are allocating more resources towards accommodations for business trips, potentially reflecting an overall uptrend in business travel or higher budgets for lodging expenses. Similarly, the 7% increase in ground transportation spending implies a growing emphasis on ensuring efficient and comfortable transportation arrangements for employees while on work-related trips. These findings may be indicative of a positive economic outlook or an increase in business activities that necessitate extensive travel, highlighting the importance of these two sectors within the corporate travel industry.

Over 1.3 billion business trips were taken in the U.S. in 2019.

The statistic indicates that there were more than 1.3 billion business trips conducted within the United States in the year 2019. This suggests a significant level of mobility and activity in the business sector, with a large number of individuals traveling for work-related purposes throughout the country. The high volume of business trips reflects the dynamic nature of the U.S. economy and the importance of face-to-face interactions in conducting business, despite advancements in technology enabling virtual communication. The statistic serves as a measure of the scale of business activities and the extent of travel-related expenditures within the U.S. during that particular year.

Airlines earned $35.2 billion from corporate travel in 2019.

The statistic ‘Airlines earned $35.2 billion from corporate travel in 2019’ represents the total revenue generated by airlines specifically from business travelers during the year 2019. This figure highlights the significant contribution of corporate travel towards the overall revenue of airlines and underscores the importance of the business travel market segment for the airline industry. The substantial amount of $35.2 billion suggests that airlines catered to a large number of corporate travelers who were willing to pay for premium services and accommodations, further emphasizing the economic impact and profitability associated with this particular market segment for airlines in 2019.

By 2022, business travel is expected to yield $1.7 trillion globally.

The statistic that by 2022, business travel is expected to yield $1.7 trillion globally indicates the projected total value generated by business travel activities around the world by the year 2022. This includes expenses related to transportation, accommodation, meals, and other services incurred by organizations and individuals for business-related purposes. The significance of this statistic lies in highlighting the substantial economic impact of business travel, not only in terms of revenue generated for various industries such as hospitality, transportation, and food services but also in driving global business interactions, facilitating networking opportunities, and fostering economic growth on a global scale.

Nearly 40% of businesses have increased their travel budgets in the last year.

The statistic that nearly 40% of businesses have increased their travel budgets in the last year indicates a notable trend towards higher investment in business travel expenses. This growth suggests that a significant portion of companies are prioritizing business trips and recognizing the value of face-to-face interactions for networking, closing deals, and fostering professional relationships. Increased travel budgets may be driven by factors such as an expanding global market, the need to stay competitive, or a growing recognition of the benefits of in-person meetings. This statistic implies a positive outlook for industries that heavily rely on business travel and signals potential opportunities for companies in the travel and hospitality sectors.

Corporate travel makes up roughly 30% of the travel and tourism industry.

This statistic indicates that corporate travel, which refers to business-related trips taken by employees of companies, constitutes approximately 30% of the entire travel and tourism industry. This suggests that a significant portion of the travel sector is driven by business-related activities, such as meetings, conferences, and client visits. The prominence of corporate travel highlights the important role that businesses play in stimulating travel and tourism activities, as well as the impact it has on the economy. Understanding the proportion of corporate travel within the industry can help stakeholders in the travel sector tailor their services and marketing strategies to cater to this specific segment of travelers.

In Europe, the travel industry is dominated by Germany, as it accounts for 20% of the total corporate travel market.

The statistic indicates that within Europe, Germany holds a significant market share in the corporate travel industry, representing 20% of the total market. This suggests that Germany has a strong presence and influence in shaping the dynamics of corporate travel within the region, potentially due to factors such as its robust economy, well-developed infrastructure, and strategic geographic location. As a dominant player, Germany likely plays a key role in driving trends, setting standards, and shaping the competition within the corporate travel sector in Europe. This statistic highlights the importance of Germany as a major hub for corporate travel activities in Europe.

An estimated 80% of businesses had their travel impacted by COVID-19 in 2020.

The statistic indicates that a significant majority of businesses, approximately 80%, experienced disruptions to their travel plans in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This disruption could encompass a variety of factors such as canceled flights, travel restrictions, remote work policies, or reduced business operations requiring travel. The high percentage suggests that the pandemic had a widespread and substantial impact on the ability of businesses to conduct their usual travel-related activities during the year. This statistic highlights the significant and far-reaching consequences that COVID-19 had on the business world in terms of travel disruptions and the subsequent implications for business operations, profitability, and overall economic activity.

Corporate travel is predicted to decrease by 36% by the end of 2021 as a result of the pandemic.

The statistic that corporate travel is predicted to decrease by 36% by the end of 2021 due to the pandemic suggests a significant impact on business travel patterns. This decline can be attributed to various factors such as travel restrictions, remote work arrangements, health concerns, and budgetary constraints faced by businesses during the pandemic. The predicted decrease of 36% indicates a substantial shift in the way companies conduct their business operations, with many opting for virtual meetings and conferences instead of traditional in-person travel. This statistic highlights the adaptability of businesses in response to the challenges posed by the pandemic and emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology to stay connected and productive in a changing business landscape.

14% of global businesses reported they continued to travel without restrictions despite the pandemic.

The statistic that 14% of global businesses reported continuing to travel without restrictions despite the pandemic indicates a concerning level of non-compliance with public health guidelines and potentially reckless behavior. Despite the widespread impact of the pandemic on global travel and the health risks associated with it, a significant minority of businesses have chosen to prioritize their travel needs over safety considerations. This statistic highlights the challenges in enforcing strict regulations and the importance of promoting responsible behavior to mitigate the spread of the virus and protect public health on a global scale.

61% of travel buyers are confident the corporate travel industry will rebound within 2 years according to a GBTA poll in 2020.

The statistic states that 61% of travel buyers expressed confidence that the corporate travel industry will recover within a 2-year timeframe, as reported in a poll conducted by GBTA in 2020. This indicates that a significant majority of respondents in the survey are optimistic about the industry’s recovery post-pandemic, suggesting a belief in the resilience and potential for growth within the corporate travel sector. The statistic provides insight into the sentiment and expectations of industry professionals, indicating cautious optimism regarding the future outlook for corporate travel.

In 2019, China was the second-largest corporate travel market globally, with a spend of $327 billion.

The statistic indicates that in 2019, China had the second highest corporate travel market expenditure in the world, totaling $327 billion. This suggests that Chinese businesses made a significant investment in corporate travel activities, such as business trips, conferences, and meetings, reflecting the country’s thriving economy and active participation in global business activities. The substantial spending on corporate travel underscores the importance of face-to-face interactions, networking, and relationship-building in the business world, highlighting China’s commitment to expanding its business horizons and fostering international partnerships. This statistic also underscores China’s status as a key player in the global corporate travel market, showcasing its economic prowess and influence on the international business stage.

Business travelers are responsible for about 60% of all air travel revenue.

The statistic that business travelers account for approximately 60% of all air travel revenue indicates that a significant portion of the income generated by airlines comes from individuals traveling for work-related purposes. This suggests that business travel plays a crucial role in the financial success of the airline industry. Airlines often rely on the higher fares and more frequent scheduling demands of business travelers to maintain profitability. Understanding the importance of business travelers in driving revenue can help airlines tailor their services and pricing strategies to meet the specific needs of this demographic, thereby maximizing their overall financial performance.

References

0. – https://www.www.gbta.org

1. – https://www.www.travelagewest.com

2. – https://www.www.statista.com

3. – https://www.www.cvent.com

4. – https://www.www.mordorintelligence.com

5. – https://www.www.prnewswire.com

6. – https://www.businesstravelnews.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!