ALEXANDRIA, Virginia — Global business travel spending is forecast to reach a record $1.71 trillion in U.S. dollars in 2026, with the number of business trips worldwide expected to surpass 1.84 billion. The forecast highlights how rising transportation and travel costs are increasingly driving higher industry prices, ahead of the number of trips.

The recently released 2026 GBTA Business Travel Index (BTI) Annual Global Report and Forecast projects global business travel spending to increase 7.2% in 2026. The report’s first-ever analysis of worldwide business travel volume projects approximately 1.84 billion trips for work will be taken in 2026. This is up from an estimated 1.82 billion trips in 2025, an increase of 1.3%.

The report also reveals that global business travel spending grew 8.4% in 2025 to $1.59 trillion, outperforming last year’s forecast of 6.6% growth, supported by stronger-than-expected economic activity, easing trade tensions in the second half of the year and overarching currency exchange effects. Global spending is projected to surpass $2 trillion by 2030, one year later than forecast last year due to moderating growth rates after 2026, yet still supported by sustained business investment and international commercial activity.

The report covers 72 countries and 44 industries and includes survey insights from more than 4,700 business travelers across 66 global markets.

“The big story this year is that companies haven’t stepped away from travel, but they are increasingly more selective and productivity-focused,” said Suzanne Neufang, CEO of GBTA. “While business travel spending continues to grow, the number of trips is rising more slowly, making it necessary for all of us to assess industry and organizational impact. Travel remains essential, and companies are critically disciplined about where, how and why they travel.”

In addition to the spending forecast, for the first time, this year’s report provides global business travel volume for 2025 and 2026, adding perspective on business travel’s growth and the effect of rising prices.

Global business travelers made an estimated 1.82 billion business trips in 2025. Asia and Europe accounted for the highest volumes, each approaching 600 million trips or more. This is driven by APAC’s concentration of business travel activity and Europe’s strong regional connectivity.

The estimated 1.3% increase globally in 2026 to 1.84 billion trips — roughly 25 million additional business trips — contrasts with the anticipated 7.2% rise in spending this year, underscoring the dampening effect of higher transportation and travel costs on business travel demand.

In May 2026, 4,700 business travelers were surveyed across 66 global markets for the BTI report. Results show business travel remained resilient in 2025 and reveal a workforce that continues to travel regularly while adapting to higher costs, evolving travel programs and a more uncertain global environment.

Managed travel programs remain widespread, with 65% saying their companies require or encourage bookings through a travel management company or corporate online booking tool.

To learn more about GBTA Research or to download the report, visit gbta.org.