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Insights on Business Travel Trends

According to the latest findings from the 2025 Internova Index North American Business Traveler Insights, business travel has experienced a degree of stability amidst a fluctuating global economic environment. This report, compiled by Internova Analytics and Consulting, dives deep into the travel booking behaviors of North American business travelers and sheds light on the changes resulting from the ongoing economic uncertainty.

A Stable Year for Business Travel

Over the past year, business travel has remained unshaken with minimal fluctuations, despite rising concerns within the macroeconomic landscape. The insights gleaned from millions of travel bookings indicate that both domestic and international business travel have maintained similar performance levels from early 2024 to the same time frame in 2025. This suggests that while companies are cautious, they continue to recognize the necessity of travel for operational efficiency.

Cost-Cutting on Travel

Interestingly, the report notes a shift in spending habits. There has been an uptick in demand for economy air travel as opposed to premium classes, signaling a trend where businesses are eager to travel but are becoming increasingly budget-conscious. Concurrently, hotel spending has decreased, which correlates with the observation of shorter business trips being preferred by companies. The goal appears to be enhancing travel efficiency with minimized costs.

Recovering Traveler Confidence

Although forward bookings are presently below levels recorded in 2024, there is a marked recovery from the lowest points observed earlier. This rebound in bookings portrays a slow but steady resurgence in the confidence of business travelers to undertake trips, ultimately reflecting an optimistic outlook for corporate travel moving forward.

The Role of Travel Agencies

The study accentuates the importance of travel agencies in the business travel landscape, particularly among C-suite executives. Notably, 49% of all business travelers cite a human travel advisor as their primary booking channel, overshadowing the use of online booking tools. This number is even higher among C-suite executives, with 70% opting for personal travel advisors due to the complexity of their travel needs and heightened expectations for service.

Henry Gilroy, the Executive Vice President of Strategic Development for Internova Travel Group, noted that companies are now being more selective regarding the number and duration of business trips, as well as how they allocate their travel budgets. The reliance on human travel advisors further demonstrates an understanding that these professionals provide essential assistance in maximizing value for clients' travel expenditures.

Insights Segmentation

The Internova Index reports categorize business travelers into three distinct segments: Executives and senior management, high-frequency travelers known as 'Road Warriors,' and occasional travelers who may not have travel as a core component of their roles. This targeted segmentation provides a clearer picture of the diverse needs within the business traveler demographic, allowing for enhanced strategy formulation by industry stakeholders.

Conclusion

The findings from the 2025 Internova Index offer valuable insights for corporate travel stakeholders and other players within the industry. By focusing on improving efficiency and maximizing value, companies are honing in on the significance of travel in achieving their operational goals. Through expert analytical support from Internova Analytics and Consulting, the report aims to assist those in the travel industry in adapting to evolving trends and facing the challenges that lie ahead.

To find more detailed insights from the report, or to delve into the offerings from Internova Analytics and Consulting, visit Internova's Research Page.

About Internova Travel Group

Internova Travel Group stands as one of the largest travel service companies globally, boasting a portfolio of leading brands that deliver personalized travel expertise to both leisure and corporate clients. With over 100,000 travel advisors across more than 80 countries, Internova continues to shape the face of travel, indicative of its robust presence in the industry.