Deloitte Reveals Corporate Travel Trends Amid Rising Costs and Sustainability Concerns

Deloitte's Corporate Travel Forecast: A Mixed Bag Amid Changing Conditions

In its latest report, Deloitte explores the current landscape of corporate travel, revealing that while budgets are stable, significant challenges lie ahead. The study surveyed corporate travel managers and business travelers in 2025, shedding light on evolving expenses, travel priorities, and sustainability considerations within the industry.

Key Insights from the 2025 Survey

Deloitte’s Corporate Travel Survey 2025 indicates that 74% of travel managers plan to expand their budgets this year, mirroring trends from 2024. However, this optimism carries a caveat; there's a notable increase in the number of travel managers anticipating budget cuts, rising from 6% to 10%. This projection suggests a growing uncertainty as companies navigate economic pressures.

Travel expenses remain on many minds, with 54% of managers citing costs as the top factor holding back travel plans. Despite these rising costs, the demand for corporate travel continues to pivot towards live events and training sessions, signaling a shift in business interactions.

Rising Demand for Events and Development

Two-thirds of travelers reported plans to attend live events in 2025, while nearly 49% expect to travel for training purposes. This indicates a growing recognition of the importance of in-person connections both for client engagement and internal development.

Interestingly, training initiatives have increased in prominence, with 47% attributing growth in travel to training opportunities, a trend spurred by technological advancements necessitating upskilling. In-person engagement remains crucial for corporate development, with 52% placing importance on new business initiatives.

Navigating Budget Line Items

While an optimistic 74% of travel managers are expanding their budgets this year, there’s a clear divide between larger and smaller companies. Just 59% of larger firms plan to allocate more funds, while a healthy 80% of smaller organizations are preparing for increased spending.

Frequent travelers are witnessing a notable decrease in their travel frequency, with only 53% expecting to travel three or more times a month, a decrease from 63% in 2024. This pattern is also reflected among budget holders, with an increase from 9% to 16% in those anticipating reduced travel.

The Cost-Conscious Shift

The rising pressure of costs has prompted organizations to reassess travel justifications and prioritize trips that present clear business outcomes. Booking compliance remains a significant factor, with 49% of frequent travelers now utilizing corporate channels exclusively, representing an uptick in cost-conscious behavior.

International travel continues to be a major expenditure for companies, accounting for 54% of overall travel spend. However, respondents indicate a shift towards more cost-effective lodging options and emphasize the importance of corporate booking tools as a means to curtail expenses effectively.

Sustainability Takes Center Stage

A growing concern regarding the environmental impact of travel has led organizations to reconsider their travel practices. Nearly half (48%) of travel managers confirm that their firms are actively working to optimize travel practices to lessen environmental consequences. This marks a shift from merely tracking sustainability metrics of suppliers to actively making decisions that prioritize less impactful options.

The emphasis on sustainable travel continues to evolve, with 43% of managers seeking out airlines that employ sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and prioritizing properties with robust sustainability certifications. However, tracking of some sustainability metrics has seen a decline, indicating a shift in focus towards actionable recommendations from booking tools that flag sustainability features.

Conclusion: A Future of Complexity in Corporate Travel

As corporate travel heads into 2025, companies must remain agile and responsive to the dynamic challenges posed by rising costs and shifting travel priorities. The necessity for direct engagement and sustainable practices lays the groundwork for a more collaborative approach between organizations, their travel providers, and employees.

Ultimately, the landscape remains complex, but opportunities abound for companies willing to adapt and prioritize both the financial and environmental impact of their travel strategies. As businesses evaluate their travel practices, understanding the underlying objectives of each trip will be crucial for ensuring a strong return on investment.

Deloitte’s commitment to providing insights into the evolving corporate travel landscape, coupled with industry innovations, positions them to assist organizations in navigating this ongoing transformation.