As the corporate travel landscape continues to evolve with the rise of the hybrid office, new technologies, and a growing focus on sustainability, musafirbiz, the corporate travel division of musafir.com, sheds some light on the Top 10 trends shaping corporate travel in 2025 to help the industry navigate the shifting terrain.
Top 10 corporate travel trends in 2025
Emerging business hubs
- Over 40 per cent of businesses in the region plan to increase their travel in 2025.
- Regional hotspots: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait are emerging as critical hubs for trade and industry-specific events.
- Global favourites: Traditional powerhouses like New York, London, and Singapore maintain their allure, while Riyadh and Bengaluru gain prominence as burgeoning tech and business ecosystems.
Rethinking the workplace
The hybrid work model has reduced routine travel but increased demand for critical in-person engagements. Experts predict that some global corporations may phase out hybrid models, further boosting travel demand.
Belisure travel boom
- musafirbiz anticipates a 23 per cent increase in bleisure bookings for H1 2025.
- Professionals are increasingly blending business with leisure, adding an average of 2-3 days to trips for relaxation.
- Destinations like Dubai, Paris, and Sydney top the list for bleisure extensions.
Travel budgets rebound
- Budgets are seeing a cautious increase, driven by high-ROI engagements such as industry expos and client meetings.
- Cost-effectiveness and virtual meeting options remain integral to planning.
Meetings 2.0
VR and AR are complementing in-person interactions, enabling immersive training, product demos, and global collaborations.
The sustainability imperative
Companies are prioritising eco-conscious practices such as green accommodations, carbon-offset programs, and sustainable itineraries. A significant rise in adoption is expected, with many firms aligning with global climate goals.
Popula business events
- Mega-events like GITEX, Arab Health, and Expo 2025 continue to position Dubai as a premier business hub.
- Globally, sustainability and digital transformation conferences dominate the calendar.
Key industries driving travel
- Inbound travel to the UAE is propelled by technology, healthcare, finance, and energy sectors.
- Outbound travel is led by similar industries, reflecting their global influence.
Personalising points
Airlines and hotels are tailoring rewards for corporate travelers, offering perks like workspace amenities, priority services, and enhanced loyalty redemption options.
Overcoming obstacles
Navigating disruptions, security concerns, and balancing virtual and in-person schedules remain top challenges. Comprehensive travel management solutions are essential to overcoming these hurdles.
Looking to the future
The future of business travel lies at the intersection of sustainability, technology, and wellness. Airfares are projected to rise by 2 per cent-14 per cent globally in 2025 due to fuel costs and inflationary pressures, but innovative travel strategies and loyalty programs are mitigating these impacts for businesses.
