GBTA projects record $1.71 trillion global business travel spend by 2026

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) released its 2026 Business Travel Index, forecasting worldwide business travel spending to reach a record $1.71 trillion in 2026 – a 7.2% rise from the previous year. The report estimates 1.84 billion business trips that year, up 1.3% from 2025, and notes that spending grew 8.4% in 2025 to $1.59 trillion. GBTA expects total spending to surpass $2 trillion by 2030, driven by sustained corporate investment in face‑to‑face interactions despite higher costs.

GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang said companies remain “selective and productivity‑focused,” emphasizing the need to assess travel’s organizational impact. Visa’s Edward Galvin highlighted the importance of visibility and control over rising travel expenses.

A separate 2027 forecast, co‑produced with ALTOUR, predicts travel prices will stay elevated through the rest of 2026 before moderating in 2027. Energy‑price spikes from the 2026 Strait of Hormuz closure and rising labour costs are identified as the main price drivers. Average global airfare is projected at $756, with economy fares at $536 and premium fares around $4,488.