Thursday, March 27, 2025
Business travel is experiencing a notable comeback in 2025, with UK business travellers anticipating greater travel opportunities than in previous years. A recent survey by Opinium, commissioned by World Travel Protection, reveals that 39% of UK business travellers expect more trips in 2025 compared to 2024. This uptick in travel is part of a larger trend in corporate travel, as companies plan to invest more in business trips, prioritize in-person meetings, and incorporate more sustainable practices into their travel strategies.
In this report by Travel And Tour World, we delve into the factors driving the surge in business travel, how companies are enhancing the travel experience, and the growing emphasis on travel risk management. We will also examine the emerging data, trends, and insights from the UK’s corporate travel sector, while addressing how businesses are balancing travel growth with a focus on sustainability and risk reduction.
| Venue | Location | Capacity (People) | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| ExCeL London | London | Up to 100,000 | Large-scale conferences, exhibitions, and events |
| The NEC Birmingham | Birmingham | Up to 20,000 | Hosts major exhibitions, concerts, and corporate events |
| Manchester Central | Manchester | Up to 10,000 | Versatile spaces ideal for conferences and events |
| Scottish Event Campus (SEC) | Glasgow | Up to 12,000 | Arena-style events and large conferences |
| Royal Lancaster London | London | Up to 1,500 | High-end event hosting with modern facilities |
| The O2 Arena | London | Up to 20,000 | Large concerts, events, and conferences |
| ICC Wales | Newport, Wales | Up to 5,000 | Flexible space for exhibitions and conferences |
| Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) | Bournemouth | Up to 2,000 | Multi-functional venue for conferences and exhibitions |
| Harrogate Convention Centre | Harrogate | Up to 2,000 | Historic venue for conferences and events |
| The Brighton Centre | Brighton | Up to 4,000 | Seafront venue perfect for conferences and events |
Business travel in the UK is experiencing a significant rebound in 2025, with companies preparing for increased face-to-face engagements. According to a recent survey conducted by Opinium for World Travel Protection, 39% of UK business travellers are expecting to travel more this year compared to 2024, signaling a robust recovery in the corporate travel sector.
This increase in travel highlights the growing demand for personal interactions, with face-to-face meetings remaining essential for fostering relationships and driving business. While digital communication tools remain valuable, the necessity of in-person engagement persists, especially for senior executives, who are viewing travel as a key part of their strategies for 2025.
Along with the surge in business travel, there is also a rise in corporate budgets. The survey reveals that 44% of UK business travellers are anticipating higher budgets for 2025, demonstrating companies’ commitment to premium travel services. A significant portion of this budget is expected to go towards upscale accommodations, with 39% of respondents anticipating increased spending on luxury hotels, and 33% expecting more business-class flight bookings.
This trend reflects a shift toward prioritizing high-quality travel experiences, with senior business leaders playing a significant role in pushing these investments forward.
While spending on business travel is increasing, companies are also focusing on maximizing the value of each trip. Among mid-level business travellers, there is a strong emphasis on finding ways to optimize travel costs without sacrificing productivity. Approximately 35% of respondents plan to schedule more meetings per trip, ensuring each journey serves multiple purposes. Additionally, 33% of business travellers are opting for one-day trips to minimize travel time and costs, contributing to overall efficiency in the sector.
This reflects a broader trend toward operational efficiency, particularly in industries where profitability is tied to cost management.
Sustainability is becoming an essential consideration for UK business travellers, with 37% of respondents feeling increased pressure to adopt more eco-friendly travel practices. Companies are responding by prioritizing greener travel options, such as using trains for short-haul travel instead of flights and selecting airlines with better environmental credentials.
The push for sustainability is shaping corporate travel policies, prompting companies to consider their environmental footprint when making travel decisions. While businesses aim to minimize their impact on the environment, they also need to balance these sustainability efforts with the convenience and productivity required by senior executives.
With the growth of business travel, there is a heightened focus on travel risk management. As international travel increases, so too does the potential for risks, such as political instability, health concerns, and natural disasters. Kate Fitzpatrick, Regional Security Director EMEA at World Travel Protection, emphasizes the need for businesses to prioritize traveller safety by implementing robust risk management strategies.
Companies must update their travel risk management policies regularly to adapt to the changing global landscape. World Travel Protection provides comprehensive support, including pre-travel briefings, real-time alerts, and 24/7 assistance through their Travel Assist app, ensuring that business travellers remain informed and secure throughout their journeys.
The business travel sector in the UK is set for a successful 2025, with increasing travel opportunities, expanded budgets, and a focus on sustainability and risk management. Senior executives are leading the way, investing in premium travel experiences, while businesses are finding more efficient and cost-effective ways to meet the demand for face-to-face interactions.
However, as the sector continues to expand, ensuring the safety of travellers and aligning with sustainability goals will be crucial to maintaining long-term success. By embracing new technologies and adapting to evolving priorities, businesses can continue to benefit from the value of in-person meetings while navigating the challenges of a post-pandemic world.
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