Significant Decline in Business Travel Expected in 2025 Due to US Government Policies: GBTA
A new poll reveals that business travel volume and revenue is anticipated to drop sharply in 2025 amid increasing restrictions and tariffs from the US government.
Recent actions by the US government, such as tariffs and entry restrictions, are dramatically reshaping the dynamics of global business travel. According to a recent survey by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), over 900 professionals in the industry foresee a significant decrease in travel volume and spending in 2025.
The poll indicates that:
- Only 44% of buyers expect their travel spending to remain unaffected in 2025.
- A third of respondents predict a 21% decline on average in their business travel volume.
- 19% remain uncertain about potential impacts on travel volumes.
Regarding spending, 27% predict an average reduction of 20%. Such declines could translate to a potential loss of up to $88 billion in global business travel.
“While the outlook was strong for 2025, current sentiments reflect growing concerns,” stated Suzanne Neufang, CEO of GBTA. She noted that the viability of travel for work is essential to maintaining a vibrant economy and international relations.
Notably, 67% of industry professionals expressed optimism earlier last year, a stark contrast to the current climate, further raising alarms within the travel community.
