2026 is shaping up to be another changing and dynamic year for the global business travel sector, but APAC is moving forward with a characteristic mix of pragmatism and resilience, as GBTA’s Elle Ng-Darmawan explains.

APAC’s business travel sector entered 2026 with a sense of cautious optimism, with expectations of climbing travel volumes despite ongoing uncertainty. At first glance, this confidence might seem counter-intuitive given the unpredictable economic and geopolitical climate. Yet, professionals in the business travel sector remain measured but hopeful, anticipating corporate travel budgets to hold steady or even increase, alongside modest growth in trip volumes and revenue.

This sentiment is backed by insights from a global poll conducted by GBTA, which highlights the priorities and pressures shaping business travel today, both in APAC and globally.

APAC: Moving Forward Amidst Uncertainty

Travel managers across APAC are managing current uncertainties with cautious optimism. Over half (56%) of those polled expressed optimism about the industry’s prospects for 2026, a slight drop from the previous year’s sentiment. Notably, business travel confidence in APAC is slightly higher than in North America, where tariff pressures have notably dampened confidence.

42% of APAC travel managers expect an increase in the number of travelers within managed programs in 2026, and over two-thirds (77%) anticipate their operational travel budgets will remain stable or expand.

Major Challenges Ahead for APAC Business Travel

Despite the overall optimism, several challenges are prevalent among travel managers. Key concerns include:

• Prices rising faster than budgets (50%): Ongoing cost inflation continues to outpace allocated travel budgets.
• Pressure to implement AI for cost reduction (45%): This issue is ranked higher in APAC compared to North America, indicating a faster adoption rate and rising expectations for automation.
• Keeping pace with changing border regulations (39%): Visa and border complications are becoming significant barriers.
• Balancing strict cost controls with traveler satisfaction (45%).
• Proving the value of travel to leadership (35%): Travel managers now face additional scrutiny to demonstrate ROI and strategic impact.

Together, these issues illustrate an industry striving to maintain efficiency and competitiveness in an increasingly complex environment.

A Landscape of Pragmatism and Resilience in APAC

Despite uncertainties, the APAC business travel community is forging ahead with determination. The optimism felt within this region—the largest globally for business travel expenditures—is grounded in reality: maintaining or expanding budgets, anticipating growth in traveler numbers, and a readiness for innovation, especially regarding AI. The issues present are tangible; however, so too is the momentum being built. With careful planning and strategic investments, the APAC business travel sector looks not only to endure 2026 but to actively shape its trajectory.