More than 95% of US senior business leaders expect business travel to remain the same or increase over the next year, according to the latest Amex Trendex: Business Travel Edition.
Based on a survey of 1,000 US business travellers and 500 US business travel decision-makers, American Express also found that maintaining or getting more time with clients (64%) and new or more business (59%) were the top reasons for business travel to rise in the next 12 months.
It found that 92% of decision-makers and 88% of travellers believe it’s still worth traveling for in-person meetings despite the evolving business environment.
Furthermore, 93% of companies agree they can attribute business growth to in-person meetings and events, and 87% of travellers say their client relationships benefit more from in-person interactions than virtual meetings.
But 90% of companies agree that having greater control over travel spending is increasingly important amid today’s evolving business landscape, with 60% expecting their company’s focus on optimising budget to intensify further in the next 12 months.
The survey found travel is not only perceived as a business driver, but that companies are using it to attract and retain talent (80%).
While the percentage of travellers extending a business trip for leisure in the past year remained consistent, more companies are beginning to allow employees to blend business and leisure travel.
The survey found 81% of travellers extended a business trip for leisure in the past year – unchanged from 2024, with Gen-Z/Millennials (85%) leading the trend (Gen-X/Boomer, 74%).
In response, 36% of companies always allow blending business with personal travel, up from 26% in 2024.
In the new hybrid work environment, 84% of travellers consider business travel a perk, with more Gen-Z and Millennials in agreement (88%) than older generations (Gen-X and Boomers (78%).
Gen-Z and Millennials are also more satisfied with their business travel experience, with 80% rating it four or five stars compared to 64% of Gen-X and Boomers.
However, younger generations are more likely to struggle with productivity (46% Gen-Z/Millennials versus 33% Gen-X/Boomers) and wellness (50% Gen-Z/Millennials compared with. 40% Gen-X/Boomers) when they travel for work.
“The 95% of leaders who expect business travel to remain the same or increase somewhat surprised me but what is very clear both from research and our engagement with our customers is they value being back in person to drive strategic objectives,” said Fernando Iraola, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Global and US Large Enterprises, American Express.
“Corporations are very smart around the cost of travel and becoming smarter as they go on, but they clearly see the benefits of travelling for customer engagement, building relationships and driving those strategic objectives.
“Business travel remains a proven growth driver. More than ever, companies must effectively manage costs and compliance while also meeting employee expectations for a smooth travel experience.”
