Minority groups of business travellers are being considered less and less when it comes to travel policies and programmes, according to research published this week.

A total 115 corporate travel and procurement professionals, EAs and PAs took part in a survey by the Business Travel Show Europe.

More than half (55%) said they do not provide special consideration for LGBTQ+ travellers, a slight increase from 54% in 2024.

In addition, only 9% said they’re planning to provide special consideration in the future and 22% already do, a decline from 27% in 2024.  

Additionally, travellers with accessibility needs are also facing greater marginalisation – 35% of respondents said they offer special consideration, a marked decline from 43% in 2024 and 48% in 2023.  

Neurodivergent travellers, said to make up 20% of the global population, also face challenges around inclusion in corporate travel. Only 15% of respondents consider them, down from 18% last year.  

When it comes to solo female travellers, just 29% of travel managers take into account their specific needs, down from 36% in 2024.

That’s despite the positive impact this group has on the workforce. A recent PwC Women in Work report said that sustaining continued progress on female participation rates up to 2030 could translate into an estimated UK GDP increase of £43.5bn.

Younger and older travellershave seen a decline in the level of consideration they receive as well. Only 22% of respondents said they consider the needs of younger travellers when planning policies and programmes, compared to 20% considering the needs of older travellers.

Carolyn Pearson, CEO of travel inclusivity specialists Maiden Voyage, said, “The findings are concerning given that we are seeing increased risk to minority groups of travellers.

“We know that women face specific challenges related to pregnancy (such as Zika virus exposure), varying airline fit-to-fly protocols and menopause supplements that are illegal in some countries.

“Likewise LGBTQ+ employees face severe safety threats and travellers with disabilities face unique challenges related to accessibility and accommodation, sometimes leading to serious disruptions to their travel plans.

“Employers have a duty of care toward their employees and appropriately preparing employees to travel is a better outcome for all, morally, fiscally and legally.”