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Business travel market to triple by 2031

The global business travel market is projected to soar to US$2.1 trillion by 2031, according to a report by Allied Market Research. This marks a significant increase from its 2021 valuation of US$689.7 billion, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5% over the decade. The surge is attributed to factors such as the globalisation of enterprises, a resurgence in in-person meetings, and the expansion of the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. The report highlights the mainstreaming of "bleisure" travel, where business trips are combined with leisure activities, as a key trend. In 2024, 74% of business professionals incorporated personal activities into their business travel. Additionally, the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across the travel value chain is transforming corporate travel management, from booking to policy compliance. North America currently leads the market, with the US expected to reach US$3.7 trillion by 2031. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, driven by China's Belt and Road Initiative and India's burgeoning technology sector. Europe is witnessing a shift towards sustainability, with the EU's Green Deal influencing travel behaviour. The competitive landscape features major players like American Express Global Business Travel and Expedia Group, who are investing in AI-driven personalisation and sustainable travel programmes. As the market evolves, the integration of return-on-investment metrics and carbon accountability into travel management frameworks is becoming increasingly crucial This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.

Ryanair’s new terms challenge business travel management

The Business Travel Association (BTA) has raised alarms over Ryanair's newly implemented Offline Subscriber Booking Terms, which could significantly disrupt the operations of Travel Management Companies (TMCs). These terms, which vary in implementation deadlines depending on the Global Distribution System (GDS) provider, impose new operational and commercial constraints on TMCs booking Ryanair flights. The BTA has expressed concerns over four critical areas: liability, post-booking servicing rights, refund processes, and data protection responsibilities. The association argues that these terms could hinder TMCs' ability to provide essential services such as duty of care, traveller tracking, and disruption management. Clive Wratten, CEO of the BTA, stated, “Employers must be able to include airlines in their travel programmes without creating blind spots in service, safety or audit.” Ryanair's terms require TMCs to obtain express passenger consent and use Ryanair's Travel Agent Direct platform for post-booking changes, rather than the original GDS booking tool. This shift adds complexity for TMCs, passengers, and travel managers, potentially impacting the consistency of service and support during travel disruptions. For corporate travel buyers, the changes could weaken duty of care provisions, making it challenging to include Ryanair bookings within managed travel programmes. Business travellers might face limited support during disruptions, particularly in foreign countries where language barriers exist. The BTA has sought dialogue with Ryanair, but the airline has not engaged with the association. As a result, some TMCs may choose not to accept the new terms, potentially directing clients to alternative carriers that align with fully managed travel programmes This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.

Alternative stays emerge as the next business travel growth engine — what is Airbnb betting on?

At TravelDaily's 2026 Digital Intelligence Conference · Shanghai Edition on April 2, Changhua He, China Outbound Operation Lead at Airbnb, delivered a keynote speech titled “Redefining China‘s business travel: unlocking the diverse possibilities of new outbound business travel.” He later joined Charlie Li, CEO of TravelDaily, for a fireside chat on “How alternative accommodations empower Chinese enterprises going global.” During his session, He shared a key insight: The evolution of China’s outbound business travel market fundamentally mirrors the deepening globalization of Chinese enterprises. As business trips increasingly blend into everyday lifestyles, the time has come to rethink and redesign the business travel experience. “We’ve observed that bookings from China’s outbound ‘new business travel’ segment on Airbnb are growing faster than the overall market, making it a key driver of industry growth,” He noted. According to research from the TravelDaily Research Institute, more than half of outbound business trips now last over six days, and business travelers expect their travel frequency to increase further over the next year. This shift toward longer stays and higher frequency is reshaping the global footprint of Chinese companies. Against the backdrop of this “new business travel,” Chinese travelers are spreading across a wider range of destinations. On Airbnb, cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Bali, and Penang ranked among the top 10 fastest-growing destinations for “new business travel” bookings in 2025. Business travel is now flowing alongside industries, opportunities, and lifestyles—giving rise to more diverse and nuanced scenarios. He identified long-term assignments as the most typical scenario, followed by short-term trade fairs and exhibitions. In addition, as remote work technologies mature and cross-border mobility increases—driven by the pursuit of better education and healthcare—new patterns of living and working are emerging. This has led to a rise in mid- to long-term outbound demand, giving birth to new scenarios such as digital nomads, study-abroad companionship, and family wellness travel. How do alternative accommodations address the “hidden pain points” of business travel? He offered further insights from the supply side. Staying in an Airbnb property not only provides a stronger sense of everyday living, but in many cases also addresses a fundamental issue of “zero-to-one” availability. For example, many exhibition and convention venues are located outside core business districts, where standardized hotel supply is often limited. Alternative stays can effectively fill these gaps, directly impacting the feasibility and efficiency of business activities. At the same time, a full-unit stay allows teams to enjoy both private spaces and ample shared areas for collaboration. In high-intensity business travel scenarios, this setup can significantly enhance productivity. Details like doing laundry or cooking also resonated strongly during the discussion—highlighting how small aspects of daily life can make a meaningful difference in the overall business travel experience. Read English version

Insight Slices | “Eastward Surge: The Boundless Journey of China Business Travel” Annual Report

Representative Image Eastward Surge: The Boundless Journey of China Business Travel offers a panoramic, multi-dimensional analysis beyond traditional perspectives. It traces China’s business travel evolution from "ticketing agent" to "digital intelligence management," while focusing on enterprise transformation, traveler experience, TMC upgrades, resource provider strategies, tech innovations, and ESG implementation. From travel managers’ budget control to employees’ trip experience, from airline/hotel integration to payment process innovation – it presents an interconnected, living business travel ecosystem. 2. Insight Slices – Core Summary Macro Outlook: From "Recovery" to "Reconstruction" As of early 2026, China’s business travel market has fully exited the post-pandemic repair phase and entered a "structural reconstruction" period of high-quality development. Drawing on five years of GBTA macro data and deep local research, the report finds that despite global headwinds (geopolitics, inflation), China’s business travel market shows strong resilience and vitality. Unlike the steady "service-driven" evolution of Western markets, China’s dual role as the world’s manufacturing hub and a unified domestic market creates a unique "high-physical-intensity" pattern – requiring much higher business mobility per unit GDP growth than mature economies. China is no longer a follower of Western models; it is forging its own path: land-transport-led, mobile-first, and finance-business integrated. Market Structure: The Hidden "Dumbbell" – Underestimated Ground Travel A key finding: air and hotel combined account for only ~56% of total business travel spend in China, while ground transportation (rail + ride-hailing) makes up a striking 44%. This challenges the conventional focus on flights and hotels, revealing a high-frequency, fast-connection ecosystem powered by the world’s largest high-speed rail network and mobility platforms. Domestic travel dominates; cross-border trips are air-centric with lower hotel share, reflecting early-stage "going global" patterns. Future travel management must step out of the "air+hotel comfort zone" and drive efficiency & compliance from fragmented, high-frequency, hard-to-control rail and ride-hailing. Digital Transformation: Killing Reimbursement, Rebuilding Trust Technology is reshaping business travel processes at unprecedented speed. Driven by fully digital e-invoices (fapiao) and corporate virtual account payments, the 30-year pain point of "personal advance + expense claim" is ending. The shift to "corporate direct pay + automated accounting" is irreversible – it frees finance and employees, and more importantly, turns travel data from lagging financial records into real-time business intelligence. Meanwhile, generative AI agents are moving interaction from complex GUIs to natural language (LUI), ushering in an "intelligent secretary" era. Ecosystem Evolution: Back to Value Roles across the value chain are being redefined. For enterprises: Focus shifts from cost-cutting to value creation, using dynamic policies and hybrid payments to balance compliance and employee experience. For TMCs: Moving away from capital-heavy models is the new baseline. TMCs must shed quasi-financial roles, adopt supply chain finance, and return to professional services & tech connectivity. Meanwhile, self-built TMC platforms by mega-enterprises will reshape competition. For suppliers: Airlines and hotels accelerate DTC strategies to reclaim channel sovereignty; ground transport providers solve invoicing pain points through a "compliant unified network," becoming new corporate traffic gateways. Future Outlook: Pragmatic Long-termism Over the next five years, China’s business travel market will embrace pragmatic long-termism over flashy concepts. ESG is no longer a slogan but a finance-driven reality – NEV ride-hailing and paperless reimbursement are the first green travel scenarios to scale. All stakeholders should break silos and build connections: enterprises need travel ROI thinking; TMCs must build full-scenario data governance moats; tech providers should safeguard data sovereignty and security. In this trillion-yuan market, whoever first integrates cash flow, invoice flow, and data flow will define the next decade of China business travel. 3. Methodology C-end: Online survey of 1,305 business travelers across mainland China and Hong Kong. B-end: Surveys with 48 corporate travel managers, 93 TMC/ToB service providers, 37 resource suppliers (airlines, hotels, mobility). Expert interviews: One-on-one with 19 senior executives from industry leaders (TMCs, hotel groups, airlines, mobility platforms, tech providers). 4. Lead Authors - Zhanfu Yu: Senior Independent Consultant, former Roland Berger Global Partner - Charlie Li : Founder & CEO of TravelDaily, Director of CTBT Service Dept., CATS - Jason Li: Data analyst & industry observer, expert at CAAC Civil Aviation Think Tank Report Access Full report (early-bird pricing until April 15): English version: USD 1,000 (regular USD 1,200) 👉 [Click to Pre-order] Partnership & Collaboration We welcome joint research, case inclusion, and thematic co-creation (going global, AI, employee experience). Partner types: TMCs, hotel groups, airlines/mobility, payment platforms, travel tech providers, and supply chain players. Contact: [email protected] Read English version

Business Travel Show Asia Pacific unveils AI-focused sessions

The Business Travel Show Asia Pacific has announced its upcoming conference programme, highlighting the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in corporate travel. Scheduled for 14–15 April 2026 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, the event will feature a series of sessions exploring AI's impact on the industry. According to recent research, 66% of companies plan to integrate AI-driven tools into their travel programmes within the next six years. The conference will kick off with "AI in action: How corporate travel programmes and their supplier partners are using AI today," examining AI's influence across the corporate travel ecosystem. Other notable sessions include "AI and travel management," presented by Elizabeth West, Vice President of Content at BTN Group, and the "Business Travel Show Asia Pacific Innovation Faceoff 2026," where innovators will pitch new technology solutions. Industry experts predict a shift towards more proactive AI tools. Vibhav Singh from Amex GBT Consulting anticipates AI will evolve from responding to traveller queries to actively supporting them by monitoring disruptions and assisting with re-accommodation. Geert de Boo of JTB Business Travel highlights AI's potential to personalise travel experiences based on past patterns. The concept of 'agentic AI' is expected to be a defining trend in 2026. Vicki Parris of FCM Travel and Eugene Tan of Trip.Biz both emphasise the transition from assistive to agentic AI, which anticipates disruptions and executes tasks autonomously. However, Tan notes a "trust gap" as clients worry about AI replacing human agents. The event will also address governance concerns, with Kerri Homann of Rheinmetall Defence Australia and New Zealand stressing the importance of secure and compliant AI use. Jen Bankard of The BTN Group highlights the conference's focus on AI's practical applications and its broader industry context. Over 500 corporate travel buyers and suppliers are expected to attend, with free entry for qualified buyers and ticketed access for non-exhibiting suppliers. The show is co-located with The Meetings Show Asia Pacific, which will also feature AI sessions This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.

‘Empowering women is a business mandate’: Executive Lyn Siew on industry reform

IWTA interviews Lyn Siew on "Mother executive empowers women in hospitality industry" If you know of any female leaders or up and coming superstars in the Travel and Hospitality industry you would like to hear their story, please visit our page and complete a nomination form! NOMINATE SOMEONE NOMINATE YOURSELF

Lufthansa unveils BABOR skincare for First & Business Class

Lufthansa is elevating its long-haul cabins for discerning flyers with a new partnership that brings premium German skincare brand BABOR on board as part of its Future Onboard Experience (FOX) program. From late March, Lufthansa will begin rolling out FOX across its long‑haul network, starting in First Class before extending the concept to Business Class and other cabins from May. FOX is focused on enhancing every soft‑product touchpoint – from comfort and personalisation to those small, thoughtful details that matter most when you spend 10–12 hours in the air. For premium travellers, the headline is the collaboration with BABOR, a German skincare house known for science‑driven formulas and spa‑level treatments. The curated inflight range has been designed specifically to counteract the dehydrating effects of cabin air, so you can land looking as fresh as you feel after a night in a luxury hotel rather than a red‑eye flight. BABOR amenity kits in First and Business As FOX debuts, First Class guests will be the first to experience the new BABOR amenity concept. The refreshed kits go far beyond the usual lip balm and eye mask, centring around DOCTOR BABOR Collagen Peptide Booster Cream – one of the brand’s hero products, formulated to support collagen, firmness and a more luminous complexion. From early May, Business Class travellers will also receive redesigned amenity kits featuring BABOR products from the Soul & Body line. These kits will include an indulgent hand cream and nourishing lip balm, both created to pamper skin and senses while subtly elevating the overall feel of the journey. A skincare menu tailored for First Class Where the collaboration truly steps into luxury territory is in First Class, where the standard kit is just the beginning. Lufthansa will introduce an exclusive BABOR skincare menu in the pointy end of the cabin, allowing guests to select products tailored to their individual skin needs before the crew presents them directly at their seat. Alongside the Collagen Peptide Booster Cream, the menu features a revitalising eye cream, Eye Zone Patches, a firming filler serum and a deeply hydrating gel‑cream, all chosen to help skin remain comfortably moisturised and plump at cruising altitude. The focus is on creating a ritual rather than a simple amenity hand‑out – a personalised spa‑in‑the‑sky moment that aligns with how today’s premium travellers care for their skin on the ground. Beyond beauty BABOR is only one element of the broader Future Onboard Experience, which is Lufthansa’s umbrella program for reimagining the long‑haul journey end‑to‑end. FOX complements the airline’s new hard products and upgraded dining concepts, anchoring the soft side of the experience in comfort, choice and high‑quality brand partnerships that can stand alongside five‑star hotels and top‑tier spas. By weaving in premium skincare, Lufthansa is acknowledging that its First and Business Class guests increasingly view wellness as part of the luxury equation, not an afterthought. The airline is using FOX to create what it calls “Lufthansa Signature moments” – those small yet memorable experiences that differentiate one premium cabin from another in a crowded market. Conclusion for luxury travellers For premium, wellness‑focused travellers who are accustomed to curated spa menus and high‑end skincare at their favourite hotels and resorts, this move from Lufthansa is a very welcome development. BABOR’s presence in both First and Business Class – together with a personalised skincare menu in First – signals that the airline understands how important it is to arrive looking and feeling your best, especially on long‑haul routes that bookend a luxury cruise, villa stay or business‑leisure trip. If you value a refined, quietly indulgent travel experience where details like skin comfort, texture and ritual are taken seriously, Lufthansa’s FOX cabins are shaping up to be an attractive option to watch – and one I’ll be following closely as the rollout continues across the network

Alaska Airlines launches international business class suites

Alaska Airlines has unveiled its first-ever International Business Class Suites, marking a significant milestone in its transformation into a global carrier. Launching this spring, the new service will be available on flights to Europe and Asia, offering passengers a premium long-haul experience with fully lie-flat suites, elevated dining, and premium lounge access. The new Business Class, featured on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, includes private suites with direct aisle access, 18-inch HD entertainment screens, and noise-reducing headsets. Passengers can enjoy a multi-course dining experience, with menu options tailored to each route, such as Pollo Ripieno on flights to Rome and Gochujang chicken to Incheon. The service also includes a dessert trolley with customisable sundaes and a pre-arrival meal inspired by the destination. In addition to the in-flight experience, passengers will have access to premium lounges and a range of amenities, including luxury bedding and travel kits designed in collaboration with Filson. The airline's partnership with T-Mobile ensures free Starlink WiFi on select aircraft, enhancing connectivity for travellers. Andrew Harrison, chief commercial officer at Alaska Airlines, stated, “When we debut our new product this spring, it will raise the bar and redefine long-haul travel whilst continuing to deliver the remarkable care that sets Alaska apart on the global stage.” The launch coincides with Alaska Airlines' expansion of its international network, with new routes from Seattle to Rome, London, and Reykjavík. As a member of the oneworld alliance, Alaska now connects guests to over 900 destinations worldwide, enhancing its global reach and offering seamless travel experiences This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.

Jetstar BidCash: How to Upgrade to 787 Business Class From Just $180

Jetstar has just made flying up the front of the Dreamliner a lot more attainable with the launch of BidCash, a new upgrade bidding system that lets eligible customers bid for Business Class seats on most Boeing 787 international flights from as little as $180.^ The move coincides with the rollout of Jetstar’s refreshed 787 Business cabin, which now features 44 new Business seats, more than doubling capacity in response to strong demand for premium comfort on longer routes.^ What Is Jetstar BidCash? BidCash is Jetstar’s simple new way to upgrade from Economy to Business using cash, without paying the full upfront Business fare.^ It applies to most international routes operated by the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, giving leisure travellers a chance to enjoy lie‑back comfort, better seats and extras at a fraction of the usual price – if their bid is accepted.^ At launch, minimum bid levels vary by route, but on flights like Melbourne–Ho Chi Minh City, starting offers begin from just $180 per person, with a maximum also set for each flight.^ How Jetstar BidCash Works Bidding for Business on Jetstar is designed to be quick and user‑friendly.^ Check your eligibility If your booking qualifies, you’ll receive an email invitation to bid, or you can go straight to the BidCash upgrade page on jetstar.com to check your options.^ Place your bid Use the on‑screen slider to choose how much you want to offer, within the minimum and maximum range set for your route and date.^ Example: on Melbourne–Ho Chi Minh City, minimum bids at launch start from $180 (subject to change and availability).^[] Wait for confirmation Before you fly, Jetstar will email you to confirm whether your bid has been successful or unsuccessful.^ If you win the upgrade, you’ll receive an “offer successful” email and a new itinerary showing your Business Class seat.^ Jetstar has also confirmed it will extend BidCash to Qantas Frequent Flyer members, allowing them to bid for Business upgrades using Qantas Points, including both a Classic Upgrade Reward‑style product and a Points Plus Pay option combining cash and points.^ Inside Jetstar’s New 787 Business Cabin The timing of BidCash couldn’t be better: the first of Jetstar’s 11 Boeing 787 Dreamliners is returning from a major interior refit in Hong Kong, with the rest of the fleet to follow over the next two years.^ Key features of the new Business Class cabin include: 44 Business Class seats (up from 21 previously), more than doubling premium capacity.^ Seats designed for long‑haul comfort with: 38‑inch seat pitch, 7‑inch recline and 21‑inch width Six‑way adjustable headrest and generous cushioning Calf and footrests for better leg support Bi‑fold in‑arm tray tables with separate cocktail table Seat‑back device holders with high‑power dual USB‑C charging points^ Business Class passengers on the refreshed Dreamliners also get in‑flight Wi‑Fi and Jetstar’s deluxe streaming‑plus entertainment, meaning unlimited access to movies and shows on personal devices at no extra cost.^ Why BidCash Matters for Jetstar Travellers According to Jetstar’s Executive Manager, Customer and Digital, Prue McKenzie, BidCash is all about giving customers a new, more affordable pathway into premium travel.^ She notes that “our customers love a good deal and BidCash makes upgrading to Business simple, easy and affordable so they can take off more for less,” especially as the first refreshed 787s enter service in the coming weeks.^ For travellers, that means: A chance to experience 787 Business Class without paying full Business fares More premium seats to compete for, thanks to the expanded 44‑seat cabin Extra value coming soon for Qantas Frequent Flyers with points‑based bidding options^ To learn more, check eligibility, or make your first BidCash offer, visit Jetstar’s official upgrade page: https://www.jetstar.com/au/en/flights/business-class-upgrades^

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