Business Travel in 2026: More Trips, Lower Costs – and What It Really Means
As business travel continues to rebound and evolve, 2026 will bring new challenges and opportunities for organisations managing mobile workforces. Changing traveller expectations, technology advances and cost pressures are reshaping how companies approach corporate travel.
Early indicators from January 2026 reveal a set of business travel stats that, at first glance, may appear counterintuitive. When compared with January 2025, overall transaction volumes are up by a robust 19%, yet average booking values have fallen from £355 to £286. In an environment where demand for business travel continues to strengthen, this reduction in average price tells a far more positive story than headline numbers alone might suggest.
Importantly, the balance between online and high-touch bookings has remained relatively static. This stability reflects a mature approach to managed travel, where travellers and organisations are choosing the right channel for the right journey, rather than being driven solely by cost or convenience. What has changed, however, is how effectively organisations are buying.
On the face of it, lower average booking values point towards increased competition across the airline and hotel sectors, which is undoubtedly playing a role. Yet the more significant driver is the stronger mandate of travel policy adoption. Organisations are booking more consistently through approved travel management companies and preferred suppliers, improving compliance and unlocking greater buying power. As adoption rates improve, suppliers are more willing to focus on growth, value and partnership rather than short-term yield.
A reduction in policy leakage is also delivering clearer, more meaningful data. This enhanced visibility is already influencing behaviour, most notably through a higher attachment rate of hotels to flights and rail bookings. Quite simply, when trips are booked end-to-end within policy, travellers are better supported and organisations gain a more complete picture of their travel activity. After all, nobody ever sleeps in a gutter when travelling on business.
There are several key learnings emerging from these results. First, using an approved travel management company exclusively delivers measurable value, not just in cost but in consistency, care and insight. Second, a modern, commonsense travel policy that balances value, buying power, safety and compliance drives better outcomes for everyone involved. Third, booking hotels at the same time as transport increases efficiency and reduces risk. Finally, organisations should consider how often bookings are revised; repeated amendments and change fees can quickly outweigh the cost of selecting a more flexible fare at the outset.
The message from January’s data is clear. Stronger policy, smarter buying and trusted partnerships are enabling organisations to travel more, while spending less – a result that is both encouraging and sustainable for the year ahead.
If you would like to discuss a more effective travel policy for your own organisation, please feel free to give us a call.
