BUSINESS NEWS COMMENT Corporate travel landscape is shifting


As we move through 2025, the corporate travel landscape continues to shift in ways that reflect broader economic and geopolitical as well as sector-specific trends. What has become increasingly clear is that there is no “one size fits all” approach in the sector. Travel patterns vary significantly depending on industry, region and business model – and this complexity is both a challenge and an opportunity for those of us in the business travel ecosystem. One notable trend is the softening


of US-bound corporate travel, particularly within the financial services and technology sectors. Some of this can be attributed


to macroeconomic caution, with some companies pulling back on travel plans and rethinking global engagement strategies, but it also reflects evolving business needs and shifting geopolitical undercurrents.


Changing priorities This US-bound decline appears to be less about cost-cutting and more about changing priorities – hybrid working, digital collaboration and geopolitical friction are all playing a role. Recent tariff announcements such as those to be enforced on the entertainment industry – in whatever forms those tariffs are ultimately applied – have also added additional friction to movement, and we expect the ripple effects to extend across multiple sectors and cities globally. One area gaining renewed attention


is immigration and border control. Changes to US immigration processes,


Andrea Caulfield-Smith assesses the impact of widespread political and economic uncertainty US leisure travel, especially cruise,


including increased scrutiny and the potential inspection of travellers’ electronic devices, are raising valid concerns about the security of personal and commercial data. While many companies are not yet fully aware of these concerns, this is becoming a critical issue for travel management companies and corporates alike. Conversely, we are seeing


growth in international travel originating from Canada. While it’s not quite a boom, the uptick is significant and merits attention. Canadian corporates are


increasingly directing their travel budgets towards Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, seeking to broaden relationships beyond North America. This pivot reflects a desire to diversify global partnerships and reduce reliance on US markets where uncertainty currently persists. California, particularly


the San Francisco Bay Area, remains a critical


market to watch. With the area’s strong links to the technology and finance sectors and a large expatriate community, travel trends here are often a sign of broader shifts. While overall US inbound travel


is down – affecting major gateways such as New York, Chicago and Los Angeles – California continues to see strategic movement in the sector and remains a bellwether for international corporate engagement.


Industry views Chris Dane, president and managing partner of Florida-based Hickory Global Partners – an Advantage Global Network partner in the US – describes the market as “choppy but dynamic”, with rapid changes occurring week by week. His analysis points to stability in small and mid-sized enterprise travel and strength in meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions.


appears robust, indicating a consumer confidence that could eventually spill over into corporate behaviour. That said, there are headwinds. Booking slowdowns across air, hotel and car rentals, along with reduced growth projections from US airlines, signal industry caution. Inbound travel to the US is down year on year, with US-Canadian transborder air capacity reduced. Even government travel is seeing fluctuations, particularly in key markets such as Washington DC. Yet within these fluctuations we find


signs of resilience. According to Kim Renouf, corporate account manager at Continental Travel Group in Canada, Canadian corporate travel remains relatively steady, with no signs of a US boycott at the business level – contrary to some of the speculation in the leisure sector. Her outlook is one of cautious optimism, suggesting that while political rhetoric may influence sentiment, long-standing commercial ties between the US and Canada remain intact. Looking ahead, the keys to


navigating this shifting landscape will be agility and data. Travel businesses can better anticipate changes and support clients with responsive, strategic solutions by closely tracking macroeconomic indicators, regional shifts and sector-specific performance. Corporate travel is evolving. In this


fast-changing environment, agility, data and a deep understanding of nuances in the sector will be essential to navigating what lies ahead. Those who can adapt thoughtfully but quickly will be best positioned to thrive.


Andrea Caulfield-Smith is global business travel managing director at Advantage Travel Partnership travelweekly.co.uk 26 JUNE 2025 55


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