Business Travel Soars: Domestic Dominance and Global Reach

Business travel activity is experiencing a significant upswing, with domestic journeys forming the backbone of corporate movement. Key metropolitan areas such as Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Pune are identified as critical hubs for client meetings and project-based travel. Internationally, established destinations like Singapore, Thailand, and Dubai remain popular, with China and Japan emerging as new strong contenders for strategic business expansion.

Looking ahead, the business travel landscape appears robust. Approximately 65% of corporations foresee an increase in their travel volumes over the coming year, while a further 30% anticipate stability. This positive outlook is mirrored in spending projections, with a majority expecting stable to growing expenditure. Client engagement, sales activities, and essential internal travel are the primary drivers behind this demand.

Technology is playing an increasingly vital role in corporate travel management. Over 70% of companies are enhancing their reliance on digital platforms for booking, approvals, expense management, and reporting. This integration of technology aims to improve visibility, ensure policy adherence, and enable data-driven decision-making.

Furthermore, a notable trend is the amalgamation of business and leisure travel, with 68% of corporates reporting that employees are extending trips for personal reasons. This evolving practice is prompting organizations to adapt their travel policies, clarify cost-sharing, and offer greater flexibility. Despite the positive growth trajectory, rising costs present a challenge, with 80% of respondents noting an increase in Average Ticket Prices.