5 Trends in Business Travel in 2026

Today, 90% of corporate travelers consider business travel an essential investment. New research reveals how the industry is being reshaped.

1. The Return of In-Person Meetings

After the era of video calls, companies are once again investing in the power of face-to-face interaction. In-person meetings are no longer seen as “just trips,” but as a strategic tool for:

• Strengthening partnerships and building trust

• Driving sales with a human touch

• Expanding into new markets and destinations

Result: Increased travel frequency and broader business networks.

2. A Compliance Crisis in Travel Programs

Despite corporate travel policies, 80% of travelers book outside official corporate platforms for the following reasons:

• Convenience: Alternative tools are more user-friendly

• Choice: Better prices and wider availability

• Frustration: Complex and slow corporate systems

The solution is not stricter rules, but better user experience and transparent access to available options.

3. Automation of Financial Processes

Finance departments face significant challenges:

• Data scattered across 5–10 different systems

• Manual expense tracking processes causing major delays

• Limited visibility and control over travel budgets

As a result, the need for a unified platform that consolidates bookings, expenses, and reporting in one place ranks among the top priorities for 2026.

4. Change Fatigue

A new phenomenon is emerging as many companies hesitate to change platforms despite ongoing issues. Key reasons include:

• Fear of a complex transition

• Potential disruption to employees

• Concerns over implementation costs

This stagnation and change fatigue explain why the industry is not evolving as quickly as it could, despite the post-pandemic recovery.

5. The Keyword: Simplification

The goal for 2026 is clear: less complexity, greater efficiency. System evolution is focused on:

• Simplified booking processes

• Automatic compliance with corporate travel policies

• Smarter tools and increased automation

• Cost optimization

• Improved user experience

Conclusion

Business travel is making a strong comeback, with 9 out of 10 professionals viewing it as a critical investment. However, travel management systems must evolve faster to meet the demands of the new era.

Companies that lead the way will be those that simplify processes, strengthen compliance, and invest in integrated solutions that serve both travelers, managers, and finance teams.

How to Improve Your Business Travel Management

Antaeus Travel Group streamlines your corporate travel management through the new online booking platform, Synopsis, which combines:

✓ Simplicity: Book in just a few clicks, without unnecessary steps
✓ Compliance: Automatic enforcement of corporate travel policies
✓ Control: Full, real-time visibility of travel expenses
✓ Human support & automation: A powerful combination of AI technology and dedicated travel agents, providing 24/7 assistance

Contact us to learn how we can support your business growth through strategic travel management.

Ready to transform your business travel?