Business travel spending will grow by 12% this year, despite border restrictions
Global business travel spending will see an average increase of 12% in 2026 compared to 2025, driven by a strong recovery in corporate mobility and the strengthening of internal budgets, according to the latest survey by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA).&Despite the positive projections, travel management continues to be affected by tighter border requirements, especially in the United States.
The global survey?which gathers the opinions of corporate buyers, travel suppliers, and management agency professionals in more than 40 countries?reveals that 84% of buyers expect their organization's travel spending to increase or remain stable in 2026 compared to 2020. reveals that 84% of buyers expect their organization's travel spending to increase or remain stable in 2026 compared to the previous year. Among those expecting an increase, the average projected rise is around 12%, while only 13% anticipate a decline in their travel budget.
In addition to the budget increase, the survey indicates that travel volume could also see a boost: approximately one-third of corporate travel managers are confident that there will be more travel in 2026, with an average growth of 14% among those expecting increases, compared to almost half who project levels similar to 2025.
Tighter borders
Although the figures paint a picture of solid recovery, the GBTA survey identifies growing concerns about international mobility, particularly related to entry and visa requirements in certain destinations.
Among the main concerns of industry professionals are the affordability of corporate travel, the ease of obtaining entry or exit permits and visas, and the safety of traveling employees.
Tighter immigration controls?such as proposed changes to the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) in the United States, which involve additional personal data requirements?have caused concern among buyers and suppliers. GBTA notes that three out of four respondents are concerned about these changes, and 43% believe they may move meetings and events outside the US to avoid logistical complications.
This strategic move toward more accessible destinations may have implications for business travel planning and the choice of corporate conference venues, opening up opportunities for alternative markets that offer greater flexibility in entry procedures.
Balancing growth and efficiency
Despite the challenges, GBTA highlights a general atmosphere of cautious optimism: corporate travel budgets remain robust and, in many cases, are even an investment priority for companies seeking to boost face-to-face collaboration and global business opportunities.
The key for the sector in 2026 will be to balance this growth with efficient operational management that addresses concerns about costs, security, and border barriers in an increasingly complex environment for international mobility.