Business travel trends – sustainability is the focus

The global business travel industry heads into 2026 with a mood that feels very different from the recovery years we saw right after the pandemic. A new outlook report from BCD Travel suggests that the main themes of the coming year will be resilience, attention to risk, and continuous data optimization. All this is happening at a time when global economic growth is slowing.

A poor economic background

Economic conditions appear to be somewhat weak. Oxford Economics expects global GDP growth to fall to just 2.6 percent in 2026. Barring a pandemic crash in 2020, this is the slowest pace since the global financial crisis. Inflation isn’t coming down fast either; This will gradually decrease from 3.4 percent in 2025 to just 3 percent next year. In this critical environment, everyone is watching their travel budget closely, while many industries still see face-to-face meetings as a necessity for doing business.

Where the money will move: 2026 price forecast

After years where consumers had the upper hand, pricing power is shifting back to hotels, especially in high-growth areas. Airlines are technically keeping ticket prices low, thanks largely to the North American market, but they’re making up for it with tighter distribution strategies and rising fuel surcharges. Tour managers are already reacting by promoting more ride-hailing options where they make more sense than traditional rental cars.

The mega-risks that will define 2026

There are six major risks that will define the year. BCD and Advito address systemic issues that require proactive management rather than just reacting when things go wrong. These include extreme weather, geopolitical conflicts, sudden changes in visa regulations, cyber attacks involving AI misinformation, health incidents, and capacity shortages during major events. The report warns that 2026 will separate proactive programs from reactive ones. It’s hard to wait for a crisis to hit.

Airlines are rewriting the rules – data is the only preventative measure

Airlines are also rewriting the rules. This looks like the year they completely pivot from traditional corporate transactions to dynamic pricing that they control. The headaches here include small discounts, extra charges for distribution, and booking passengers outside of the policy. The only real countermeasure is information. Real-time tracking and automatic line detection aren’t just cool features anymore; They are essential to maintain the power of your conversation.

Sustainability: From Virtue Marking to Strict Accountability

Sustainability is moving from vague promises to strict accountability. Right now, it has the lowest industry standard, scoring just 1.4 out of 5 according to benchmarks. Very few companies charge internal carbon fees or invest in sustainable aviation fuels. But in 2026, regulators and investors want to see evidence of progress rather than just goodwill. Credible reporting and real investment in decarbonisation will become what separates the leaders in business travel from the rest.

The new normal

In this new normal of slow growth and increasing risks, the winners in business travel will be those who treat it as a strategic activity rather than just an administrative expense. It’s all about managing volatility. If there’s one absolute for 2026, it’s that we can only be certain of uncertainty. A program that truly thrives will be one that relies on real-time intelligence, robust risk frameworks, and the ability to turn threats into successful negotiations.

For travel managers, the message is simple. Tighten things up, be quick with your data, and stay ahead of the curve. 2026 does not wait for those who are not ready to move.