Business tourism or corporate travel involves travelling for purposes of business development, attending conferences, seminars, product launches or business meetings. It provides opportunities to network, gain exposure, enhance productivity and close deals. The Business Tourism Market Demand sector is growing as businesses increasingly realize the importance of face-to-face interactions and travel for expanding their presence globally. Hotels, convention centers, restaurants, transportation and various other allied industries form an important part of the business tourism ecosystem.

The global business tourism market is estimated to be valued at US$ 2,897.85 Mn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 4.3% over the forecast period from 2024 to 2031.

Key Takeaways 

Key players: Key players operating in the business tourism market are Adelman Travel Group, Wexas Travel, American Express Global Business Travel, BCD Travel, Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT), Expedia Group, Flight Centre Travel Group, Hogg Robinson Group (HRG), HRG North America, Corporate Travel Management (CTM), Egencia, FCM Travel Solutions, HRG Nordic, Omega World Travel, Sabre Corporation, Thomas Cook Group, Travel Leaders Group, Travel and Transport, TUI Group, World Travel, Inc.

Key players in the business tourism market are focusing on providing customized business travel solutions and experiences to clients through technological innovations and strategic partnerships/acquisitions. For instance, American Express Global Business Travel acquired GR 11 Travel Management Services to strengthen its presence in Europe.

Growing demand: The demand for business tourism is driven by growing international trade, globalization of businesses, expansion of MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) industry and increasing sponsorship for participation in seminars, workshops and other corporate events.

Technological advancement: Adoption of technologies like artificial intelligence, IoT, mobile apps and analytics are allowing business travel providers to develop more efficient solutions for flight/hotel booking, travel documentation, expense reporting and travel risk management. This is expected to boost the industry growth.

Market Trends

Sustainability initiatives: Business travel providers are incorporating sustainable practices like carbon offset programs and promoting the use of hybrid/electric vehicles to reduce environmental impact. For example, BCD Travel partnered with international non-profit Cool Effect to offset 200k tons of carbon.

Mobility solutions: On-demand mobility options like ride-hailing and electric scooter/bike rentals are gaining popularity for intra-city transportation during business trips. This improves flexibility and convenience.

Market Opportunities 

Automation of business processes: Leveraging automation technologies can help travel management companies streamline operations like invoicing, approvals, payments and provide personalized digital experiences to customers.

Experiential business travel: As workations and bleisure trips gain traction, there will be demand for curating unique local cultural experiences and wellness activities for businesspersons traveling with families. This provides new commercialization avenues.

Impact of COVID-19 on Business Tourism Market

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the growth of the Business Tourism Market. With lockdowns and travel restrictions imposed globally, business travel came to a grinding halt in 2020. Companies cancelled conferences, trade shows, product launches and business meetings as they moved towards virtual platforms. This led to a steep decline in revenue for the business tourism sector.

However, with vaccination drives underway, lockdowns being gradually lifted and borders reopening, the market is witnessing signs of recovery in 2021. Many companies have resumed business travel to important client meetings and conferences with safety protocols. The adoption of hybrid business events combining virtual and in-person interactions is also supporting growth. While international business travel is still low, domestic business trips within countries have increased.

Going forward, the market is expected to rebound steadily as vaccination coverage increases worldwide. Companies will prioritize important in-person interactions that virtual platforms cannot replace fully. However, virtual meetings are likely to continue playing a key role even post-pandemic to reduce travel costs and maximize participation. Players in the market need to leverage new technologies and hybrid event formats to boost demand. Adopting stringent health and safety standards can also help regain consumer confidence in business travel.

Europe Business Tourism Market

Europe accounts for a significant share of the global Business Tourism Market in terms of value. This is due to the strong presence of leading international companies, financial institutions and global organizations headquartered across countries like the UK, Germany, France etc. Major European cities like London, Paris, Frankfurt are popular MICE (Meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) destinations attracting large business events and exhibitions annually. However, lockdowns and travel curbs imposed by European governments in 2020-21 impacted the regional market considerably. With vaccination progress, business travel within Europe is witnessing a rebound with major trade shows and conferences resuming in 2021.

Asia Pacific Business Tourism Market

The Asia Pacific region is projected to witness the fastest growth in the Business Tourism Market during the forecast period. This can be attributed to the growing economy, rising disposable income, and rapid development of the corporate sector across emerging countries like China, India and Southeast Asian markets. Major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Singapore, Delhi, Mumbai etc. are emerging as important commercial hubs, driving MICE tourism. Further, governments in the region are actively promoting business travel and associations to boost regional commerce and exchanges. Once international borders reopen fully, Asia Pacific is well-positioned to lead the market's revival backed by its strong economic potential and business opportunities.

Get more insights on Business Tourism Market