Confidence in business travel grows

Confidence is returning to business travel, with 63% of professionals surveyed expressing optimism for the next twelve months, according to the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). This marks an improvement from 41% in April and 59% in January, with the share of pessimists dropping to 7% compared to 24% in spring.

Europe leads the recovery

Europe is experiencing the most marked turnaround, with optimism rising from 21% in April to 55% in September, though confidence remains below the global average. Among European buyers, 47% anticipate an increase in their company's travel within Europe over the next twelve months, citing meetings with customers and collaboration between teams as key drivers.

Middle East faces uncertain prospects

In contrast, the Middle East presents the most fragile prospects, with 34% of buyers expecting a decrease in travel to the region compared to 14% expecting an increase. This highlights regional disparities in the recovery of business travel confidence.

Expectations for 2026 travel

For the entire year 2026, 45% of buyers expect an increase in the number of trips compared to 2025, compared to 30% during the April survey. Even more, 56% expect an increase in spending, with this proportion reaching 65% among European buyers.

France's business travel outlook

In France, business travel spending is expected to reach 31.6 billion euros in 2026, an increase of 2.3%, while the number of trips is projected to decline slightly by 0.4%. This growth in value is primarily driven by price increases rather than an increase in the number of trips.

Professional meetings and events outlook

Optimism is also present in the sector of professional meetings and events, with 93% of professionals surveyed expressing confidence in the sector's health in 2027, according to the Global Meetings and Events Forecast 2027 by American Express Global Business Travel. Additionally, 91% anticipate an increase in their overall spending on meetings and events.

Survey details and methodology

The GBTA survey, conducted from August 27 to September 9, 2026, included responses from 604 business travel professionals worldwide, while the American Express survey, conducted by YouGov from August 5 to 14, 2026, covered 500 professionals in meetings and events across eleven countries. Although the two surveys cover related markets, they are not directly comparable indicators.

Rising costs and geopolitical risks

Rising costs and geopolitical risk are now part of the daily planning of business travel programs, according to Suzanne Neufang, CEO of the GBTA. The renewed confidence comes with more selective management of travel rather than a return to unconstrained growth.

Specialized travel agencies

Several specialized agencies are offering services to companies managing business travel. BCD Travel specializes in the management of business travel, meetings, and events, offering booking and modifying travel, validation circuits, payment solutions, expense control, and travel program support.

French travel agency services

Globéo Travel, a French specialist based in Courbevoie/La Défense, provides support for travelers, travel managers, and procurement services, along with decision-making tools and optimization of travel. ASSET Business Travel, a member of the Selectour Business Travel network, offers solutions to small and medium-sized enterprises, including dedicated advisors, negotiated rates, booking of transportation, and organization of seminars and incentive trips.