Business travel shows resilience in Europe

The European business travel sector continues to show resilience despite ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainties. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), business travel spending in Europe is expected to increase by 4.2% in 2026, outpacing the 3.1% growth projected for leisure travel.

Growth exceeds global expectations

The WTTC presented these forecasts on October 7 at the opening of its 26th World Summit in La Valette, Malta. The projections show a positive outlook for the overall travel sector in Europe, which is expected to grow faster than the global travel market, which is predicted to expand by 2.5%.

Spending vs. trip numbers

These figures are based on expenditure forecasts, not the number of trips or air passengers. The 4.2% increase in business travel spending does not necessarily mean a proportional rise in the number of trips, but rather reflects the economic dynamics of the market, including inflation.

Return to normal business travel

Christian Mousnier, director of Jancarthier Business Travel, says business travel has returned to normal after earlier disruptions. He notes that while there have been safety recommendations, there have been no real travel restrictions. Companies have not issued directives against travel, only advice to be cautious.

Regional travel challenges

Mousnier reports that disruptions in the Gulf have affected travel to Asia, with some travelers choosing detours or temporarily giving up flying. However, he says these markets are showing signs of recovery. The United States, however, remains less dynamic for his clients, due to what he describes as a less favorable political environment.

Revenue growth and market expansion

At Jancarthier Business Travel, business travel revenue has grown by 15 to 20% compared to the previous year. Mousnier explains that this growth is partly due to the company expanding into new markets, which naturally contributes to increased revenue.

Cost control through trip consolidation

To manage rising transportation costs, Mousnier encourages companies to consolidate multiple meetings into a single trip. For example, instead of making two separate trips to Nice and Marseille, companies are advised to combine them into one. This helps reduce transportation and hotel expenses while maintaining the trip's commercial value.

Environmental commitments lag behind

Mousnier also points out that some clients struggle to translate their environmental commitments into action. While there is a willingness to adopt cleaner travel practices, the reality often falls short. He notes a significant gap between the desire to travel sustainably and actual implementation.

Support for sustainable travel growth

The WTTC urges European governments to support the sector’s momentum by improving travel facilitation, strengthening connectivity, and promoting sustainable growth. These efforts are particularly important for air transport, which is essential for connecting markets and organizing international travel.

Adaptation over return to normal

The 2026 outlook suggests that business travel is not simply returning to pre-pandemic levels but adapting to new conditions. Professional spending is expected to continue rising, but companies are also seeking to better organize their travel to manage costs effectively.

Focus on useful and efficient travel

At Jancarthier Business Travel, the focus remains on ensuring that travel is both necessary and efficient. Trips are maintained when business demands them but are increasingly consolidated to control costs and maximize value.