What's on the Minds of the Business Travel Industry Now

As we head into the final third of 2026, many of us are looking to achieve current goals, while we also shift into planning, budgeting and strategy discussions for the new calendar year ahead. After spending time with thousands of industry professionals at the GBTA Convention, along with reviewing our latest research, I’ve noticed a common thread: business travel professionals are focused on making smarter, more efficient decisions in a more complex environment.

Last month, more than 5,500 attendees from 47 countries gathered in Chicago for our largest annual gathering of the global business travel industry. The week brought us together to connect, learn and navigate what’s next for our sector. It also reinforced what we know well: Our industry continues to move forward when we come together. Thank you to every member, attendee, speaker, sponsor, exhibitor and partner who contributed to its success.

Conversations at Convention and beyond also provided real-time insights into what is top of mind for our industry right now.

There is a growing focus on value. Our latest Business Travel Index forecast showed that global spending is expected to reach a record $1.71 trillion in 2026, while trip volume growth remains more moderate. Organizations continue to invest in travel because face-to-face engagement matters, but they are intentional about which trips get prioritized. Those optimizing productivity, business outcomes and return on investment rank at the top.

As you look ahead, we encourage you to use the actionable data from the BTI, as well as the latest Global Business Travel Pricing Forecast report. Understanding the spending trends, pricing pressures, market outlooks and economic forces shaping our industry can help bring greater clarity and confidence to planning your business travel strategies and programs.

The Convention Buyer Buzz session also revealed that travel buyers are thinking about much more than just cost management. They are balancing business objectives, traveler expectations and organizational change while looking for innovative solutions that support broader company goals. Notably, buyers say innovation is driven more by internal business needs than external market trends, and the vast majority continue to see long-term supplier partnerships as essential to success.

And while technology continues to transform our industry, the prevailing view is that people remain at the center of successful programs. Buyers consistently emphasize the importance of human support, especially during moments of disruption, uncertainty or risk. It’s a reminder that innovation and relationships are not competing priorities -- they work best together.

As we look ahead to the future, I encourage you to recognize those who are helping to shape it. Submissions are now open until September 12 for the GBTA WINiT Top 50 Awards. I hope you’ll take a few moments to submit a nomination to spotlight those making a meaningful impact and inspiring the next generation of industry leadership.

I believe the business travel industry is entering this next season with a healthy blend of optimism and discipline. We are navigating uncertainty, managing costs, embracing new technologies and focusing on value. Most importantly, we remain committed to the connections, partnerships and people that make our industry unique – and keep economies and organizations moving. Thank you for being part of this remarkable global community.

Suzanne