Travel Management 2025: ATPI Predicts a Year of Transformational Change

As companies increasingly recognize the value of face-to-face meetings, and with prospective talent viewing business travel as a significant perk, travel management company ATPI forecasts a year of remarkable evolution in Travel Management 2025.

ATPI’s insights reveal that Corporate Travel Trends in 2024 showcased steady growth in both business and responsible travel. Hotel bookings rose by 15.87%, while rail travel among business professionals increased by 10.6%.

In 2025, the focus will shift toward creating more purposeful and innovative travel experiences, supported by sustainable practices, technology advancements, and a heightened emphasis on DE&I strategies. Here are the key Business Travel Predictions ATPI foresees:

Sustainable Solutions Will Become Targeted and Data-Driven

Louisa Toure, ATPI’s sustainability officer, predicts that in 2025, generic sustainability tips like “take a reusable water bottle” or “opt out of hotel room cleaning” will no longer be adequate. Instead, corporate travel programs will adopt data-driven solutions to address Scope 3 emissions effectively.

Toure explains: “With technology enabling measurable outcomes, the focus should be on leveraging tools to report carbon emissions accurately while enhancing traveller wellbeing.” This aligns with Travel Technology 2025, where advancements will play a crucial role in improving both sustainability and efficiency.

Rise of ‘Soft Brands’ in Hospitality

The changing preferences of business travellers have prompted the rise of ‘soft brands,’ with global hotel chains expanding into the mid-scale sector.

Alwyn Burrage, global hotel programme director, notes: “In 2025, we expect this trend to grow, especially in the budget and extended-stay sectors. This approach allows large chains to partner with independent hotels, offering global marketing and loyalty programs in return for licensing fees.”

Accurate Emissions Reporting Will Be Essential

Pippa Ganderton, director of ATPI Halo – Responsible Travel & Events Solutions, highlights the importance of precise emissions reporting in the Future of Business Travel. With new EU regulations like the CSRD law, the urgency to acquire transparent and auditable data will increase.

“Accurate reporting will lay the groundwork for effective reduction and compensation strategies, aligning with carbon-neutral and net-zero goals,” Ganderton asserts.

Demand for Cultural Immersion in Itineraries

John Nixon, director of global customer experience, predicts that business travellers will prioritize culturally immersive experiences in 2025.

“Travelers are no longer content with itineraries that focus solely on meetings,” Nixon says. “They want to combine professional obligations with meaningful cultural engagement.” Travel managers will need to craft personalized itineraries to meet this growing demand.

Integration of DE&I in Travel Policies

Amanda Killick, head of HR, foresees that DE&I policies will evolve beyond HR guidelines and become integral to corporate travel programs.

“There’s an opportunity to update travel policies to ensure duty-of-care practices encompass employees both in-office and on the road,” Killick explains. This shift reflects the broader trend of embedding DE&I into all aspects of corporate culture in Travel Management 2025.

Conclusion

The year ahead promises to redefine corporate travel with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity. By embracing these changes, companies can create impactful travel experiences that align with their values and strategic goals.