Travel Trends in 2025

As we enter the new year, 2025 will present new opportunities for growth, to collaborate across sectors and throughout the supply chain, and to drive the energy industry forward.

The key to unlocking these new opportunities? Breaking down barriers and strengthening our ability to get together to share ideas and work together for a better future.

Naturally, with energy projects, discussions, and assets taking the workforce to international locations, travel will continue to play a critical role in the supporting the industry achieve its goals. Whether C-Suite executives travelling for meetings, sales managers attending events, or the men and women working on rigs and vessels powering the industry and the communities it serves, logistics are unavoidable. How and where we source energy is set for change, as is travel.

A recent survey found that almost 50% of businesses in EMEA regions are planning to increase travel plans in 2025. With this increase in demand, the latest travel management policies, strategies, and technologies will be integral in maximising the efficiency of corporate travel wherever the new year takes you.

Recovery

After four years of pandemic-induced volatility where companies navigated through fluctuating costs and market conditions, there is an end in sight. A report from the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) points to 2025 being the year of stabilisation where the travel market can rebound after a challenging period.

The anticipation of a more stable market aligns with reports of an increase in travel plans. For the energy industry, this means greater opportunities to travel, expand our networks, explore new opportunities to collaborate, and tackle challenges as a united industry. An increased in travel allows all those in the supply chain to visit new regions and markets and forge new partnerships that can support business objectives. However, an increased focus on travel also comes with an increased responsibility for the workforce and the environment.

Responsible Travel

If the frequency of travel is to increase, so to must the considerations for changing Net Zero legislation. Companies are used to navigating pressures surrounding sustainability efforts and that will continue this year. Across travel industry reports and surveys, sustainability is often cited as a top priority, and we have seen an increase in actions being taken to reflect this.

For the energy industry, a more responsible approach to travel is non-negotiable to remain on the path to Net Zero by targeting and successfully reducing Scope 3 emissions. But support from travel experts is needed to maintain that journey so travel managers will continue to play an integral role in creating carbon reduction strategies that support organisation’s overall goals – without sacrificing necessary travel. A poll from GBTA found that while sustainability is a focus, travel managers cite complexity as a barrier to achieving goals. Expertise combined with technology is a must.

Technology & Innovation

Technology will help many across the industry streamline their approach to sustainability while enhancing the customer experience. Further investment in travel technology has led to greater innovation with new technologies emerging – many of which enhanced by AI.

For sustainability, this will allow operators to track, manage, and, with platforms such as ATPI Halo, even offset Scope 3 emissions. These technologies can source sustainable alternatives to lower emissions while pinpointing eco-friendly accommodation and investing in carbon offset programmes.

Alongside being a positive for sustainability efforts, innovative travel technologies also benefit the customer in several ways. With an increased adoption of AI, the travel experience is only getting better thanks to enhanced capabilities including personalised itineraries that are bespoke to each traveller and incorporate their preferences. Meanwhile, for travel managers and admin assistants, platforms such as ATPI’s CrewHub will focus on streamlined crew management to support the transfer of the workforce to and from assets.

2025 will present exciting opportunities to make the most of travel across the energy industry, facilitated with the support, expertise, and technology of leading TMCs like ATPI.