Agentic AI, Biometric Gateways and Jetset Hacking are among seven trends identified in a new "Business Travel Trends 2025" report Amadeus Cytric and Globetrender.

Global business travel spending is projected to reach US$1.64 trillion in 2025, up from US$1.48 trillion last year, according to the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). As the sector grows, the way employees travel – and how companies manage that travel – also continues to evolve.

Alongside partners at travel trend forecasting agency, Globetrender, Amadeus Cytric has explored the biggest developments and transformations anticipated this year and share a report on "Business Travel Trends 2025", which is free to download.

Thanks to investment in AI-driven technologies, business travel is becoming more flexible, streamlined and tailored to the needs of everyone. Travellers themselves have a greater awareness of the impact of their trip on their wellbeing and on the world around them. By embracing these shifts, companies can maximise the value of corporate travel, empower their workforce, and stay competitive in an ever-evolving world.

Jenny Southan, CEO and founder of Globetrender, says: "Business travel is evolving in response to shifting workforce expectations, new technologies and a greater emphasis on wellbeing and human connections. In 2025, companies that adapt – whether through AI-driven automation, reimagined meeting spaces, or a more strategic approach to traveller health – will be best placed to maximise the value of corporate trips. This report explores the key trends transforming the future of business travel, providing insights that will help organisations stay ahead in a rapidly changing landscape."

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Three three trends redefining business travel in 2025

1. Agentic AI is transforming the way corporations manage travel and expense

The next wave of AI will move the technology from passive assistance to proactive functionality, with Agentic AI working behind the scenes allowing travelers, travel managers travel agents and finance teams to focus on more valuable tasks. Over the last two years, Generative AI has been all about offering supportive assistance; from 2025 onwards, and the next stage will be defined by ‘proactive functionality’.

Rather than simply responding to requests, Agentic AI will autonomously anticipate traveler needs, helping them to rebook flights in real-time, optimize itineraries based on changing schedules, and even help travel managers negotiate hotel rates, as well as create, audit and approve expense reports. This shift means business travelers will experience a seamless, highly personalized journey with minimal manual input, allowing them to focus on productivity instead of logistics.

2. Biometric Gateways are enabling seamless, digitised airport experiences 

As airports and airlines increasingly seek to offer travelers smooth, fuss-free journeys, physical passports and even smartphone boarding passes are becoming outdated. Soon, travelers will be able to move through the airport without repeatedly showing travel documents or waiting in long queues, by simply having their face scanned at key touch points.

For frequent flyers, being able to move through an airport with minimal queuing is key to keeping stress levels down, so it’s no surprise to learn that 73% of global air passengers are interested in using biometric data instead of passports, according to IATA’s GPS 2024 report.

Vision-Box is leading the way with its facial recognition and smart automation technology that makes airport experiences smoother and safer.

3. Jetset Hacking is a growing trend as business travelers choose to prioritise their wellbeing on trips 

From sleep labs to cryo chambers, wellness-focused innovations are redefining business travel, helping professionals stay healthy and productive while on the move. Whether due to late dinner meetings with clients or sleepless nights caused by jet lag, business travel can take a toll on people's wellbeing.

However, as wellness becomes a growing priority for travellers, high-flying professionals have been paying far more attention to taking good care of their mental and physical health when travelling for work.

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Mark Cullen, Chief Commercial Officer for Amadeus Cytric, says: “In 2025, business travelers are increasingly aware of the impact their journeys have on both their well-being and the environment. They are open to investing in more sustainable travel options that benefit themselves and the planet. Factors such as hybrid working arrangements, economic uncertainty, and geopolitical tensions are reshaping the priorities of travel managers and suppliers. Meanwhile, investments in new transformational technologies are helping travel providers enhance the overall experience, making business trips smoother and more efficient while also allowing providers to allocate resources more effectively.”

Clive Wratten, Chief Executive, The Business Travel Association, says: "This report makes it clear that business travel in is evolving at pace, shaped by advancements in AI, changing preferences for ways of working and what a modern-day workplace culture looks like, as well as a continued push for efficient travel solutions that also help travelers to inform themselves about the sustainability of a chosen trip.

"AI-driven automation is transforming corporate travel management, while biometric innovations are streamlining airport experiences – all of which are key developments as our national aviation sector faces ongoing pressures to improve efficiency and boost passenger capacity.

"Against a backdrop of economic uncertainty and changing trade relationships, we’re also seeing a renewed emphasis on domestic and regional business travel. As both our rail and air transport networks undergo reform and investment – including efforts to improve connectivity between key UK business hubs – it’s crucial that our travel infrastructure keeps pace with these shifting demands. We need to ensure that UK businesses and everyone travelling for work can move efficiently, affordably, and get information about sustainability – the key to maintaining our position as a global leader in business and innovation.”

Download "Business Travel Trends 2025" for free.

by GLOBETRENDER