The cost of business travel has stabilized over the past year and is expected to further level off going forward after years of volatility following COVID, according to the 2026 Global Business Travel Association forecast.
Now in its eleventh edition, the annual report from CWT and GBTA projects modest annual fluctuations in airfares, hotel rates and ground transportation costs for corporate travel programs in 2025 and 2026. This reflects more balanced supply-demand dynamics and tempered macroeconomic growth, according to the report, which was released at the GBTA Convention in Denver earlier this week.
“This year’s forecast shows encouraging signs that business travel pricing is normalizing further and that’s creating real opportunities for corporate travel buyers,” Patrick Andersen, CEO, CWT, said in a statement. “While economic uncertainty hasn’t gone away, corporate travel buyers are regaining leverage and have more room to optimize their programs. Whether it’s capitalizing on localized pricing trends, securing added value through smarter negotiations or rethinking event formats for greater impact, this is a moment to be proactive and strategic. With the right approach, organizations can stretch their travel budgets further and deliver even greater returns.”
In addition, the report pointed out that airline capacity, room supply and car rental fleets are gradually catching up with demand. However, inflationary pressures, economic uncertainty, policy shifts and geopolitical tensions remain key watchpoints.
With the potential threat of a global economic downturn, this year’s report includes both a ‘Base Case Forecast’—which assumes a business-as-usual pricing environment in a weaker, but stable global economy—as well as a ‘Global Recessionary Forecast,’ which outlines potential price shifts in the event of an economic downturn.
“The indicators are pointing to a more predictable era ahead for business travel pricing with travel managers navigating a landscape that’s steadier than the post-pandemic surge,” said Suzanne Neufang, CEO, GBTA. “However, that landscape will continue to be shaped by inflation, supply constraints and evolving traveler expectations. The good news is that with better data and clearer trends, buyers can plan with more confidence. Success will come from staying informed and flexible, while aligning travel decisions with broader business goals.”