VDR Business Travel Analysis 2025: Fewer, but more targeted trips

Despite war and crises, recessions, and technological changes, in-person meetings remain strategically important. Travel is less frequent, but more considered.

With around 107.1 million business trips, a slight decline of 8 percent was recorded in 2024 compared to 2023 – nevertheless, the level remains 43 percent higher than in 2022. This trend is supported by an increased willingness to invest. Average expenditure per trip rose by 7 percent to €439, and total expenditure reached €47.2 billion – an increase of 2 percent. According to the VDR Business Travel Analysis 2025* published today, this development cannot be explained solely by price increases, but also reflects changing travel behavior. Companies are planning more specifically: appointments are being bundled and routes are being optimized. Business trips are increasingly viewed as a strategic tool with clear added value.

More travel abroad – focus on Europe

The results also show a clear trend toward more international business travel. In 2024, more than one in three business trips (35 percent) were abroad – a significant increase compared to the previous year's figure of 28 percent. The concentration on European destinations is particularly strong: 25 percent of all business trips took place within Europe. While small and medium-sized enterprises noticeably reduced their travel activity, travel volumes among large corporations remained constant.

Focus areas – digitalization and security

Companies are consistently developing their travel management systems – with an increasing focus on security and the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Half of large companies already use AI solutions in travel management, and the figure for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is currently 23 percent. The majority of companies plan to deploy corresponding technologies by 2026. AI is most frequently used in data management, communications, and reporting to make processes more efficient, transparent, and adaptable.

At the same time, the topic of travel safety is gaining massive importance: 92 percent of the companies surveyed now consider it more relevant, and more than half even consider it "significantly more relevant." The understanding of travel risk management extends far beyond traditional emergency planning. Compliance requirements, cybersecurity, occupational health care, and risk analyses are now integral components of modern safety concepts – and the responsibility for these lies primarily with travel management.

Mobility – sustainable rail, essential flights

26 percent of the companies surveyed already have a comprehensive sustainability strategy in their business travel management, and this proportion is expected to double by 2026. Rail is clearly gaining in importance: 29 percent of companies already use it for more than half of their domestic travel, and 63 percent actively promote its use.

The willingness to accept longer travel times is also increasing: A full 82 percent of companies are willing to accept travel times of up to three hours longer to avoid air travel. At the same time, flying is often the only option, especially for longer distances or under extreme time pressure. 76 percent of companies opt for air travel if it is significantly faster. Lower costs, better connections, and rising sustainability standards are also key factors.

Conclusion

According to the VDR Business Travel Analysis 2025, business travel is shifting from quantity to quality, from routine to strategic impact. Travel managers now operate at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and employee needs. In an increasingly complex environment, travel management is becoming a key competency of modern corporate management and more important than ever.

*Between January and April 2025, 803 computer-assisted telephone and online interviews were conducted with individuals who are either responsible for managing business travel or who are organizationally authorized to provide the relevant data.

Read the full VDR Business Travel Analysis 2025

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