Business travel spend set to reach two thirds of pre-pandemic levels by 2022

New report from WTTC reveals, corporate travel in the Middle East and Asia Pacific set to lead the way with fastest recovery

Worldwide business travel spending looks set to rise by more than a quarter this year and reach two thirds of pre-pandemic levels by 2022, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

The forecast comes in a major new WTTC report in collaboration with McKinsey & Company called ‘Adapting to Endemic Covid-19: The Outlook for Business Travel’.

It draws on research, analysis and in-depth interviews with Travel & Tourism business leaders to enable organisations to prepare for corporate travel in the post-pandemic world.

Business travel was disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and has been slower to resume. Given that business travel is vital for many sectors of the global economy, it is important that all stakeholders join forces to find solutions to aid its recovery.

According to the new report, the modest boost for business travel with global business travel spend rising 26% this year will be followed by a further rise of 34% in 2022.

But this comes in the wake of a 61% collapse in business travel spend in 2020, following the imposition of extensive travel restrictions with considerable regional differences in the bounce back around the world.

To speed up the recovery of business travel, the report recommends businesses adjust their revenue models, expand geographic focus, and improve digital services.

The shared challenge of restoring business travel will also depend on ongoing collaboration and partnerships across the private and public sectors and nurturing new relationships.

Julia Simpson, WTTC CEO & President, said: “Business travel is starting to pick up. We expect to see two thirds back by the end of 2022.

“Business travel has been seriously hit but our research shows room for optimism with Asia Pacific and Middle East first off the starting blocks”.

Considering this year and next, WTTC data shows which regions around the world are leading the revival in business travel, led by the Middle East:

Middle East – Business spending is set to rise by 49% this year, stronger than leisure spending at 36%, followed by a 32% rise next year

Asia-Pacific – Business spending is set to rise by 32% this year, and 41% next year

Europe – Set to rise by 36% this year, stronger than leisure spending at 26%, followed by a 28% rise next year

Africa – Spending is set to rise by 36% this year, slightly stronger than leisure spending at 35%, followed by a 23% rise next year

Americas – Business spending is expected to rise by 14% this year, and by 35% in 2022.

The report details how global travel-related spending declined significantly from 2019 to 2020, as a result of COVID-19 and the ongoing restrictions to international mobility.

Last year, the Travel & Tourism sector suffered losses of almost US$4.5 trillion, and more than 62 million people lost their jobs. Domestic visitor spending decreased by 45 percent, while international visitor spending fell by an unprecedented 69.4 percent.

WTTC’s report also shows significant changes over the past 18 months, particularly in demand, supply, and the overall operating environment which affect business travel.

Demand for business travel has been slower to recover than leisure and corporate policies continue to influence business travel demand according to national travel restrictions.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also been a catalyst for change, driving the move to digital and so changing the supply for possible business travel as hybrid events become the new norm.

The operating environment has also become more opaque with a greater need for clarity around the rules and regulations necessary to allow unimpeded international travel.

However, some sectors have fared better than others with early rebounders including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and construction companies while service-orientated and knowledge industries including healthcare, education, and professional services are likely to experience longer-term disruption.

The report emphasises the continuing importance of business travel and the spend it generates for global economic growth.

Analysis shows that in 2019, most major countries depended on business travel for 20% of their tourism, 75 to 85% of which was domestic.

Although business travel represented only 21.4% of global travel in 2019, it was responsible for the highest spending in many destinations, making it essential for the recovery of the entire travel sector and for its many stakeholders.

Business travel is an important part of the service offering for airlines and high-end hotels and essential for generating much of their revenues.

Before the pandemic, business travel accounted for around 70% of all global revenue for high-end hotel chains while between 55 and 75% of airline profits came from business travellers, who made up around 12% of passengers.

Jane Sun, Chief Executive Officer of Trip.com, said: “In China, business travel is booming very fast. Trip.com Group’s corporate travel business is actually one of our fastest growing segments, so people still need to see each other to conduct a business and close the deals. We remain positive that once business is back to normal, we expect even stronger growth compared to the pre COVID level.”

Chris Nassetta, President & CEO Hilton, said: “A return to business travel will be critical in our industry’s recovery from the pandemic.

“We’re continuing to see incremental progress and this report illustrates just how important business travel is to the global economy. Travel and tourism will continue to drive progress for millions around the world – especially as people begin traveling again.”

Paul Griffiths, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Airports International, said: “The loss of mobility experienced by billions of people during the COVID-19 pandemic served as a stark reminder of the immense social and economic contribution that travel and tourism brings to the global population.  Whilst the proliferation of digital communications is set to transform the way we do business, it has also proven that so many aspects of our lives are dependent on level of social interaction uniquely afforded by the ability to travel.

“The industry must adapt to the new world in a more innovative, value driven and sustainable way and the initiative by WTTC sets out clear road map for the future.”

Fred Dixon, President and CEO of NYC & Company, said: “Bringing back business travel is a critical component of New York City’s continued economic recovery. It’s reassuring to see the deliberate focus on this import segment by the WTTC, and we support all efforts under way to further encourage the resumption of this vital source of visitation. As one of the world’s most iconic business capitals, we are committed to nurturing this segment and highlighting the many advantages of meeting in person in New York City.”

Paul Abbott, Chief Executive, American Express Global Business Travel, said: “We have now seen what a world without travel looks like. Businesses struggle, GDP capitulates, unemployment rockets and mental health issues soar. A world without travel is less prosperous, less tolerant and lacks the excitement and serendipity that gives us our energy. For all these reasons, we can be very confident about the future of business travel.

“Pent-up demand for travel is already turning into a release of human energy across the world. Travel is a force for good. It is the engine room of the economy, driving commerce and innovation. At the same time, travel underpins social progress by breaking down cultural barriers and helping build respect and understanding.”

WTTC believes while business travel will return, its uneven recovery will have important implications across the global Travel & Tourism sector, making private public partnerships even more important in the months and years ahead.