A recent report by American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) in partnership with Ipsos has uncovered a strong connection between higher revenue growth at small and mid‑sized enterprises (SMEs) and greater levels of business travel—especially non-client‑facing travel. (image: Amex GBT)
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American ExpressA recent report by American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) in partnership with Ipsos has uncovered a strong connection between higher revenue growth at small and mid‑sized enterprises (SMEs) and greater levels of business travel—especially non-client‑facing travel.
Who Were the Growth Leaders?
Ipsos surveyed 800 business leaders across the U.S. and U.K., focusing on SMEs (10–250 employees in the U.K.; 20–500 in the U.S.). Businesses that posted at least 5% revenue growth in 2024 and expected similar results in 2025 were classed as “growth leaders.” That included 41% of U.S. respondents and 36% from the U.K.
Travel Patterns by Growth Status
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66% of growth‑leader companies reported sending employees on international business trips in the year prior to the survey (which took place January 22–27), compared with 52% of slower‑growing ‘followers’
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Yet while growth leaders traveled more overall, they were less likely to travel for client-related work. Only 42% cited client project work or relationship-building as a travel reason—versus about 50% for follower companies
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Conversely, growth leaders exceeded followers in most other travel purposes, particularly:
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Conferences, trade shows, and exhibitions (58% vs. 51%)
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Training and development (55% vs. 45%)
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Also leadership meetings, sales meetings, site visits, and both on‑site and off‑site team gatherings
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The report suggests that growth‑leader firms are leveraging travel not just to win business but to foster a collaborative company culture through development and cohesion:
“They are ahead … in staff development and engagement … suggesting travel performs a different function: not just a way to service clients, but as a wider generator of company culture”
Broader Behaviors of Growth Leaders
Growth‑leader companies also demonstrated heightened activity in areas such as launching new products and services, exporting, and tapping external expert advice—particularly around AI, travel management, data security, trade, and market insights.
Read the “Growing Business Report” here.
Key Takeaways:
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High‑growth SMEs are significantly more likely to engage in international business travel than their lower‑growth peers.
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Rather than client‑facing travel, training, conferences, and internal events are stronger differentiators.
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This reflects a broader strategy where travel supports organizational development, innovation, and market expansion—not just client servicing.
Source: Amex GBT
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