The seventh annual SAP Concur Global Business Travel Survey, conducted by Wakefield Research from April 30 to May 12, 2025, gathered responses from 3,750 business travelers across 24 countries, 700 travel managers in seven markets, and—new this year—600 CFOs in six countries. This expanded scope offers a deeper, multi-level view of the current state of business travel.
(Image Source)
GLOThe seventh annual SAP Concur Global Business Travel Survey, conducted by Wakefield Research from April 30 to May 12, 2025, gathered responses from 3,750 business travelers across 24 countries, 700 travel managers in seven markets, and—new this year—600 CFOs in six countries. This expanded scope offers a deeper, multi-level view of the current state of business travel.
(Image Source)
Image: SAP
1. Business Travel Remains Essential, Yet Contentious
While 94% of travelers view business travel as beneficial or essential, 43% of CFOs believe that over half of all business trips can be replaced with virtual meetings. Despite that, 70% of travelers say they’re very willing to travel in the next year. Still, 35% of travel managers and 45% of CFOs are concerned that employee hesitancy could threaten travel program success.
2. Budget Divergence: A Disconnect Across Roles
Nearly half of business travelers worry that travel budgets are being reduced or will remain flat. However, only 24% of CFOs and 22% of travel managers share this concern. Many companies have implemented modest cutbacks—such as stricter routing rules or fewer premium-class tickets—rather than slashing travel outright.
3. Disruptions, Safety & Sustainability Take Center Stage
Unpredictability continues to define the travel experience: 88% of travelers reported disruptions such as delays, cancellations, or rerouted trips in the past year. Concerns about destination safety (44%), political or social instability (35%), and transportation issues (33%) are shaping travel decisions. Environmental considerations are growing too, with 27% of travelers saying they would decline trips lacking eco-conscious options, up from 23% in 2023.
4. Inequity in Travel Opportunities
Two-thirds of business travelers believe that access to high-value or career-advancing trips is not distributed fairly within their organizations. Factors such as seniority (19%), age (18%), and parental status (14%) were among the most cited reasons for perceived inequality in travel opportunities.
5. AI & Data: Tools of the Future
There’s growing openness toward AI in travel management: 95% of travelers say they’re willing to use AI-powered tools for tasks like expense management, itinerary planning, or eco-friendly routing. Travel managers are on board as well—64% would like to see AI used to automate administrative tasks. Yet only 7% feel confident using such technology today, highlighting a significant need for training and support.
Bridging Pent-Up Demand and Corporate Controls
The 2025 survey reveals a core tension: travelers want more freedom and investment in their journeys, while organizations focus on cost efficiency, compliance, and control. To balance this, experts recommend that companies gather real-time traveler feedback, invest in integrated travel-and-expense platforms, and use data and AI to make smarter, traveler-centric decisions.
The 2025 SAP Concur Global Business Travel Survey shows that business travel is far from dead—but it’s undergoing rapid transformation. Success going forward will depend on how well companies balance budget constraints with traveler needs, embrace technology, and commit to safer, fairer, and more sustainable travel practices.
Source: SAP / GLO
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