How to Do Business Tourism Right in 2025
by Ellie Smith / January 27, 2025 Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
A forecast of the future of business tourism, highlighting key trends and shifts that will shape how professionals travel.
In recent years, especially after the pandemic, business tourism has evolved from mundane corporate travel into a refined experience, blending cutting-edge technology, personalized services, and innovative approaches. Companies are increasingly realizing how the quality of business trips can directly influence their goals.
As a professional global chauffeur service provider, we bring firsthand expertise to the conversation. From practical business travel tips to forward-thinking strategies, our goal is to provide you with the knowledge and insights needed to thrive in this fast-paced industry.
Table of contents
What is business tourism?
Business tourism, also referred to as corporate or business travel, is a key segment of the travel industry where individuals travel primarily for professional purposes rather than leisure.
At its core, business tourism involves attending meetings, conferences, exhibitions, trade shows and other business-related events. As the name suggests, the main goal is to accomplish specific business objectives.
This segment plays a vital role in the global economy by enabling face-to-face communication, fostering networking opportunities, and building personal connections that are often critical for successful international business operations.
The evolving landscape of business tourism in 2025
As the global economy rebounds, business travel is not just recovering; it's undergoing a significant transformation. In 2025, global spending on business travel is projected to reach $1.64 trillion, up from $1.48 trillion in 2024.
This growth is driven by multiple factors. In the U.S., expenditures are expected to rise by 4.0% to $316 billion as companies adapt to a landscape increasingly influenced by advanced technology and sustainability goals.
Unsurprisingly, at the forefront of this transformation is technology, particularly the integration of artificial intelligence. AI is gradually improving business travel by optimizing processes at every stage. Travel platforms like Trip Advisor now use generative AI to create personalized itineraries, while airports are implementing AI-powered baggage systems to enhance efficiency. Even the hospitality sector is leveraging AI, with innovations such as Hyatt’s smart beds, which monitor guests' vitals to improve comfort and rest.
In parallel, sustainability has become a top priority. Businesses are increasingly adopting green travel initiatives and focusing on reducing their carbon footprints. This shift underscores the growing demand for travel solutions that balance cost efficiency, comfort, and environmental impact. We’ll explore this in greater detail later in the article.
As companies navigate these changes, they are also rethinking their travel strategies to maximize value. By aligning travel policies with broader strategic goals and adjusting to economic uncertainties, businesses are redefining how they approach travel in this new era of innovation and sustainability.
Business tourism trends
The business tourism landscape is evolving, with new trends emerging that are reshaping how professionals travel and work. Below are some of the key concepts driving this change.
Bleisure travel
A growing trend in business tourism is the concept of 'bleisure,' a term coined to describe trips that blend both business and leisure elements. Over the past decade, bleisure trips have grown by an estimated 20%, propelled by shifting work dynamics, a stronger focus on work-life balance, and the relative ease of extending business trips for personal exploration.
Today, nearly half of American professionals embrace bleisure travel, contributing to a global market valued at close to $600 billion. What’s more, this market is projected to grow exponentially—by as much as 500%—over the next decade, as more travelers and employers recognize its value.
One reason for the rising popularity of bleisure travel is the influx of younger professionals into the market. These individuals, who have predominantly worked in hybrid or fully remote environments since 2020, are shaping new norms in business tourism. Accustomed to the flexibility of remote work, they increasingly view work and leisure as interconnected, favoring an integrated approach to their travels and work engagements.
Interestingly, the lack of leisure options can also sway decisions. A recent survey found that 44% of professionals declined work-related travel opportunities because they didn’t offer enough flexibility for personal time!
Frolleague trend
Building on the trend of bleisure, the travel industry is now embracing an innovative concept known as 'frolleague'—a friend colleague. Emerging from the now commonplace practice of combining business with leisure, frolleague travel takes this idea further. According to the latest Hilton annual trends report, nearly 30% of business travelers are now choosing to extend their professional trips to include leisure time with their favorite colleagues. This shift indicates a growing preference for experiencing new destinations not just with family or alone but also with coworkers, enhancing both team bonding and personal enjoyment.
Evolving traveler preferences
Historically, travelers have often selected flights based on the potential to earn loyalty points and miles. However, a 2025 travel trends report indicates a shift in these preferences. Moving forward, travelers are expected to choose airlines more for their value, aircraft quality, and access to amenities like lounges, rather than simply accruing loyalty benefits. This change again is attributed to the entrance of younger travelers into the market, who generally show less brand loyalty, and to airlines adjusting their policies to sell rather than reserve premium seats for loyalty members.
Personalization in business tourism
Personalization is becoming a significant trend in business tourism. Industry reports indicate that a significant number of business travelers value personalized travel itineraries that cater to their preferences in dining, accommodations, and even leisure activities during extended stays. This might include booking hotels with excellent gyms, locating top-rated restaurants for client dinners, or ensuring that the traveler's preferred type of rental car is available.
Future-proofing business tourism
In the realm of future-proofing, business tourism is swiftly adapting to changes. Companies are increasingly leveraging virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to offer virtual site inspections and immersive booking experiences. These technologies enable travelers to virtually experience a destination or venue before booking, ensuring it meets their specific needs. Moreover, the adoption of blockchain technology is on the rise, enhancing the security of transactions and safeguarding personal information against cyber threats.
How to do business tourism right
To excel in business tourism, it’s crucial to ensure that every aspect of the journey contributes positively to the overall objectives of the trip. This means optimizing logistics, embracing technology, and ensuring health and safety—all tailored to enhance productivity and satisfaction.
Ensure seamless transportation
The foundation of effective business tourism is transportation. Whether by air, ground, or rail, seamless connections play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and overall experience of a business trip. According to Blacklane research, 41% of C-suite executives believe that pre-booked chauffeur services for in-city travel can significantly reduce stress during their journeys. Additionally, 38% of chief executives reported that private airport transfers at both ends, with English-speaking chauffeurs, contribute to increased productivity and reduced stress.
Choose Blacklane's chauffeur service to arrive with style and confidence.
For regional or domestic business trips, Blacklane’s city-to-city rides offer a smooth and easy alternative to short-haul flights. By bypassing the hassles of airport procedures, travelers can enjoy a door-to-door experience that allows them to work productively in the comfort of a premium vehicle.
Leverage modern technology
Technology is a game-changer in business tourism. From mobile boarding passes to real-time travel updates, tech tools can streamline travel and enhance efficiency. Apps like TripIt can organize travel schedules in one accessible location, ensuring seamless management of itineraries. To further facilitate on-the-go connectivity and efficiency, Asana offers a robust platform for managing tasks and projects directly from your mobile device, ideal for keeping track of work obligations during travels. Another innovative tool is Concur, which simplifies expense reporting and travel bookings, integrating them into one streamlined service that saves time and reduces hassle for travelers.
In addition to apps, smart gadgets are becoming indispensable for business travelers. Noise-canceling headphones are a must-have for professionals looking to focus during flights or block out distractions while working on the go. Smart luggage, featuring built-in GPS tracking, USB charging ports, and weight sensors, helps travelers stay organized and avoid last-minute inconveniences. For staying connected anywhere in the world, portable Wi-Fi hotspots like Solis provide reliable internet access, ensuring seamless communication and productivity, even in remote destinations.
For convenient ground transportation, tools like the Blacklane app offer easy access to professional chauffeurs in cities worldwide, ensuring a smooth and reliable travel experience.
Prioritize health and wellness
The focus on health and wellness has intensified in the business travel sector, especially post-pandemic. Travel policies now often include international health insurance coverage, options for medical teleconsultations, and accommodations that meet high sanitary standards.
A recent survey by Booking.com found that many business travelers seek properties with wellness amenities, such as spas, thermal baths, and tailored fitness sessions, which help reduce stress and enhance physical well-being during trips.
Adopt sustainable practices
Sustainability is another critical focus area. Many corporations have committed to reducing their environmental impact, including how their employees travel for business. This can involve selecting airlines that use biofuel, booking eco-certified hotels, or opting for electric vehicles or carbon-offset chauffeur services instead of traditional rental cars. The Global Business Travel Association has guidelines that help companies implement more sustainable travel practices that not only support the environment but also often result in cost savings.
Business travel and stress
Despite significant improvements in business travel, it remains a source of stress for many professionals. Recent findings from Blacklane indicate that 56% of business travelers experience stress due to suboptimal trip planning. This issue is even more pronounced among C-level executives, with 62% reporting that travel is particularly stressful.
A significant contributor to this stress is the perceived decline in service quality despite increasing travel expenses. Business travelers are finding themselves paying more for fewer amenities and encountering additional charges for services that were once standard.
Blacklane's research highlights several services that C-suite executives identify as stress reducers during travel:
How to make business travel more productive and less stressful
At Blacklane, we understand the intricacies of business travel, having provided chauffeur services globally for years. Our service offerings are designed to cater to professionals who prioritize flexibility, convenience, and efficiency on their travels. Here’s how opting for Blacklane can transform your travel experience:
Save Time: Avoid the hassle of alternating between different transportation modes. With a personal chauffeur, you can move seamlessly to your next appointment, saving time and avoiding disruptions.
Competitive Rates: Enjoy straightforward pricing that includes all taxes and tolls, allowing you to relax without worrying about a running meter. This cost-effective approach is especially beneficial for executives who need adaptable travel options.
Reliable Pickups: Blacklane chauffeurs are meticulously trained to provide exceptional service, ensuring a smooth journey. They also offer local insights that can enrich your travel experience.
Work on the Go: The privacy provided by Blacklane allows you to work efficiently from the back seat, turning it into a mobile office where you can prepare for meetings or manage correspondence in peace.
Sustainability Commitment: Every trip with Blacklane is carbon-offset, supporting environmental sustainability without sacrificing comfort or quality.
Peace of Mind: Travel in a premium vehicle that not only offers comfort but also security for your belongings, making it easy to stay organized and stress-free throughout your journey.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ellie Smith Ellie is an avid traveler, writer, and adventurer, with a passion for exploring the world and sharing her experiences through storytelling. Working for global chauffeur company Blacklane and having lived in cities like Dubai and Berlin, she has gained valuable first-hand experience in uncovering hidden gems worldwide.