How Much of Global Travel Is Business?

By Michael Ferguson

The global travel industry has experienced unprecedented growth in the last decade, with an estimated US$1.6 trillion spent on international tourism in 2019 alone. Of that total, a significant portion is attributable to business travel, as companies and organizations around the world look for ways to expand their reach and build relationships with potential customers and partners.

Business travel is often seen as a necessary expense when it comes to staying competitive in a global marketplace. It can include attending conferences and trade shows, meeting with potential partners or clients, or visiting other offices or facilities to discuss strategies and operations. For many businesses, the cost of business travel is offset by the potential benefits it can provide—such as increased brand awareness, customer loyalty, and access to new markets.

Business travel can also have an indirect benefit for the economy by helping businesses form partnerships that create jobs and stimulate economic growth. According to a recent survey of more than 1,000 business travelers around the world, nearly two-thirds said they had made some kind of international business trip in the last year. That’s up from less than half in 2018, indicating that more companies are taking advantage of global opportunities through business travel.

How Much Of Global Travel Is Business?

Business travel accounts for a significant portion of global tourism expenditures: estimates suggest that it accounts for approximately 25% of all international tourist spending worldwide. This number has been steadily increasing over the past few years as more businesses recognize the importance of engaging with customers on an international scale. Business travelers also tend to stay longer and spend more money than leisure travelers do, which further contributes to their impact on overall tourism spending.

Conclusion:

The amount of global travel that is attributed to business purposes continues to grow each year as companies recognize the potential benefits associated with building relationships on an international scale. Estimates suggest that approximately 25% of all international tourist spending is related to business travel expenses—a significant portion that indicates just how important this sector is for both businesses and economies around the world.