Premium Economy and AI-Driven Services Reshape Global Business Travel

The global business travel sector is entering a new phase of transformation, with optimism making a notable comeback among industry professionals. According to the latest industry-wide survey, confidence is on the rise, even as companies continue to adapt to shifting patterns, emerging technologies, and persistent external pressures. For Africa’s travel sector, these changes signal both challenges and opportunities, especially as the continent’s role in international business travel continues to expand.

After a period marked by uncertainty, the most recent global poll reveals that 43% of business travel professionals now feel more positive about the industry’s prospects for the remainder of 2025. This marks a significant 15-point increase from earlier in the year, with Canadian respondents leading the surge in optimism. However, the overall mood remains more cautious than in late 2024, reflecting ongoing concerns about travel volumes, spending, and revenue projections.

Despite this renewed confidence, the industry is not without its hurdles. U.S. government policies continue to cast a shadow, with a third of global buyers expecting a decline in their company’s travel volume for 2025—an average decrease of 19%. Spending is also expected to dip by a similar margin. While some suppliers are regaining confidence, especially in the hotel sector, others, such as airlines, are bracing for further challenges. Notably, travel management companies are less pessimistic than before, suggesting a possible shift in how corporate travel is being managed and booked.

For African travel professionals, these global trends offer valuable insights into how the business travel landscape is evolving and where new opportunities may arise. The following developments are particularly relevant for those looking to stay ahead in a rapidly changing market:

Longer, Multi-Stop Trips Gain Traction

One of the most significant shifts is the move toward longer, multi-destination business trips. Nearly two in five travel buyers report an increase in “linked” journeys, where multiple meetings or destinations are combined into a single itinerary. This trend is accompanied by a rise in trip duration and a decline in short, single-day business excursions. For African markets, this could mean greater demand for regional connectivity, multi-city itineraries, and flexible booking options that cater to complex travel needs.

Premium Economy Bookings on the Rise

Another notable trend is the growing preference for premium economy cabins, especially in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). In these regions, nearly half of travel managers have observed an uptick in premium economy bookings. This shift reflects a broader desire for comfort and value, as well as a willingness among travelers to invest in better experiences—even if it means paying out of pocket. For African airlines and hospitality providers, enhancing premium offerings and tailoring services to business travelers’ evolving expectations could unlock new revenue streams.

Short-Term Rentals Face Stricter Policies

Corporate travel programs are tightening their stance on short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. More than half of companies now prohibit their use, while only a small fraction always allow them. Despite these restrictions, many employees are choosing to pay for upgrades and additional comforts themselves, particularly for flight cabin upgrades, lounge access, and extra hotel nights. This trend highlights the importance of offering flexible, high-quality accommodation options that align with both company policies and traveler preferences.

Blended Travel and Employee Wellbeing

The concept of blended travel—where business and leisure are combined—continues to gain momentum. Over 40% of travel programs now have defined policies for such trips, with the majority citing improved employee satisfaction and better work-life balance as key benefits. However, this evolution also brings new challenges, including the need for robust duty of care, streamlined expense tracking, and comprehensive insurance coverage. African travel providers can capitalize on this trend by developing packages and services that cater to both business and leisure needs, ensuring compliance and convenience for corporate clients.

Accessibility Remains a Work in Progress

While awareness of traveler accessibility is growing, only a minority of companies have fully integrated accommodations for travelers with special needs. Air travel seating remains the most requested accessible option, but barriers such as limited employee awareness, insufficient supplier information, and booking complexity persist. For Africa’s travel sector, investing in accessible infrastructure and clear communication can help bridge these gaps, making business travel more inclusive and expanding the potential customer base.

Agentic AI: The Next Frontier in Business Travel

Perhaps the most transformative development is the rapid adoption of agentic artificial intelligence (AI). Nearly half of suppliers and travel management professionals, along with a third of buyers, are already experimenting with autonomous AI solutions. These technologies are being deployed for customer service, personalized travel experiences, and automated itinerary planning. Expense reconciliation is another area where AI is making significant inroads. However, concerns about data privacy, security, and integration with existing systems remain top of mind. For African travel businesses, embracing AI-driven tools could streamline operations, enhance customer engagement, and provide a competitive edge—provided that robust safeguards are in place.

Regional Nuances and Opportunities

It is worth noting that travel buyers in the EMEA region are less likely than their counterparts elsewhere to anticipate declines in travel volume or spending. This resilience may reflect the region’s diverse economic landscape and the growing importance of intra-African business travel. As global companies look to optimize their travel strategies, African destinations with strong infrastructure, premium offerings, and innovative digital solutions are well positioned to attract a larger share of business travelers.

In summary, the global business travel industry is demonstrating remarkable adaptability in the face of ongoing change. For Africa’s travel sector, the current environment presents a unique opportunity to rethink service offerings, invest in technology, and champion accessibility and blended travel experiences. By staying attuned to these trends and proactively addressing emerging challenges, African travel professionals can help shape the future of busines world stage.