Top 10 Australian Corporate Travel Insights 2026
Business travel remains a critical driver of growth for Australian organisations. The recently released Q1 2026 GBTA Business Travel Outlook Poll shows demand is holding steady, but expectations around value, efficiency, and accountability are higher than ever.
The opportunity for Australian businesses in 2026 is clear: Demand for corporate travel is unquestionable, but how it is managed is under scrutiny.
Here are 10 insights every Australian corporate travel program should be using to travel smarter in 2026.
10 global travel trends shaping smarter, more cost-effective business travel
1. Business travel demand remains resilient
Despite ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainty, 59% of GBTA’s poll respondents are optimistic about the business travel outlook for 2026. Most buyers expect travel volumes to increase or remain stable this year.
For Australian organisations, this reinforces the role of business travel as a strategic investment, not a discretionary expense.
2. Travel volumes are expected to grow in a measured, manageable way
35% of travel buyers expect business travel volumes to increase in 2026, with an average projected increase of 14%. Only 16% expect a decline.
This steady growth gives travel managers an opportunity to plan proactively. Strong forecasting, clear policy settings and early supplier engagement will be key to managing demand without driving unnecessary cost.
3. Travel spend is rising, making budget optimisation more important than ever
44% of buyers expect their travel spend to increase, with an average expected rise of 12% in 2026.
Rather than limiting travel, Australian programs are increasingly focused on maximising value per trip, by improving booking behaviours, policy compliance, and using negotiated rates more effectively.
“Whilst we are still seeing increases in supplier airfares and hotels, our job at Spencer Corporate Travel is to work with our clients to optimise their booking behaviours, supplier preferences and policy configuration to ensure the most efficient and cost-effective travel is achieved. Maximising the ROI of our clients’ travel spend is central to our service delivery.” Karen McGilvray, General Manager, Spencer Corporate Travel.
4. Cost control is the top priority
GBTA reports 81% of buyers view cost savings/cost control as a top 3 priority for 2026. At the same time, 74% are concerned about affordability, and 58% say prices rising faster than budget allows is one of their biggest or a major challenge.
“Importantly, this is not about cutting trips. It is about smarter travel program design. Clear yet flexible policies, stronger advance-purchase, tighter policy compliance and strategic supplier partnerships will allow businesses to control costs while still enabling the critical travel that drives results.” Karen McGilvray.
5. Rising prices highlight the value of strategic travel programs
58% of buyers say prices are rising faster than their budgets allow.
For Australian businesses facing increasing travel costs, this reinforces the importance of spend consolidation, data-led decision making and active program management to offset market pressures. Understanding shifts in airline pricing dynamics aligned with your business’s travel trends and needs offers opportunities for travel optimisation.
“Ensuring all bookings are made with your dedicated consultant or via your online booking tool means we can track and report on all your employees’ travel activity and spend for improved insights that drive future policy enhancements and savings.” Karen McGilvray.
6. Border and visa complexity requires better planning, not less travel
Concerns around entry requirements and visas are increasing globally, with 61% of buyers expressing concern.
For Australian companies, the solution lies in early planning, clear traveller guidance and trusted advisory support, ensuring seamless travel compliance without disruption.
7. Global meeting destinations are becoming more flexible and strategic
While U.S. travel remains important, 52% of organisations are now considering a broader mix of meeting locations in light of proposed ESTA changes.
This creates new opportunities for Australian businesses to reassess meeting strategies, balance travel costs, and design events that maximise attendance and return on investment.
8. Booking experience is a key opportunity to drive savings and compliance
Buyers continue to report challenges with booking technology and content availability, contributing to off-platform bookings and inefficiencies.
For Australian programs, improving the booking experience is one of the fastest ways to reduce travel program leakage, increase policy compliance and duty of care, and unlock negotiated supplier value without restricting traveller choice.
“Customer service is a fundamental pillar of the Spencer Corporate Travel value proposition, and it’s a critical factor in driving policy compliance in their travel programs. This compliance ensures our customers travel programs are maximising savings for the business, increasing total visibility of travel spend, and enhancing safety for their travellers.” Karen McGilvray.
9. Traveller safety is a core enabler of confident travel
Managing traveller safety during disruptions remains a key focus, cited by 40% of GBTA buyer respondents.
Rather than deterring travel, this highlights the importance of 24/7 travel support, clear duty-of-care frameworks and proactive communication, helping travellers move with greater confidence even in complex travel environments.
10. AI is delivering practical efficiency gains today
While AI transformation is still evolving, many travel buyers are already using AI to improve reporting, data analysis and internal storytelling.
For Australian travel programs, AI is becoming increasingly an increasingly important tool for travel program. It helps identify savings opportunities, improve decision making, and free up time for strategic program management.
“Whilst AI will be a fundamental part of our business operations, our customer feedback shows that the human touch and personalised experiences remain paramount for our clients and the travel industry.” Karen McGilvray.
The takeaway for Australian business Travel Programs
The GBTA’s latest global travel data sends a clear message; Business travel is not slowing down but expectations are getting higher.
2026 is about travelling smarter for business, through more astute policy planning and development, technology that support service and expertise, and strategic supplier partnerships. Australian organisations that invest in expert corporate travel management will be best placed to support high-impact business travel outcomes while controlling costs, protecting travellers and extracting maximum value from every business trip.
Spencer Corporate Travel partners with Australian businesses to do exactly that. Contact our team today to discuss your business travel needs.
Source: Q1 2026 GBTA Business Travel Outlook Poll, Global Business Travel Association, January 2026.
