2027 Business Travel Trends: GBTA Forecasts

As we enter 2027, the clearest message from the corporate travel world is this: business travel is not slowing down, but the way companies manage it is changing fundamentally. The latest forecasts from GBTA (Global Business Travel Association) show that price increases across every category, from airfare and hotels to MICE and ground transportation, are expected to slow down. But does this "relief" really mean that costs will fall? The answer is more nuanced than it appears.

Business Travel Costs Are Slowing, But Not Falling

The most immediate takeaway is this: the extraordinary cost pressures of recent years will ease in 2027. However, a slowdown in price increases and a decline in prices are two very different things.

According to industry data, global airfares are increasing by 4.7 percent in 2026, reaching an average of $756. Economy class fares are rising by 8.7 percent, while premium classes are increasing by 9.5 percent. The outlook for 2027 is softer; overall airfare increases are expected to fall to 1.5 percent, economy fares to 1.1 percent, and premium fares to 2.2 percent. Hotels are following a similar trajectory. After the global average room rate increased by 3.7 percent in 2026 to $168, it is expected to rise by only 1.8 percent in 2027, reaching $171.

In short, relief is coming, but there will be no return to pre-crisis prices. Energy and labor costs, aircraft delivery delays, capacity constraints, and geopolitical uncertainty will continue to keep prices structurally elevated.

In this environment, the right strategy is not to reduce the number of trips, but to maximize the value of every journey. Better forecasting, stronger supplier negotiations, policy compliance, and advanced use of travel data can make the difference.

Airlines Remain the Biggest Area of Uncertainty

In 2027, airlines will once again remain at the center of the cost discussion. Aircraft supply constraints, delayed deliveries, and persistently high fuel and labor costs are limiting capacity growth. GBTA forecasts the strongest airfare increases in North America and EMEA, while Latin America is benefiting from increased capacity.

The critical lesson here is this: there is no single global business travel market. Prices, occupancy, and demand can vary dramatically from country to country, and even from route to route. Companies that act on market-specific data rather than general assumptions will gain an advantage.

Hotels and Ground Transportation: More Regional, More Predictable

The hotel market is becoming increasingly regional. In 2026, hotel prices are rising by 9.5 percent in Latin America, 5 percent in APAC, and 3.2 percent in North America, while EMEA is by far the most stable region at 0.6 percent. Record levels of global hotel construction are also increasing supply and helping to balance prices.

Ground transportation is finally stabilizing. After global daily car rental rates increased by 3.6 percent in 2026 to approximately $46.5, they are expected to decline by 0.9 percent in 2027 to $46.1. This stability creates room for an approach that goes beyond simply seeking the lowest price and focuses on employee safety, efficiency, and duty of care.

MICE Is Growing, But Its Cost Is Increasing

The return of in-person meetings and events (MICE) continues. According to industry data, the average daily meeting cost per person increased by 3 percent in 2026 to $263 and is expected to rise by 1.5 percent in 2027 to $267. Food and beverage, production, and labor are the primary sources of inflation. In contrast, contracted group hotel rates are remaining relatively stable.

The message is clear: companies still believe in the value of bringing people together, but they are focusing much more closely on the return it generates.

AI, Data, and People: This Is Where the Real Balance Lies

Artificial intelligence is no longer being discussed in terms of "what can it do?", but rather "how can it improve travel?" Simplifying reservations, identifying savings opportunities, interpreting complex data, and providing decision support. The most valuable technology is technology that reduces complexity and eliminates friction.

Likewise, data is now a strategic asset. Most companies have travel data; the real challenge is moving from the question "what happened?" to "what will happen next?" Which routes are becoming more expensive, where is policy compliance weakening, and which suppliers are delivering real value?

However, the most important message from the GBTA Convention was not technological. Business travel is still fundamentally about people. When plans change, disruptions occur, and circumstances become unpredictable, travelers need expertise. The future is not "people or technology?" It is a future shaped by people who use technology better.

Viking Turizm’s Role in This Landscape

2027 is redefining business travel not through "traveling less," but through "traveling smarter." This is precisely where Viking Turizm is positioned.

At Viking Turizm, since 1984, we have managed flight, hotel, visa, transfer, MICE, travel policy, and reporting processes from a single center through VikingOn technology and 24/7 expert team support. Negotiating with suppliers using market-specific data, measuring the return of every journey, and activating human support during a crisis; offering all three together is precisely what distinguishes a travel management company from a traditional agency.

Our digital tools make the process easier; but behind them is an experienced team that is always ready to step in. Technology alone is not enough; it gains meaning through strong human support.

www.vikingon.com

Conclusion

GBTA’s forecasts indicate that we will get some breathing room on the pricing front in 2027. But the real opportunity is not in prices; it is in building smarter, more resilient travel programs that create greater value for companies during this period of change.

The winners will not be those who travel the least, but those who understand where travel creates value, manage it efficiently, and provide their employees with the best possible experience. Because the future of business travel is not traveling less, but traveling smarter.

Contact us for detailed information: vikingturizm.com.tr/iletisim | 0850 281 VIKI

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will business travel costs fall in 2027?

No, they will not fall; only the rate of increase will slow down. According to GBTA data, global airfare increases are declining from 4.7 percent in 2026 to 1.5 percent in 2027, but prices are not returning to pre-crisis levels. In other words, there is "relief" for companies, but no "price reduction."

What is corporate travel management and why is it important?

Corporate travel management is a professional process that plans companies’ business travel end to end, covering reservations, cost control, policy compliance, and employee safety. In a period such as 2027, when costs remain structurally high, it becomes critical for maximizing the value of every journey.

How can companies control rising hotel and airfare costs?

The most effective way to control costs is not to reduce the number of trips, but to act on market-specific data. Early purchasing, supplier negotiations, policy compliance, and region-based price analysis can increase the program’s return. A travel management company such as Viking Turizm centralizes this process through negotiated rates and VikingOn reporting.

For detailed information: https://www.vikingturizm.com.tr/blog/kurumsal-seyahatlerinizde-butceyi-kontrol-etmenin-yollari

Why are MICE (meeting and event) costs increasing?

The primary sources of rising MICE costs are food and beverage, production, and labor expenses. According to GBTA data, the average daily meeting cost per person reaches $267 in 2027. Nevertheless, contracted group hotel rates remain relatively stable, so budgets can be kept under control with proper planning.

Will artificial intelligence replace human expertise in business travel?

No. Artificial intelligence simplifies reservations, interprets data, and makes savings opportunities visible; however, when plans change or a crisis occurs, travelers need an experienced team. The future is not "people or technology?" but a model that uses technology together with human support. This is also Viking Turizm’s key differentiator.