This research by Travel And Tour World explores the reasons behind this increase in business travel, the focus on improving travel experiences, and the growing importance of travel risk management, with a particular focus on the data, trends, and insights emerging from the UK corporate travel sector. Additionally, we will look at how businesses are balancing the need for growth in travel with increased attention to sustainability and risk mitigation.
| Convention Centre | Location | Capacity (People) | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| ExCeL London | London | Up to 100,000 | Large-scale conferences, exhibitions, events |
| The NEC Birmingham | Birmingham | Up to 20,000 | Major exhibitions, concerts, conferences |
| Manchester Central | Manchester | Up to 10,000 | Versatile event spaces, ideal for conferences |
| Scottish Event Campus (SEC) | Glasgow | Up to 12,000 | Arena-style events, large conferences |
| Royal Lancaster London | London | Up to 1,500 | Luxury event hosting, modern amenities |
| The O2 Arena | London | Up to 20,000 | Large concerts, events, conferences |
| ICC Wales | Newport, Wales | Up to 5,000 | Versatile exhibition and conference space |
| Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) | Bournemouth | Up to 2,000 | Multi-purpose venue, conferences and exhibitions |
| Harrogate Convention Centre | Harrogate | Up to 2,000 | Unique historical setting, conference space |
| The Brighton Centre | Brighton | Up to 4,000 | Seafront venue, ideal for conferences and events |
UK Business Travel: Growth and Evolving Trends in 2025
The increase in UK business travel is indicative of the global recovery and the necessity for businesses to engage with clients, partners, and employees in person. While digital communication tools have become increasingly popular, there is still no substitute for in-person meetings when it comes to building relationships, closing deals, and understanding the intricacies of foreign markets. This is particularly true for senior business professionals, many of whom see increased travel and budgets as part of their strategic goals for 2025.
The Opinium survey reveals that a significant portion of UK business travellers (39%) are expecting to travel more this year, a positive sign for the UK’s business tourism and corporate sectors. Meanwhile, 44% predict no change in their travel schedules, and only 13% expect a decrease. This indicates a solid foundation for business travel’s recovery, even as remote work continues to be a norm in some sectors.
Corporate travel budgets are also set to rise, with 44% of respondents forecasting higher spending in 2025. Another 44% expect budgets to remain the same, and only 10% predict a reduction. This growth in travel budgets underscores the importance of investing in quality travel experiences, particularly as senior-level business travellers and key decision-makers lead the charge.
Senior Business Travellers: More Travel and Bigger Budgets
The survey found that senior business travellers, particularly those at the board level, are significantly more likely to expect both increased travel opportunities (51%) and higher spending (53%). These figures demonstrate that top executives and business leaders are prioritizing travel as a key component of their corporate strategies in 2025.
With larger budgets at their disposal, many of these senior travellers will be looking to maximize the value of their trips. The growing demand for premium services, such as higher-class accommodations and business class flights, is becoming more pronounced. In fact, 39% of business travellers expect to see increased budgets directed toward improving the quality of accommodation, while 33% anticipate more business class flight bookings.
This trend signals a shift towards more comfortable, efficient, and productive travel experiences. Executives are increasingly willing to spend more on premium services, recognizing that quality travel experiences contribute to higher productivity and better business outcomes.
Cost-Cutting Measures: Balancing Travel with Efficiency
While there is a notable rise in travel spending, businesses are also keen to balance costs with efficiency. Cost-cutting remains a priority, particularly among mid-level business travellers, who are looking for ways to justify the expenses of frequent travel. One-third (35%) of respondents have scheduled more meetings during their trips to maximize the value of their travel, ensuring that each trip serves multiple purposes.
Additionally, increasing one-day trips (33%) is a strategy to minimize the cost and time associated with extended stays. Business travellers are becoming more creative in finding ways to keep their travel efficient and cost-effective while still maintaining the necessary face-to-face interactions. This reflects a broader trend towards operational efficiency in business travel, particularly in sectors where margins are tight.
Sustainability and Travel: Growing Focus on Green Practices
Another key trend emerging from the survey is the increasing pressure on business travellers to adopt more sustainable practices. With 37% of business travellers feeling more pressure to use the most sustainable form of transport, the travel industry is adapting to meet the growing demand for greener options. Companies are under increasing scrutiny to align with sustainability goals, both in terms of reducing their carbon footprints and improving their environmental impact.
This growing focus on sustainability is shaping corporate travel policies, with more businesses looking to prioritize sustainable transport options. This includes using train services for short-haul travel instead of flying and choosing airlines with better environmental practices. Additionally, companies are incentivizing their employees to use eco-friendly transportation options, such as public transit and carpooling, to reduce the overall environmental impact of business travel.
While sustainability remains an essential focus, it is clear that business travellers are balancing environmental concerns with the need for convenience and productivity. The demand for efficient, low-carbon transport options is rising, but so too is the need for quality travel experiences that provide value and comfort.
The Importance of Travel Risk Management
As the business travel sector grows, so too does the need for robust travel risk management. As travel opportunities increase, so do the potential risks associated with international travel, including political instability, health risks, and natural disasters. According to Kate Fitzpatrick, Regional Security Director EMEA at World Travel Protection, businesses must prioritize safety to ensure that their travellers are secure and informed throughout their journeys.
Fitzpatrick emphasized the importance of regularly reviewing and updating travel risk management policies to keep pace with changing global challenges. “It’s encouraging to see business travel growing,” she said, “but it’s important to remember that travel is not without risk.” In response, World Travel Protection offers comprehensive services, including pre-travel briefings, real-time security and health alerts, and 24/7 support through their Travel Assist app, ensuring that business travellers can remain safe and confident on their trips.
Conclusion: A New Era for Business Travel
In 2025, business travel is expected to thrive, driven by rising budgets, a desire for quality travel experiences, and a growing emphasis on sustainability and safety. Senior business leaders are leading the charge, with more travel opportunities and larger budgets for premium services, while mid-level travellers are becoming more efficient in balancing cost-cutting strategies with productivity.
However, as business travel continues to expand, the importance of managing risk and sustainability will be critical in ensuring the long-term success of the sector. By adapting to these changing priorities and leveraging modern technology, businesses can navigate the evolving landscape of corporate travel and continue to reap the benefits of face-to-face engagement in an increasingly digital world.
Business Travel Surge in 2025: Rising Budgets, Sustainability, and Risk Management as Priorities for UK Professionals
As the global business environment continues to recover, UK professionals are witnessing a notable surge in business travel for 2025. According to a survey by Opinium, 39% of UK business travellers are expecting to travel more this year compared to 2024, signaling a strong rebound in corporate travel. This uptick is particularly significant for the UK’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism sector, which has long been a cornerstone of the country’s broader tourism industry. As businesses increasingly prioritize face-to-face meetings for relationship-building and deal-making, the demand for MICE-related services is set to rise, contributing to the overall growth in travel.
Corporate travel budgets are also experiencing a boost, with 44% of UK business travellers predicting higher spending in 2025. This is in line with the growing need for premium services, with 39% of respondents expecting an increase in budgets for quality accommodation and business class flights. MICE events, in particular, are benefitting from these increased budgets, as companies look to provide better experiences for their teams and clients, focusing on high-quality venues and more luxurious travel options.
Sustainability continues to be a priority for UK professionals, with 37% feeling pressure to use more eco-friendly transport options. This aligns with the UK’s broader commitment to sustainability, especially in the MICE sector, which is now focusing more on reducing the environmental impact of large events and corporate travel.
As the demand for business travel grows, ensuring robust travel risk management will be crucial. Comprehensive travel risk policies and sustainable practices will help mitigate the challenges of this post-pandemic surge in UK business and MICE tourism.
MICE Tourism in the UK and Its Industry Share
MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism is a vital segment of the UK’s broader tourism industry, contributing significantly to its economy. In 2019, the UK MICE industry generated approximately £20 billion, making it one of the leading markets for business events globally. London, in particular, remains a top destination for MICE tourism due to its extensive infrastructure, including world-class convention centers, hotels, and venues like the ExCeL London and the O2 Arena.
MICE tourism’s economic impact extends beyond direct spending on event facilities, accommodations, and travel. It also drives substantial revenue for local businesses, such as restaurants, transport services, and entertainment providers, making it an integral part of the local economy. The UK government, through VisitBritain and industry bodies, has long recognized the importance of the MICE sector, investing in promotional campaigns and partnerships with event organizers.
The UK’s MICE tourism market is highly competitive, with other major cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh also positioning themselves as attractive destinations for business events. These cities offer a combination of excellent facilities, affordability, and accessibility, catering to both small-scale meetings and large international conferences.
The rise in international business travel, particularly after the pandemic, has further fueled the growth of the MICE sector in the UK. As companies increasingly value face-to-face interactions, the UK is poised to capture a larger share of the global MICE market. In 2025, MICE tourism is expected to continue growing, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and integrating new technologies to enhance the attendee experience.
UK Boosts Its Meetings Industry in 2024 and Expectations for 2025
The UK’s meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry has shown remarkable resilience and growth in 2024, buoyed by a recovery in international business travel and significant investments in infrastructure. As the world emerges from the global pandemic, the MICE sector in the UK has experienced a strong rebound, driven by the return of face-to-face events, larger budgets for corporate travel, and the continued demand for innovative meeting solutions.
Key Developments in the UK Meetings Industry in 2024
In 2024, the UK MICE industry saw an increase in both domestic and international events. Venues like ExCeL London, the O2 Arena, and the Scottish Event Campus in Glasgow have been at the forefront of hosting major conferences, trade shows, and corporate meetings. These venues have benefited from significant upgrades to their facilities, including enhanced digital connectivity and flexible event spaces designed to accommodate hybrid meetings—events combining in-person and virtual components.
The UK government has also played a crucial role in boosting the meetings sector by supporting initiatives to attract international events, including offering incentives for organizers and participants. The expansion of transport links, including high-speed rail services and expanded airport facilities, has made it easier for international delegates to attend events in the UK. Additionally, a concerted effort has been made to emphasize sustainability, with many venues and service providers adopting greener practices to meet the increasing demand for environmentally responsible events.
Business Travel and Corporate Spending Growth
Corporate travel budgets in the UK are on the rise, a trend that directly impacts the MICE industry. According to a survey by Opinium, 44% of UK business travellers expect higher spending on travel in 2025. This increase in spending is particularly evident in the meetings and events sector, where businesses are investing in high-quality accommodations, premium venues, and more business-class flights to enhance the experience for delegates and clients. In 2024, senior business travellers, especially at the board level, were more likely to anticipate increased travel opportunities, signaling greater corporate commitment to in-person meetings.
The growing demand for corporate events is also reflected in the UK’s MICE calendar, which is packed with large conferences, summits, and exhibitions. For instance, London will host major global events like the 2025 WTTC Global Summit, further reinforcing the UK’s position as a leading destination for international business events.
Expectations for 2025: Continued Growth and Innovation
Looking ahead to 2025, the UK’s MICE industry is poised for even more growth. The continued rise in business travel and corporate events is expected to fuel demand for larger venues and more sophisticated event experiences. Corporate clients will seek enhanced technologies for hybrid and fully digital events, including virtual networking tools and real-time audience engagement platforms.
Sustainability will also remain a priority, with the UK continuing to set standards in eco-friendly event management. More venues will likely implement green certifications, waste reduction programs, and energy-efficient solutions to meet the expectations of environmentally conscious clients.
Additionally, the UK will benefit from a strengthening international reputation as a safe and attractive destination for business events. The successful hosting of global conferences in 2024 will boost confidence in the UK’s MICE infrastructure, with an increased number of international delegations expected to book events in the coming years.
Tags: MICE tourism, UK MICE industry, Opinium
