As we gear up for 2025, business travel is on the rise, with more than half of companies planning to increase their travel budgets, according to the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). But the industry is not merely bouncing back it’s transforming.
Today’s travellers want more than convenience; they seek personalised, wellness- focused, and stress-free experiences. Here’s how these trends shape the future of business travel and how you can prepare.
1.Wellness Takes Centre Stage
Imagine jetting off for a business meeting without compromising your fitness or mental well-being. Modern travellers are determined to integrate their wellness routines into their work trips. For example, one traveller recently requested a scale in their hotel room to stay on top of their fitness goals. This isn’t an anomaly; it reflects a growing demand for wellness-centric travel experiences.
What to Expect:
Hotels will step up their wellness offerings with state-of-the-art gyms, meditation rooms, and menus featuring nutritious options. For instance, urban retreats like The Capital Menlyn Maine in Pretoria are already combining luxury with wellness
amenities.
Employers may offer perks such as meal stipends for healthy dining or access to
remote fitness programmes.
Plan Ahead: Choose accommodations with fitness facilities or nearby walking trails, like those at the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens in Roodepoort. Incorporate wellness into your travel itinerary to stay energised and focused.
2. Hyper-Personalisation Is Non-Negotiable
Business travellers now expect tailored experiences that align perfectly with their
preferences. From vegan meal options to choosing a specific car transmission type,
personalisation is no longer a luxury but an essential.
What to Expect:
Travel apps and platforms will become smarter, updating traveller profiles to
reflect precise preferences such as room types, seating arrangements, and meal
requirements.
Travel managers will provide highly customised options, from accommodation to
ground transportation.
Plan Ahead: Keep a checklist of your preferences handy. For example, if you’re renting a car for a Cape Town business trip, let the provider know whether you prefer an automatic or manual vehicle.
3. Clear Communication to Minimise Stress
Even the most experienced traveller can feel overwhelmed by tight schedules and unfamiliar locations. Confusion over flight times or navigating a foreign city can add unnecessary stress.
What to Expect:
Companies will prioritise clear, automated communication, offering reminders for everything from terminal details to time zone adjustments.
Navigation tools will become more intuitive, guiding travellers through airports, hotels, and local commutes seamlessly.
Plan Ahead: Double-check your flight details and confirm routes before departing. For shorter domestic trips, such as Johannesburg to Bloemfontein, consider driving to avoid airport hassles and enjoy the scenic Free State landscapes.
4. Empathetic Support for the Unexpected
When travel becomes overwhelming, even minor issues can feel like insurmountable challenges. For instance, one traveller needed assistance with luggage but hesitated to approach the hotel staff directly. This highlights the importance of empathetic, accessible support.
What to Expect:
Companies will combine human-first support with tech-driven solutions. While booking systems handle logistics, empathetic travel managers will provide reassurance in critical moments.
Local agencies may introduce concierge-style services to assist business travellers throughout their journeys.
Plan Ahead: Save emergency contact numbers for your travel manager or agency. Research rest stops and services in advance if you’re driving to destinations like Durban to ensure a smooth journey.
Redefining Business Travel
Business travel in 2025 will be more than a series of flights and meetings. It will be about creating empowering, seamless, and personalised experiences that align with individual priorities. By embracing these trends, companies can not only elevate the travel experience but also enhance employee satisfaction and productivity.
Ready to transform the way you travel? Start by refining your preferences and choosing destinations that blend work and wellness effortlessly. Whether it’s finding a fitness-friendly hotel or ensuring clear travel communications, small adjustments can lead to a stress-free and rewarding journey.
What’s your top travel tip? Share it with us this #TravelTuesday to inspire others to
rethink business travel for 2025!
