Corporate travel outlook ‘mixed’ as travel managers push cheaper lodging

While corporate travel continues to rise, its outlook is now “marked by more nuance and caution,” according to the 2025 Deloitte Corporate Travel Study, released last week.

Although three in four travel managers who responded to Deloitte’s survey report expanding budgets in 2025 — a similar ratio as in 2024 — the percentage of managers anticipating future budget cuts rose from 6% last year to 10% this year.

Rising costs, in particular, are causing headwinds. To manage their spending, more companies are targeting hotel rates, with some 50% of travel managers surveyed by Deloitte saying they’re encouraging corporate travelers to choose less expensive lodging options.

Noelle Mateer