The year has started with a few delicious shifts in the business travel landscape, and if you've been watching closely, many of the trends set to define 2025 were already starting to show themselves last year.
At TravelManor, we've happily assisted countless corporate clients in navigating these shifts, and we're excited to see what the year ahead holds for frequent business travellers. From cutting-edge technology to smarter itineraries and greener practices, 2025 will be all about working smarter and travelling better.
Here's a closer look at what's on the horizon—and how you can stay ahead.
Green travel policies are becoming the gold standard, and companies, both in South Africa and abroad, are catching on fast. If you're a frequent flyer, you'll notice your company asking questions about your travel choices: Are you opting for eco-certified hotels? Is your destination accessible via rail instead of a short-haul flight?
Globally, 46% of travel programs prioritised sustainability in 2024, and this number is expected to grow in 2025. Cities like Amsterdam, Oslo, and Copenhagen are leading the charge with green transport options, energy-efficient venues, and zero-waste policies.
TravelManor tip: When travelling locally in Mzansi, look for properties with eco-certifications or opt for venues committed to renewable energy practices. Not sure where to start? We can recommend standout spots in Cape Town and other cities that will align with your sustainability goals.
Also see: 8 Future-Focussed Corporate Travel Tips For Green-Minded Businesses
We've been talking about the rise of AI in travel for years, and it's finally hitting its stride. By 2025, artificial intelligence will be the backbone of travel planning. Whether it's personalised itineraries, real-time rebooking due to flight delays, or virtual tours of meeting venues, AI is making business travel smarter and more intuitive.
In fact, generative AI has become a top priority, with 46% of industry professionals citing it as their main focus for the coming year.
TravelManor tip: Familiarise yourself with apps that offer personalised updates and seamless itinerary adjustments. We're seeing great feedback from clients using real-time AI tools for smoother, stress-free travel, and we are happy to recommend some of our top finds!
Read next: Business Travel Looks To Take Flight With AI-Driven Hyperpersonalisation
Remember when business trips were all about a single destination? Not anymore. As travel budgets bounce back, 53% of corporate buyers report an increase in 'linked trips', where multiple meetings or conferences are combined into one itinerary.
If you're travelling from South Africa to Europe, for example, it makes sense to plan back-to-back meetings in Frankfurt and Paris or extend a London visit with a quick stop in Amsterdam. Multi-stop trips save time and money, and they're becoming the norm for savvy travellers.
TravelManor tip: When planning multi-destination travel, avoid overloading your schedule. We help clients plan for realistic transit times and advise on routes to minimise stress and maximise efficiency.
Younger professionals are reshaping business travel with their demand for flexibility and purpose-driven experiences. This includes blending business with leisure ('bleisure') and prioritising eco-friendly options.
46% of travel managers observed a rise in bleisure trips last year, and destinations like Cape Town, with its mix of world-class conference facilities and leisure activities, are perfect for this growing trend.
TravelManor tip: If your team is blending business with leisure, ensure that policies are in place to manage expenses and liability concerns. We can help you craft a travel program that supports both productivity and personal enrichment.
Learn more: Redefining Corporate Travel For Today's Young Professionals
Business travel can be demanding, and 2025 is shaping up to prioritise wellness like never before. Whether it's booking hotels with in-room yoga kits or carving out time for spa treatments during conferences, companies are recognising the link between employee wellbeing and productivity.
Wellness isn't just about physical health, though. Mental health retreats, including stress management workshops, are being integrated into more business itineraries.
TravelManor tip: When booking corporate trips, build in time for wellness activities. For instance, we've worked with companies to arrange wellness days at safari lodges near Johannesburg as part of team-building retreats.
Destinations like Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Qatar are transforming into global business hubs. With multi-billion-dollar investments in infrastructure and direct flights connecting South Africa to the Middle East, this region is becoming an essential part of corporate travel strategies.
$800 billion is being poured into Saudi Arabia's tourism infrastructure, with futuristic ‘giga' projects like NEOM leading the way. For South African companies looking to tap into emerging markets, this is a region to watch.
TravelManor tip: Plan ahead when travelling to the Middle East. Each country has distinct cultural norms and visa requirements. Let us help you navigate the nuances to ensure a seamless journey.
Real-time analytics are helping companies make smarter travel decisions. From tracking spending to identifying cost-saving opportunities, data is revolutionising corporate travel management.
In 2025, companies will increasingly use analytics to adapt their travel policies dynamically. For South African businesses operating globally, this means the ability to stay agile in a rapidly shifting environment.
TravelManor tip: Work with a travel partner who can provide data-backed insights. We offer tools that analyse travel patterns and pinpoint efficiencies, helping you optimise both budgets and traveller satisfaction.
2025 is set to be a transformative year for business travel. With sustainability, technology, and wellness shaping the landscape, companies and frequent travellers have more opportunities than ever to innovate and thrive.
At TravelManor, we've seen these trends emerging for years, and we're ready to help you take advantage of them. Whether you're planning a single trip or revamping your corporate travel strategy, our expertise ensures a seamless and rewarding journey. Get in touch with us today to future-proof your business travel plans and make every trip count.
