Gen Z has been making a splash all over the corporate space, but who exactly are these enigmatic humans? Excellent question! Born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z business travellers are stepping into the workforce with fresh expectations and a completely different approach to corporate trips.
Unlike millennials, who transitioned from traditional business travel to digital convenience over time, Gen Z grew up fully immersed in a hyper-connected, on-demand world. They are comfortable with technology, value personalisation, and prioritise experiences that align with their values.
By 2030, Gen Z will make up a significant portion of the workforce, meaning their preferences will shape corporate travel trends for years to come. Forward-thinking companies must rethink their policies now to keep up with their expectations—or risk falling behind.
For Gen Z, everything is digital. They expect seamless, tech-driven experiences when planning and managing their business trips. Paper itineraries and manual bookings are relics of the past.
Gen Z business travellers largely rely on mobile apps for everything—booking flights, checking in, navigating new cities, and managing expenses. Corporate travel platforms need to be mobile-friendly and intuitive to ensure high adoption rates among younger employees.
Artificial intelligence is also playing a major role in travel planning. AI-powered tools provide automated itinerary planners, instant travel support via chatbots, and real-time booking adjustments when flight delays occur.
Many companies have begun integrating AI into their corporate travel trends, yet adoption is still in its early stages. While 88% of travel management companies report using AI-powered travel tools, only 14% of corporate buyers have fully embraced them.
Unlike previous generations who leaned on corporate travel agents, Gen Z prefers self-service platforms that allow them to make changes on the go. Companies offering flexible corporate travel booking options will attract and retain younger employees who value control over their itineraries.
Read more: Generational Perspectives On Business Travel
Work-life balance matters to Gen Z more than any previous generation. Bleisure travel, the blending of business and leisure, has become a defining trend among younger professionals.
Many employees now extend their work trips for personal travel, taking advantage of their time in new cities. A conference in Cape Town might turn into a weekend exploring Stellenbosch, or a client visit to Paris could include an extra two days at a boutique hotel.
Companies that allow flexibility in their travel policies are seeing increased employee satisfaction and retention. In many cases, allowing employees to book flexible return dates or choose premium locations for business trips fosters engagement and loyalty. Some organisations have also started integrating wellness-focused experiences into their travel offerings, recognising that younger professionals prioritise their well-being on the road.
💡 Businesses that want to stay competitive must consider implementing a formal bleisure travel policy. By offering structured flexibility, they can provide employees with more autonomy while maintaining cost control.
Also see: Redefining Corporate Travel For Today’s Young Professionals
Sustainable business travel is a non-negotiable for Gen Z. This generation is acutely aware of their environmental impact, and they expect their employers to take action. Carbon-neutral flights, electric rental cars, and eco-certified hotels are becoming key considerations when planning corporate trips. More businesses are adopting tools that allow employees to track their environmental footprint and participate in carbon offset programmes.
Supporting local economies is another priority. Gen Z business travellers often seek accommodations and travel experiences that contribute to the communities they visit. Large corporate hotel chains are being overlooked in favour of independent, locally owned properties that have strong ethical commitments.
💡 If companies want to future-proof their corporate travel trends, integrating sustainable business travel initiatives is essential. This can include offering carbon-tracking tools, encouraging the use of greener transport options, and partnering with eco-conscious vendors.
Remote work and hybrid models have fundamentally changed the way Gen Z travels for business. Many younger professionals no longer view travel as a short-term necessity but as an opportunity to work from different locations for extended periods. The rise of digital nomads and business travel is proof that the traditional approach to corporate travel is evolving.
Countries like Portugal, Thailand, and South Africa have introduced digital nomad visas to accommodate this shift. Employers are seeing longer business trips, where employees work remotely from a new destination for weeks or even months. This shift is forcing businesses to rethink how corporate travel is structured and how they manage costs.
💡 Companies that embrace flexible travel policies will be better positioned to attract Gen Z talent. Encouraging longer stays in work-friendly destinations can increase productivity while reducing burnout.
Social media is shaping the travel decisions of Gen Z in ways that previous generations never experienced. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn play a major role in how younger professionals choose hotels, airlines, and even meeting venues.
For Gen Z business travellers, aesthetically pleasing accommodations matter. Hotels and co-working spaces with strong design and a visually appealing online presence are far more attractive than generic business hotels. Corporate travel policies that take this into account, offering stylish yet functional stays, will better align with the preferences of younger employees.
Social media is also influencing corporate travel branding. Companies that showcase premium travel experiences on LinkedIn and Instagram have a competitive edge in attracting top talent.
💡 Organisations that highlight employee travel perks, unique destinations, and high-quality accommodations in their employer branding will appeal to Gen Z professionals seeking dynamic work experiences.
Gen Z entered the workforce during a time of heightened global uncertainty, making health and safety key concerns in their travel decisions. The post-pandemic world has reinforced the importance of well-being, both physical and mental while travelling for work.
Corporate travel policies must address not only basic safety measures but also cybersecurity and mental health considerations. Digital security while travelling is particularly important to Gen Z, who expect secure Wi-Fi, VPN recommendations, and encrypted payment options when working abroad.
💡 Companies that prioritise well-being in their travel policies will stand out. Providing access to mental health resources, ensuring seamless health insurance coverage, and choosing accommodations that offer wellness facilities are all steps that businesses can take to support their younger workforce.
The influence of Gen Z business travellers on corporate travel trends is undeniable. Their digital-first approach, demand for flexibility, and emphasis on sustainable business travel are reshaping how organisations manage travel programmes. Companies that fail to adapt will struggle to attract and retain top talent in the years to come.
Businesses looking to stay ahead should invest in digital-first travel solutions, allow for bleisure travel, implement sustainability-driven policies, and embrace remote work-friendly destinations. By understanding the unique needs of Gen Z professionals, organisations can create corporate travel programmes that are engaging, efficient, and future-proof.
At TravelManor, we help companies design travel policies that align with modern expectations. If you’re looking to update your corporate travel strategy to better support the next generation of professionals, reach out to our team today.
