By: Shawn Uiseb
Following years of price surges, supply chain disruptions, and pandemic-era volatility, global business travel costs are finally showing signs of stabilisation, according to the newly released 2025 Global Business Travel Forecast by CWT and the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA).
The report projects that airfares, hotel rates, and meetings-related expenses will begin to level out over the next 18 months, offering much-needed relief to companies and organisations with significant travel budgets.
Driven by inflation control, the return of competition in the airline and hospitality sectors, and the normalisation of demand, the forecast signals the end of a turbulent period that saw multiple businesses scale down or restructure their corporate travel policies. The report also notes that improved travel infrastructure, cost-efficient digital tools, and stronger supply chain integration are key factors contributing to the stabilisation trend.
“After a period of dramatic swings, the business travel industry is finally returning to a more predictable environment,” said Patrick Andersen, CEO of CWT. “Organisations can now plan with greater confidence, which is vital for international cooperation, trade negotiations, and knowledge exchange,” he added.
The forecast indicates that global airfare prices are expected to rise modestly by a mere 1.8% in 2025, compared to double-digit spikes in 2022 and 2023. Meanwhile, hotel rates are projected to increase by around 2.5%, largely driven by sustained demand in emerging markets and improved service capacity in major business hubs. Meeting and conference-related costs are also predicted to stabilise, with most regions showing plateauing trends.
Experts believe the stabilisation of travel expenses could positively impact small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), many of which had previously reduced or eliminated in-person meetings due to prohibitive costs. As pricing levels off, these companies may find renewed opportunity to expand their client base, form partnerships, and explore regional and global markets through more frequent travel.
In Southern Africa, the trend is also expected to ease cost pressures on cross-border business engagements. According to local analysts, Namibian entrepreneurs and delegates attending trade expos or investment forums in countries like South Africa, Botswana, or Kenya will likely benefit from this shift.
The GBTA warns, however, that while pricing is stabilising, uncertainty still looms over long-term sustainability and environmental concerns. The travel sector continues to face scrutiny over carbon emissions, prompting several organizations to adopt hybrid travel policies that combine in-person engagement with virtual platforms.
Nonetheless, the current outlook offers renewed optimism for a sector considered vital to the global economy. As business travel regains its footing, stakeholders across industries are hoping for a return to efficiency, connection, and growth — without the burden of unpredictable expenses.
