With a value of $ 37.6 billion, the business travel industry deserves to dwell on it. One of the key subjects discussed at the conference was the milestone reached in 2024. Last year, business travel expenses experienced an annual growth of 15 %, reaching 102 % of the Pandemic levels.
According to the Business Travel Index (BTI) Outlook report of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), Canada ranked in 2024 in the world in the world for business trips, and growth was expected in 2025. The Canadian GBTA conference was held in Toronto from April 28 to 30.
Since the publication of the report in 2024, the global context has changed considerably. The CEO of GBTA, Suzanne Neufang, has recognized that optimism should be nuanced: “But as we see elsewhere in the world, Canadian business travel professionals feel the pressure linked to commercial uncertainty with the United States, which shapes a more cautious perspective for the coming year. »»
According to Hospitalitynet, an analysis of the global survey carried out last month by the GBTA reveals that 71 % of Canadian travel buyers foresee a drop in their business spending in 2025. In addition, 53 % anticipate a decrease in the volume of travel, in particular due to the policies of the American government, the uncertain economic context, the increase in transport costs and the hardening of formalities, Documentation.
In addition to this uncertainty, other protruding facts on business trips to Canada, from the BTI survey of 2024, were presented during the conference:
Canadian business travelers have spent more than the global average of $ 1,140, or $ 1,760 per trip.
The average duration of business trips to Canada is 3.5 nights, compared to 3.1 nights worldwide.
Canadians are mainly moving for congresses or conferences (23 %), seminars or training (20 %) or sales meetings, account management or partners (12 %), according to their latest business trip.
The “bleat” trip, which combines work and leisure, is common: 55 % of Canadian business travelers extend their stays for personal time.
84 % believe that business trips are essential to achieve the objectives of their organization.
The next GBTA Canadian conference will be held in Toronto again from April 27 to 29, 2026.
Written by Bert Archer
