New data from airport transfer platform Mozio highlights the forces driving this resurgence, revealing a sector that is more flexible, more diverse and more cost‑sensitive than ever. For travel managers, suppliers and corporate partners, the message is clear: business travel isn’t returning to what it was — it’s evolving into something sharper, more strategic and more human‑centred.
UK business travellers now spend 15% more per day than holidaymakers (£184 vs £160), and across Europe they spend 111% more per night than leisure tourists. This widening gap reflects a shift in expectations: travellers want reliable Wi‑Fi, seamless transfers, flexible check‑in, and work‑ready rooms. Companies, meanwhile, are prioritising productivity and wellbeing over bare‑bones budgets.
More than one‑third of inbound UK business visitors are women, with female delegates making up 35% of conference attendees, 33% at exhibitions and 36% of those travelling for training. This growing demographic is influencing everything from hotel safety protocols to airport lounge design and destination marketing. The industry is finally recognising that business travel is no longer male‑dominated — and policies must evolve accordingly.
Purchases of Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) protection have surged 34%, driven by geopolitical uncertainty, extreme weather and operational disruptions. Companies are prioritising agility: refundable fares, flexible hotel rates, and ground transport partners who can adapt at short notice. Risk management is now a core pillar of travel strategy, not an afterthought.
The bleisure market is projected to soar from £699 billion in 2022 to £1.7 trillion by 2030. In the UK, 42% of business travellers now add leisure days to at least one work trip. This shift is influencing hotel design, loyalty programmes and destination offerings — with travellers seeking wellness, culture and nature alongside boardrooms and briefing packs.
Gen Z may be the most mobile generation, but they’re also the most anxious on the road: 47% of UK business travellers report stress, compared with 43% of Gen X. Younger employees want clearer itineraries, better duty‑of‑care communication and more support during disruptions. Companies that ignore this risk losing early‑career talent.
Nicole Kerr, CEO of Mozio, says the real value lies not in the numbers themselves, but in how organisations respond to them.
“Statistics on their own are just numbers. The real value comes from how travel managers and partners apply them,” she notes. “The trends we’ve highlighted point to a clear set of priorities: keep costs under control, protect travellers, and adapt quickly to changing expectations.”
With hotel rates and airfares rising, Kerr stresses the importance of advance agreements and centralised booking. “Locking in partnerships early with hotel chains and ground transportation platforms gives you an edge over competitors negotiating too late.”
Andrea can be found either in the Travelling For Business office or around the globe enjoying a city break, visiting new locations or sampling some of the best restaurants all work related of course!
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