As 2025 approaches, the corporate travel landscape is gearing up for significant transformations. From the growing emphasis on sustainable travel practices to advancements in booking technology like NDC, businesses are increasingly prioritising efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and traveller satisfaction. Domestic and regional travel is on the rise, driven by shifting global dynamics, while the focus on traveller safety remains steadfast. Additionally, trends like ‘bleisure’ travel are reshaping travel policies, reflecting the evolving needs of modern professionals. If you’re considering engaging in corporate travel this year, learn the key corporate travel trends set to define 2025, and how you can take advantage of these in the New Year.

Key Corporate Travel Trends to Watch Out For in 2025

Shift Towards Sustainable Travel Practices

Sustainability has been a key consideration in corporate travel over the last few years, and this trend is only likely to strengthen in 2025. As societal and governmental pressure mounts to develop, implement, and meet corporate environmental targets, companies will make a more concerted effort to prioritise travel and suppliers that align with and support key environmental goals.

As sustainability becomes increasingly essential, Pulse Travel is proud to offer our clients comprehensive Carbon Emissions Reporting through our advanced Corporate Travel Reporting Dashboard, ensuring businesses can track and report on progress towards sustainable practices that are important to them.

Increase Push Towards NDC Bookings

NDC – also known as New Distribution Capability – was a key trend throughout 2024 and interest is expected to rise in 2025. Spearheaded by the International Air Transport Association, NDC aims to modernise how airlines distribute their products, allowing Travel Management Companies – and therefore their clients – to access better fares, enjoy improved customer service and access more options to deliver hyper-personalised travel experiences. Several airlines have already adopted NDC over the last twelve months including Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Air Canada, Qatar Airways and British Airways, with airlines such as Etihad and Emirates piloting the program.

For businesses with regular air travel expenditure, this means the opportunity to access even lower negotiated rates and more perks through your chosen Travel Management Company. Pulse Travel is proud to have extensive knowledge of NDC bookings and regularly utilises it for our existing clients to obtain industry-leading rates, with more opportunities available for cost-saving in 2025.

Stronger Interest in Domestic and Regional Travel

With recent geopolitical issues currently making it difficult to access key business areas such as Asia and the Middle East, one key trend that’s cropped up in the latter half of 2024 is an increased level of interest in domestic travel – specifically, regional travel. Domestic travel bookings increased by 76% throughout the last 12 months as businesses prioritised local travel over international travel, and with recent investment in regional communities and projects, we expect to see this trend continue into 2025.

Here at Pulse Travel, we’re proud to have a wide array of long-standing relationships with suppliers around Australia, offering us industry-leading rates to help our clients lower their travel expenditure. As domestic and regional travel ramps up in 2025, we’d be happy to discuss how we can help other businesses decrease their own expenditure through partnering with us.

Higher Focus on Safety

Since 2020, traveller safety has been a top priority for those looking to send staff interstate or overseas for meetings, conferences or to close a deal. In 2025, the ability to monitor and proactively manage staff safety while travelling is high on the priority list once more, with an increasing number of businesses investing in traveller tracking and 24/7 support in the event something goes wrong.

At Pulse Travel, we take a two-pronged approach to traveller safety – our advanced travel management software includes full traveller tracking and safety alerts to ensure travellers and travel managers can proactively manage any risks that may occur while away, and our 24/7 dedicated support team are always around to ensure that, if something does go wrong, a resolution can be found as swiftly as possible so you staff are never left in an unsafe situation.

Rise of ‘Bleisure’ Travel

‘Bleisure’ travel – travel that’s a mixture of business and leisure – has been increasing in popularity over the last couple of years, and this trend certainly looks to gain more momentum in 2025. For businesses, the popularity of ‘bleisure’ travel may mean it’s time to review your Travel Policy, to take this trend into consideration and ensure your staff are clear on the company policy around ‘bleisure’ travel’.

At Pulse Travel, we’ve got extensive experience writing and supporting in the review of company Travel Policies, and recommend reviewing them regularly to ensure your policy still aligns with the needs of your business. If you’re considering reviewing your Travel Policy in 2025, get in touch via 1300 131 885.

How Pulse Travel Can Support Your Corporate Travel Program in 2025

As businesses return to corporate travel, and business travel needs become more complex, the need for an experienced and efficient Travel Management Company becomes more critical than ever.

At Puls Travel we’re proud to have operated as an independently-owned Travel Management Company for the last 35 years, providing Corporate, Leisure, Conference and Events Travel Management services to multinational businesses Australia-wide.

In 2025, we look forward to continuing to provide the highest level of service to our new and existing clients – providing advanced business travel software, leading industry rates and a high level of customer support to ensure our clients are supported at all times.

To speak to a Pulse Travel team member about your corporate travel needs, get in touch via 1300 131 885 or contact us.