Business travel is back and evolving. Remote work, economic shifts, and new employee expectations are reshaping when and why people travel for work. Preparing for a trip is essential, especially when it involves driving in unfamiliar places. Knowing the rules, routes, and requirements can make all the difference. For more tips on how to plan effectively, check out this article: https://www.fingerlakes1.com/2026/01/14/driving-through-europe-top-things-you-need-to-know-before-hitting-the-road/. Adapting to these changes helps companies control costs, keep employees happy, and stay competitive. Remote & hybrid work are reshaping business travel The shift to remote and hybrid work is driving change. With fewer in-office days, companies are using travel to foster connection and build culture. Eight in ten workers are now hybrid or remote, leading businesses to organize off-site retreats and team gatherings. This has fueled an increase in travel for dispersed teams. Travel policies are adjusting to this reality, supporting flexible options like "bleisure" travel, where work trips extend into vacations. In fact, two-thirds of business travelers added personal vacation days to work trips last year, according to Deloitte. Meeting the needs of field-based teams Industries like construction, energy, and telecommunications rely on travel to get crews to remote job sites. For these sectors, providing clean, convenient housing is critical for productivity and safety. For long-term projects, traditional hotels often fall short. Crew housing, such as lodges and work camps near job sites, provides better value and includes amenities like kitchens, laundry, and recreation facilities. This creates a stable environment that boosts morale and reduces turnover. Extended stays and flexible lodging The demand for home-like accommodations is fueling growth in extended-stay lodging, with global revenues in this sector expected to hit $426 billion in 2024. Hospitality brands are offering more properties with residential-style amenities like kitchens and workspaces. Companies are adopting flexible lodging programs, mixing extended-stay hotels and furnished apartments to meet travelers’ diverse needs. This approach ensures employees have the right accommodations for their assignments. Sustainability becomes a priority Sustainability is now a core focus for corporate travel. A 2023 Global Business Travel Association survey found 92% of travel managers prioritize eco-friendly options, including eco-certified hotels, rail travel, and carbon offsets. Employees also care — nearly 25% of business travelers would consider declining trips without sustainable options. By 2026, integrating sustainability into travel policies will be essential. Technology transforms travel management Technology is streamlining corporate travel. Centralized platforms offer managers better control over spending and compliance, while AI and automation simplify booking, approvals, and expense tracking. Travelers expect a seamless experience, with online booking, mobile apps, and 24/7 support becoming standard. Cost control and vendor consolidation With rising travel costs a top concern, businesses are focusing on purposeful travel with clear ROI. Hotel rates remain above pre-pandemic levels, requiring a more strategic approach. Many companies are consolidating vendors to secure better rates, simplify invoicing, and gain valuable data for managing costs and enforcing policies. By embracing these trends, companies can adapt to the evolving landscape of corporate travel and ensure success in the years ahead.
Business

Corporate travel trends in business lodging

Business travel is back and evolving. Remote work, economic shifts, and new employee expectations are reshaping when and why people travel for work. Preparing for a trip is essential, especially when it involves driving in unfamiliar places. Knowing the rules, routes, and requirements can make all the difference. For more tips on how to plan effectively, check out this article: https://www.fingerlakes1.com/2026/01/14/driving-through-europe-top-things-you-need-to-know-before-hitting-the-road/. Adapting to these changes helps companies control costs, keep employees happy, and stay competitive.

Remote & hybrid work are reshaping business travel

The shift to remote and hybrid work is driving change. With fewer in-office days, companies are using travel to foster connection and build culture. Eight in ten workers are now hybrid or remote, leading businesses to organize off-site retreats and team gatherings. This has fueled an increase in travel for dispersed teams.

Travel policies are adjusting to this reality, supporting flexible options like “bleisure” travel, where work trips extend into vacations. In fact, two-thirds of business travelers added personal vacation days to work trips last year, according to Deloitte.

Meeting the needs of field-based teams

Industries like construction, energy, and telecommunications rely on travel to get crews to remote job sites. For these sectors, providing clean, convenient housing is critical for productivity and safety.

For long-term projects, traditional hotels often fall short. Crew housing, such as lodges and work camps near job sites, provides better value and includes amenities like kitchens, laundry, and recreation facilities. This creates a stable environment that boosts morale and reduces turnover.

Extended stays and flexible lodging

The demand for home-like accommodations is fueling growth in extended-stay lodging, with global revenues in this sector expected to hit $426 billion in 2024. Hospitality brands are offering more properties with residential-style amenities like kitchens and workspaces.

Corporate travel
Corporate travel

Companies are adopting flexible lodging programs, mixing extended-stay hotels and furnished apartments to meet travelers’ diverse needs. This approach ensures employees have the right accommodations for their assignments.

Sustainability becomes a priority

Sustainability is now a core focus for corporate travel. A 2023 Global Business Travel Association survey found 92% of travel managers prioritize eco-friendly options, including eco-certified hotels, rail travel, and carbon offsets. Employees also care — nearly 25% of business travelers would consider declining trips without sustainable options. By 2026, integrating sustainability into travel policies will be essential.

Technology transforms travel management

Technology is streamlining corporate travel. Centralized platforms offer managers better control over spending and compliance, while AI and automation simplify booking, approvals, and expense tracking. Travelers expect a seamless experience, with online booking, mobile apps, and 24/7 support becoming standard.

Cost control and vendor consolidation

With rising travel costs a top concern, businesses are focusing on purposeful travel with clear ROI. Hotel rates remain above pre-pandemic levels, requiring a more strategic approach. Many companies are consolidating vendors to secure better rates, simplify invoicing, and gain valuable data for managing costs and enforcing policies.

By embracing these trends, companies can adapt to the evolving landscape of corporate travel and ensure success in the years ahead.

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