US business travel resilient despite global caution

Business travel to the United States is proving more resilient than corporate sentiment suggests, reports Skift. Despite unease over tariffs, visa rules, and broader geopolitical instability, transaction records show companies continue to prioritize the US as a business destination.

BCD Travel reports US business travel volumes have rebounded to near prepandemic levels, with growth expected in the second half of 2025. Aerospace, defense, and consulting firms are fueling demand, while sectors like pharmaceuticals and automotive remain more cautious amid trade policy uncertainty.

Concur and American Express Global Business Travel confirm the trend, noting the US maintained its top position for international business travel bookings in early 2025, with steady arrivals from Europe, Asia, and South America.

And yet, surveys reveal underlying anxiety. A June Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) poll of nearly 1,000 travel managers and suppliers found half of global suppliers anticipated revenue drops, and one-third of buyers expected fewer international trips this year. Respondents cited US-based meetings as especially vulnerable, with cancellations, relocations, and virtual alternatives rising. Some companies are exploring shifting events to Europe or Asia-Pacific to mitigate risks.

The divergence between data and sentiment highlights what analysts describe as a “split-screen” market: companies publicly express caution but privately continue to send travelers. Suzanne Neufang, GBTA’s CEO, said the results reflect the ripple effects of US government policies on global corporate travel strategies.