In 2025, business travel is experiencing a significant resurgence, marking a return to pre-pandemic levels. The experts believe that during recent years face-to-face interactions have increased. Fostering client relationships and facilitating effective team collaboration have become more important after several years of Zoom meetings.
Understanding business travel trends in 2025 is essential for travel agencies and companies aiming to navigate this niche. Key trends still include the rise in “bleisure” travel, where business trips are extended for leisure purposes. There is also so-called “frolleague” travel. Frolleague is a combination of “friend” and “colleague”. It refers to someone you work with who becomes more than just a professional acquaintance, they’re also a friend.
However, certain trends may have limited relevance in Armenia. For instance, the increase in internal business travel observed in larger countries is less applicable here. The reason is Armenia’s compact geography, where all regions are within a few hours’ drive from Yerevan.
Business Travel Growth
Although the COVID-19 pandemic made many people shift to remote jobs even once it was over, business travel is making a robust comeback. The recent surveys show people are willing to travel. For example, corporate travel budgets in the U.S. are expected to grow by 8% to 12%, reflecting a strong recovery in the sector. On a global scale, business travel spending is projected to reach $1.48 trillion by 2025.
This growth is fueled by the revival of in-person meetings and events. While optimism is high, challenges remain. Rising costs, geopolitical tensions, and sustainability concerns are prompting businesses to rethink their travel strategies. Despite these hurdles, the overall trajectory of business travel in 2025 suggests a bright and dynamic future.
Shift Towards Flexible and Shorter Trips
One of the predictions is businesses will most likely shift toward flexible and shorter trips to adapt to changing global conditions. Political instability and its impact on travel routes have made long business journeys less practical.
Rising costs, including airfare and accommodation, are further prompting companies to adopt a more streamlined approach. Rather than luxurious, extended stays, businesses are focusing on cost-effective, to-the-point trips that prioritize productivity.
Employees are now expected to attend only essential meetings or events, reducing unnecessary expenses.
Bleisure is Still on the Agenda
The concept of bleisure travel is when professionals combine business trips with leisure activities. This will also thrive as a key trend in 2025. Moreover, bleisure is now a significant part of business travel strategies. It caters particularly to younger professionals. The surveys show that 67% of Gen Z and Millennial business travelers express interest in extending work trips for personal traveling experience.
For many, business travel offers a unique chance to visit destinations they might not otherwise prioritize. This has led to 37% of premium travelers viewing business trips as a gateway to new experiences. Companies have taken note. The stats show 80% incorporate bleisure-friendly policies.
This is another way to promote work-life balance and make it a win-win for both employees and organizations.
Frolleagues Concept
A new buzzword is “frolleague” travel, reflecting the dynamics of workplace relationships. The boundaries between professional and personal lives blur. Thus, employees are increasingly seeing their colleagues not just as workmates but as friends or “frolleagues.” This trend has taken hold, with nearly 30% of business travelers opting to extend trips or plan leisure activities with coworkers.
Frolleague travel often involves staying a few extra days after a conference or meeting to explore the destination together. For instance, after attending a business seminar in Paris, a group of coworkers might spend the weekend visiting iconic landmarks like Versailles or enjoying local cuisine. These experiences help strengthen team bonds and make work trips more enjoyable.
Increased Focus on Employee Wellness
This year businesses are likely to place a stronger emphasis on employee wellness during business travel. The toll that frequent travel can take on physical and mental health. Therefore, companies are prioritizing traveler comfort and well-being as part of their corporate policies. This has a direct impact on productivity, as healthier employees perform better.
To support this trend, many businesses are partnering with wellness-focused accommodations and programs. These include hotels offering fitness facilities, healthy meal options, or even on-site relaxation programs like yoga.
However, the availability of such wellness-centric options varies by destination. In regions where these amenities are scarce, companies are striving to create alternatives. Anyway, the focus on wellness will definitely be among the trends.
What Can You Expect from Levon Travel?
Levon Travel has ambitious plans for 2025, focusing on expanding its B2B network. With decades of experience in the travel industry, the agency specializes in organizing corporate travel and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) trips. Besides, the focus is on the unique needs of business travelers. This ranges from visa support to handling last-minute changes.
However, challenges remain for Armenian business travelers in 2025. Visa requirements are a persistent obstacle, as most European countries require advance visas. The process often involves complex documentation such as invitation letters and financial proof. Increased travel demand, caused by the presence of budget airlines like Wizz Air in the market, has further strained embassy queues, causing delays. Levon Travel tackles these issues with expert visa assistance and logistics management.