A new global survey from Corporate Travel Management (CTM) has revealed that Millennial and Gen Z business travellers not only want to travel more but consider it critical to their professional development, performance, and satisfaction.
The research, conducted in March 2025 with 702 participants across five key regions, offers a detailed look into the motivations and behaviours of the younger workforce. As these generations quickly rise in influence, their preferences are shaping the future of business travel around the world.
Travel is key to career progression
More than half (57 per cent) of respondents said business travel is “very important” to their career progression, with 51 per cent saying the same for professional performance, and 45 per cent for overall job satisfaction. That figure climbs further in Asia, where 90 per cent expect travel to become more important as they advance in their careers.
A growing appetite for business travel
While 86 per cent of respondents said they currently fly for business at least once a year, 55 per cent expressed a desire to travel more. Experiencing new destinations, collaborating in person with colleagues, and taking a break from routine were the most commonly cited reasons for enjoying business travel. Australians led the pack in frequency, with 84 per cent flying one to five times annually.
Bleisure travel remains a key trend
Forty-two per cent of global respondents said they usually or always add leisure days to a business trip – a figure that rose to 55 per cent in Singapore and Hong Kong but dipped to 29 per cent in North America, where workers typically receive fewer annual leave days.
Booking habits and self-management
When it comes to booking, 59 per cent of all respondents said they manage their own travel, with Australia the least likely to do so (53 per cent) and the UK the most likely (66 per cent). Globally, 42 per cent book through a Travel Management Company (TMC), while 32 per cent book directly with suppliers.
Policy awareness vs. alignment
Seventy per cent of Millennial and Gen Z travellers globally report having a corporate travel policy, and 83 per cent say they understand its purpose. However, only 54 per cent feel the policy aligns with their own travel needs. This alignment is particularly low in North America (41 per cent) but higher in Singapore and Hong Kong (66 per cent).
Supplier preferences and sustainability
When selecting airlines, cost, flight schedule and on-time performance top the list globally. For hotels, location, 24/7 reception, and wellness facilities are most valued.
While sustainability didn’t make the top three factors for selecting flights or hotels, it still plays a key role: 55 per cent said they consider sustainability when booking flights and 51 per cent when booking accommodation. Respondents in Singapore and Hong Kong showed the strongest support, with 75 per cent considering sustainability for flights and 76 per cent expecting employers to cover the added cost.
Loyalty still matters
Although loyalty programs didn’t rank highest in decision-making, 43 per cent of respondents said they always choose travel suppliers based on loyalty perks, with another 38 per cent doing so occasionally. Top loyalty benefits included discounts, upgrades, and priority access services.
