Canadian Business Travel Outlook Takes Sharp Turn Due to Market Uncertainty
by Bruce Parkinson
The Air Canada contingent at the GBTA Canada Conference.
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) unveiled new insights and outlooks for the Canadian business travel sector during its 2025 Canada Conference, held April 28-30 in Toronto.
The group welcomed over 670 registered attendees to the regional event that celebrated its 21st year, including corporate travel managers (190), suppliers and other attendees, along with 62 companies exhibiting in a sold-out expo.
In her main stage presentation, GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang highlighted Canada’s 15% year-over-year spending growth in 2024 but cautioned that optimism overall has waned particularly in Canada versus what GBTA measured in November 2024.
“Canada’s business travel sector showed significant growth in spending last year,” said Neufang. “But just as we are now seeing globally, Canadian business travel professionals are feeling the pressure of U.S. trade uncertainty, shaping a more cautious outlook for the year ahead.”
As revealed in data from the GBTA Business Travel Index (BTI) Outlook report, in 2024 Canada ranked as the 13th largest global business travel market, with spending estimated at $36.5 billion CAD. That number was a milestone as it reached 102% of pre-pandemic levels.
For 2025, that figure was forecast to rise 17.7% to $44.3 billion CAD, outperforming the global growth average.
However, analysis from GBTA’s global industry poll last month revealed that 71% of Canadian travel buyers surveyed expect a decrease in their company’s business travel spending for 2025, and 53% anticipate volume decreases, driven by factors such as U.S. government actions, economic headwinds, rising travel costs and increased travel administration such as documentation and visas.
“Despite uncertainty, Canadian travel managers and companies are continuing to invest in smart, sustainable and strategic business travel,” said Neufang. “The essential role and value of business travel is more important than ever as trade deals and cross-border relationships need in-person interaction. The focus now is on building long-term resilience while adapting to changing expectations and global conditions.”
GBTA research presented at the conference included insights on Canadian business traveller behaviour:
- Based on the 2024 BTI survey, Canadian business travelers spent less per trip ($1,760 CAD) than their U.S. counterparts but more than the global average ($834 USD).
- 84% agree business travel is worthwhile to achieve business objectives.
- Canada business traveller trips average 3.5 nights compared to a global average of 3.1 nights.
- When asked about their last business trip, most Canadians travelled for a convention/conference (23%), seminar/training (20%) or sales/account management/partner meetings (12%).
- Blended or “bleisure” travel — combining business and leisure — remained strong, with 55% of Canadian business travellers extending work trips for personal time.
GBTA announced its 22nd Canada Conference will take place April 27-29, 2026, in Toronto at The Westin Harbour Castle.
