Search Travel Market Report

mainlogo
www.travelmarketreport.com/canada
U.S.A.
English
Canada
English
Canada Quebec
Français
  • News
  • Packaged Travel
  • Cruise
  • Hotels & Resorts
  • Destinations
  • Retail Strategies
  • Air
  • Training & Resources
  • Luxury Travel Report

Canadian Business Travel Outlook Takes Sharp Turn Due to Market Uncertainty 

by Bruce Parkinson  May 13, 2025
Canadian Business Travel Outlook Takes Sharp Turn Due to Market Uncertainty 

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. 

GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang (left) greets attendees at the 2025 GBTA Canada Conference.

“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.” 

Direct Travel had a large contingent at the GBTA Canada Conference.

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. 

  
  
Related Articles
VIA Rail Strike Could Start June 22 After Talks Break Off
Turkish Airlines Holidays Launches in Canada
‘Canada, naturally.’ Destination Canada Unveils New Branding
Globus Spotlights Canadian Travel Tours
Sunny Alternative? Canadian Arrivals to Los Cabos Surge 12% 
WestJet Joins the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
SAVE THE DATE: 1st-Annual Canadian Travel Awards to Celebrate the Industry’s Best
Collette Team Thanks Advisors in Toronto During Travel Appreciation Month 
Travel Leaders Network Adds 10 New Suppliers for its Canadian Members

MOST VIEWED

  1. Los Cabos is Finally Attracting Eastern Canadians & the Outlook is Strong
  2. VIDEO: TLN’s New President Pearlman Proud to Bring A Canadian Perspective
  3. Lindsay Pearlman to Lead TLN as John Lovell Departs for Virgin Voyages
  4. The Summer of Staying Close to Home: A TRAVELSAVERS Canada Survey
  5. Air Canada Joins Other Airlines in Suspending Dubai Flights
  6. Porter Airlines Heading to the Sun with 5 Destinations, 13 Routes


  1. Reviving U.S. Travel: Brand USA Unveils America the Beautiful Campaign
  2. The Bezos-Sanchez Wedding: a Destination Wedding on Steroids, But Would You Plan It?
  3. Marlin Travel Brantford Taps Julie Curcio-Birch, Director of Sales and Development
  4. Royal Caribbean to ‘Amp Up’ Three Ships for 2026
  5. Air Transat to Launch Toronto-Istanbul Route; Grows Partnership with Turkish Airlines
  6. VIDEO: Air Canada Celebrates Pride, Gets Some Pushback with 1st All-2SLGBTQIA+ Flight
Top Stories
TICO Adds Three “Highly Requested Resources” to Registrant Toolkit
TICO Adds Three “Highly Requested Resources” to Registrant Toolkit

The new resources new resources make it easier for travel professionals to highlight the benefits of booking with a TICO registered business to current and prospective clients.

Transat Distribution Canada Gathers Owners, Managers & Suppliers In Spain
Transat Distribution Canada Gathers Owners, Managers & Suppliers In Spain

The conference brought together owners and managers of franchised and affiliated agencies in the TDC network, the managers of Transat Travel/Voyages Transat agencies, members of the TDC leadership team and preferred partners.

Amex GBT Report: Gen Z Embraces Business Travel – But Needs More Support
Amex GBT Report: Gen Z Embraces Business Travel – But Needs More Support

Younger business travellers are more likely to feel stressed, experience disruption, and lack clarity on the support their employer provides.

TMR Canada on Scene: Highlights of Germany on a TTC Tour Week Trafalgar Fam
TMR Canada on Scene: Highlights of Germany on a TTC Tour Week Trafalgar Fam

TravelPulse Canada is on a Trafalgar familiarization tour with about 30 travel advisors from key TTC Tour Brands source markets.

Our Writer’s Instagram Got Hacked – Here’s What to Do If This Happens to You
Our Writer’s Instagram Got Hacked – Here’s What to Do If This Happens to You

As travel professionals, we use social media platforms as part of our marketing and sales strategy. We don’t always realize how important our pages are…until they are gone.

Trevello Creates New U.S. Division, Appoints Erwing Hernandez as President
Trevello Creates New U.S. Division, Appoints Erwing Hernandez as President

The U.S. division, which will operate as a standalone host agency will launch on May 1, 2025.

TMR Subscription

Don’t miss out! Sign up for our free daily newsletter and get the latest Canadian travel industry news and event coverage delivered straight to your inbox. No spam — just what matters.

Subscribe to TMR

TMR OUTLOOKS & WHITE PAPERS
View All
Advertiser's Voice
The Collette Premium Experience
About Travel Market Report Mission Meet the Team Advisory Board Advertise Syndication Guidelines
TMR Resources Calendar of Events Outlook/Whitepapers Previous Sponsored Articles Previous This Week Articles
Subscribe to TMR
Select Language
Do You Have an Idea Email
Editor@travelmarketreport.ca
Give Us a Call
647 255 8990
Drop Us a Note
Travel Market Report Canada Inc.
3080 Yonge St. Suite 6060 Toronto, ON M4N 3N1
© 2005 - 2025 Travel Market Report, an American Marketing Group Inc. Company All Rights Reserved | Terms and Conditions
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Manage cookie preferences