TLN Parent Internova Says Business Travel Flat Over Past Year

With uncertainty clouding the global macroeconomic forecast, business travel has remained flat over the past year, according to the 2025 Internova Index: North American Business Traveler Insights.

The new survey of travel trends was conducted by Internova Travel Group, parent company of global agency group Travel Leaders Network.

Domestic and international business travel have performed broadly similarly from the first quarter of 2024 to the same period in 2025. Demand for economy air has increased compared with premium classes, suggesting businesses are keen to travel but are being more cost-conscious. 

Hotel spending has decreased, even as advance daily rates (ADRs) have remained flat or increased slightly. Internova said the decrease in hotel spending is driven by shorter business trips as companies strive to make travel more efficient.

There is a bright spot revealed by the survey: while forward bookings are lower than in 2024, they have recovered strongly from their lowest point, an indication that business traveller confidence is rebounding.

The survey also confirmed that travel agencies continue to play a crucial role in business travel, particularly among C-suite executives. In the overall sample, 49% of business travellers report using a human travel advisor as their primary booking channel over an online booking tool. 

However, 70% of C-suite executives use a human travel advisor to book their travel. This group tends to have particularly complex trips, spends more and expects a higher level of service that online tools often can’t provide.

“Our newest Internova Index shows that companies are being more careful in the number and duration of business trips they take and how they spend their travel dollars,” said Henry Gilroy, Internova Travel Group’s EVP, Strategic Development. 

“With nearly half of business travellers (and a much higher percentage of C-suite executives) using a travel advisor, it’s clear that our corporate clients understand the vital assistance we provide in getting them the best value for their money.”

The study separates business travellers into three segments: Executives and employees in senior management positions; Road Warriors and high-frequency travellers in areas such as sales, account management, training or other interaction-focused roles; and Occasional Travellers, where travel is not a core part of their role.