A gentler rise in air, hotel, and car rental prices offers corporate buyers more leverage
Jul 23, 2025
Global business travel costs are projected to rise modestly in 2026, signaling a return to more predictable pricing after years of post-pandemic volatility, according to CWT and the Global Business Travel Association. The forecast points to small increases in airfare, hotel rates, car rentals, and meeting costs, though economic uncertainties remain a factor.
Key takeaways
- Airfare forecast: Average global airfares are expected to increase by 0.4 percent to $708 in 2026, following a 2.2 percent projected decline in 2025.
- Hotel pricing: Average global hotel rates are projected to rise by 1.2 percent to $166, after a similar increase in 2025, reflecting gradual capacity growth.
- Car rentals: Daily car rental rates are forecast to grow by 2.8 percent to $48, significantly lower than the sharp increases seen in 2024.
- Meetings and events: Per-attendee meeting costs are expected to climb by 2.4 percent, aligning with G20 inflation trends.
- Capacity expansion: Increased airline and hotel capacity—despite delivery and construction challenges—will help temper price growth.
- Economic uncertainty: A potential global downturn could reverse these trends, leading to cost decreases of 1–2 percent across travel categories.
- Buyer advantage: More predictable pricing gives corporate travel buyers greater leverage to optimize programs.
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