The global business travel industry, which had been on a path to recovery post-pandemic, is now confronting renewed challenges due to recent U.S. government policies. Surveys conducted by BT4Europe and the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) reveal growing apprehension among travel professionals regarding the impact of tariffs, entry restrictions, and other policy changes on international business travel.
In early April 2025, BT4Europe surveyed its members to assess the effects of new U.S. policies on European business travel. The findings indicate heightened concern among travel managers and corporate travelers, particularly regarding the unpredictability of U.S. entry procedures. A significant 88% of respondents observed an increased risk of deportation or detention for European business travelers, especially for dual nationals, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with politically expressive social media profiles.
Companies in countries like the Netherlands and Italy are now treating U.S. travel as a strategic concern.
Measures being implemented to help blunt the U.S. changes include issuing explanatory letters for travelers, providing additional insurance and legal assistance, updating internal travel guidance, and even considering reduced travel or alternative markets. The latter is what’s most concerning to American travel companies.
Parallel concerns are echoed in GBTA’s recent poll, which gathered responses from over 900 global industry professionals. The survey highlights that less than half of global buyers (44%) believe their organization’s business travel spending and volume will remain unaffected in 2025. Almost a third (29%) of global travel buyers expect a decline in business travel volume, averaging a 21% decrease. Additionally, 37% of travel suppliers and intermediaries anticipate an 18% decline in related revenue.
The GBTA poll also reveals that only 31% of global industry professionals remain optimistic about the overall industry outlook for this year, a significant drop from 67% in November 2024. Concerns extend beyond immediate travel disruptions, with organizations re-evaluating their transatlantic travel strategies in light of current U.S. policies, including potential tariff shifts and changing airline pricing.
The broader economic implications of these policies are also evident. The World Trade Organization (WTO) warns that U.S. tariffs could reverse global goods trade growth in 2025, reducing it from a projected 2.7% increase to a 0.2% decline . Similarly, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts slower global growth due to heightened trade tensions, particularly stemming from U.S. tariffs .
In North America, the impact is palpable. Detroit, for instance, is experiencing a significant drop in Canadian visitors, attributed to escalating political tensions and tariffs introduced during the Trump era. Border crossings into Detroit dropped 13% in February and March compared to the previous year, and flight bookings between Canada and the U.S. for April through September are down over 70% .
The convergence of these factors underscores the challenges facing the global business travel industry. As organizations navigate this complex landscape, the need for clear policies, strategic planning, and international collaboration becomes increasingly critical to ensure the resilience and sustainability of business travel in the years ahead.
