Business travel has seen growth particularly in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment
Global outbound travel has surged by 13 pc, returning to pre-pandemic levels, according to data released by IPK International, ahead of the beginning of ITB Berlin, a leading global tourism trade fair.
In a press statement, the organisers of ITB Berlin say that as ITB Berlin kicks off from March 4-6, this recovery signals strong demand across both leisure and business travel, with travellers prioritising quality experiences.
The statement adds that that notable driver of this recovery is the surge in demand from Asian travellers, who have returned to international destinations with a 33 pc increase in outbound travel.
According to IPK Intrnational, the industry is optimistic about continued growth, particularly in destinations offering unique and memorable stays. It says that though still 15 pc below pre-pandemic levels, the growth signifies a strong and sustained return to global markets.
ITB says that other regions, including Europe and Latin America, also saw growth, with European outbound travel rising by 9 pc and North America experiencing a 7 pc increase compared to 2023. Europe and North America have now surpassed 2019 levels in terms of outbound travel.
It adds that popular destinations remain unchanged, with Spain maintaining its position as the top destination, followed by the United States. Other European countries like Germany, France, and Italy, along with Mexico, Türkiye, the United Kingdom and Austria, continue to be favoured by travellers.
The statement adds that the primary reason for international trips is still holidays, with sun and beach vacations and city breaks showing above-average growth in 2024. Round trips are also gaining popularity as travellers seek to explore multiple destinations during a single trip.
It adds that business travel has seen growth, particularly in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment, which is now responsible for two-thirds of all business travel. Despite this, traditional business travel has seen more modest growth, driven by new business models and digitalisation.
ITB says that another notable trend in business travel is the increasing popularity of ‘bleisure’, where business trips are combined with leisure activities.
It adds that in terms of accommodation, hotels remain the preferred choice for most travellers, valued for their services and range of offerings. However, alternative accommodation options like holiday apartments and private rentals are becoming more popular. While traditional travel agency bookings remain stable, direct bookings through accommodation and transport providers have risen, as travellers seek more flexibility and control over their travel plans.
The statement adds that ITB Berlin Convention 2025 will provide deeper insights into these trends, with presentations from leading travel industry players such as Expedia, Dertour, Google, Uber, and others, shaping the future of global tourism.
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