Business Travel Industry Shows Optimism Amid Constraints

A January 5–18, 2026 poll of 571 business travel professionals across 40 countries finds 59% optimistic about 2026, though optimism fell 12 percentage points year-over-year. Eighty-four percent of buyers expect spending to increase or hold steady, suppliers forecast average revenue growth near 15%, and top concerns include affordability (70%), visa/entry requirements (65%), and proposed U.S. ESTA changes prompting 78% concern.