Global business travel spending is forecast to reach a record $1.71 trillion USD in 2026, with the number of business trips worldwide expected to surpass 1.84 billion. This is according to the 2026 GBTA Business Travel Index (“BTI”) Annual Global Report and Forecast, which projects global business travel spending to increase 7.2% in 2026. Unveiled by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) during its 2026 Convention in Chicago, the 18th edition of the BTI—made possible again this year by Visa—represents the industry’s most comprehensive outlook on business travel. While their high growth may create some new opportunities for business travel suppliers, it is not expected to meaningfully impact overall global business travel spend. Global Business Travelers Are Adapting to a Changing Travel LandscapeIn May 2026, 4,700 business travelers were surveyed across 66 global markets for the BTI report.