Each generation has its own unique approach to travel, and younger generations are redefining the experience in their own way. As business travel evolves, understanding the preferences of Gen Z is becoming essential.
Why?
Because more Gen Z’s are now involved in day to day business processes and development. Whether it’s the creative marketing team, or the new sales activations, or don’t forget the tech engineers and data scientists that are becoming the part of the workforce that falls in the same category.
This shift is transforming the corporate travel landscape, influencing how companies and travel brands manage work trips.
Staying updated with these changes is essential for businesses and corporate travel managers to meet the ever-evolving needs of business travelers.
To help you stay informed, let’s explore the key statistics and trends shaping their business travel behavior but first, let’s understand who Gen Z really is.
Who are Gen Z?
Generation Z, often referred to as Gen Z, includes individuals born between 1997 and 2012, making the oldest 28 and the youngest 13 this year. As the first generation of true digital natives, Gen Z is known for its tech-savviness, having grown up with smartphones and constant online connectivity.
Their familiarity with social media and global awareness has significantly influenced their values, expectations, and approach to travel.
When it comes to business travel, Gen Z is redefining what work trips should look like.
These are the three things that they are prioritizing:
To stay relevant in the changing corporate travel landscape, it’s important to understand and meet their unique preferences.
Gen Z: The Upcoming Wave in Business Travel
Gen Z is becoming a significant force in the business travel world. Their growing presence makes them an essential group for the industry to understand and accommodate.
Did you know that in 2024, According to research by Hilton, Millennials and Gen Z are leading the charge as the largest groups of business travelers, with 53% of each planning to travel for work.
Gen Z brings a unique perspective to business travel. For them, it’s more than just moving from point A to point B—it’s a pathway to career growth and opportunity.
How are Gen Zs standing out in business travel? Through their unique perspective.
According to a Globetrender report, an impressive 81% of Gen Z professionals believe business travel enhances their appeal to employers, while 83% say it opens doors to promotions within their current roles.
They see travel as a chance to build networking skills, gain confidence, strengthen relationships with senior colleagues, and expand their skillset.
It’s no surprise that according to Globetrender nearly 59% of Gen Z employees plan to travel more for work in the coming year.
Gen Z is shaping the future of business travel, and if you align with their preferences, you’ll stay ahead of the game.
Important insights into Gen Z business travel trends for 2025:
Gen Z is changing the way business travel works, and their fresh perspective is shaping the future.
According to STYLUS, Here’s what you should know about their travel habits and how it’s impacting companies like yours:
1. Travel Means More Than Just Work
For Gen Z, business trips aren’t just about meetings—they’re about seeing the world. In fact, 79% want to travel for work to explore new places. They even prefer employers to extend their trips, with 41% saying they’d love extra time to experience the destination.
2. Wellness Is a Must
Younger employees care about their well-being on the road. They’d like to expense activities like yoga or exercise classes during trips (34%). For them, work travel should be productive and healthy.
3. Travel Helps Their Careers
Gen Z knows business travel can boost their career growth. They see face-to-face meetings as opportunities to:
4. Companies Are Investing More
Companies are catching on. Nearly half (49%) of businesses are increasing their travel budgets in 2024. Industries like tech, travel, and environment-related sectors are leading the way. And in the US, (61%) of businesses are raising budgets compared to (44%) in Europe.
4. In-Person Meetings Are Key
Business travel isn’t just nice to have, it’s essential. (91%) of decision-makers say they’d lose customers without in-person meetings. Expanding into new markets (47%) and attending events (45%) are top reasons why companies are spending more on travel.
By understanding these trends, you can design travel programs that meet Gen Z’s expectations while helping your company thrive. Think about extending trips, adding wellness options, and focusing on opportunities for personal and professional growth. It’s a win for everyone.
Conclusion
Gen Z is shaping the future of travel, and understanding their needs is key to creating meaningful experiences. With CoTrav, you can effortlessly adapt to these trends, offering Gen Z travelers the flexibility, wellness options, and seamless technology they value.
By aligning your travel programs with their preferences, you’ll not only support their career growth but also ensure your company stays ahead in this evolving travel landscape.
With CoTrav, you’re not just managing business travel, you’re empowering the next generation of professionals to thrive!
Empower the next generation of professionals with seamless travel—Contact CoTrav today!
