Corporate Travel Trends 2026: A New Era of Workforce Mobility

Business travel is back, but it doesn’t look the same. After a period of unprecedented disruption, corporate travel is not just rebounding; it’s evolving. The forces of remote work, economic shifts, and new employee expectations are reshaping how, when, and why we travel for work. For companies managing traveling teams, staying ahead of these changes is crucial for controlling costs, keeping employees happy, and maintaining a competitive edge.

The years 2024 and 2025 have served as a period of adjustment. Companies have been striking a new balance between hybrid work models and the undeniable need for in-person collaboration, leading to a surge in travel demand. A recent Deloitte corporate travel study found that most travel managers expect their companies’ spend to grow, with 73% projecting growth in 2024 and 58% in 2025. As we look toward 2026, several key corporate travel trends are solidifying, setting the stage for the next era of business mobility.

Remote & Hybrid Work Reshaping Business Travel

The shift to remote and hybrid work is perhaps the single biggest driver of change. With fewer mandated in-office days, companies are increasingly relying on travel to foster connection and collaboration. According to Fortune, with eight in 10 workers now hybrid or fully remote, employers are using off-site retreats and team gatherings to build culture and cohesion. This means hybrid workforce travel is on the rise: companies are now planning trips designed to bring dispersed teams together.

Travel policies are adapting to this new reality. Forward-thinking companies are now supporting their hybrid workforce with flexible travel options and even blended travel—or “bleisure.” This trend of extending work trips for leisure is now standard practice. Deloitte reports that two-thirds of business travelers have added personal vacation days to a work trip in the past year, a clear sign that the lines between work and life are blurring for the better.

Meeting the Needs of Field-Based Teams

While office-based travel evolves, project-based travel for industries like construction, energy, and telecommunications continues to grow. For these sectors, getting crews to remote job sites is fundamental to operations. But simply getting them there isn’t enough. Providing clean, comfortable, and convenient employee housing solutions is critical for productivity, morale, and safety.

For long-term projects, traditional hotels often fall short. This is where dedicated crew housing, such as lodges and man camps, delivers superior value. Located near job sites, these facilities offer more than just a place to sleep. They provide amenities like full kitchens, on-site laundry, recreation centers, and security, creating a stable and supportive environment that helps reduce turnover and keep crews performing at their best.

Extended Stays and Flexible Lodging Options

The demand for more comfortable, home-like accommodations is driving a boom in the extended-stay corporate lodging sector. With global revenues for extended-stay hotels hitting approximately $426 billion in 2024, the market is clearly responding to the need for more livable options for long assignments.

Hospitality brands are pivoting to meet this demand, offering more properties with in-room kitchens, dedicated workspaces, and other residential-style amenities. Companies are benefiting by creating unified lodging programs that blend different housing types—from extended-stay corporate hotels for project managers to fully furnished apartments for relocating executives and single-family homes for entire crews. This flexible corporate lodging approach ensures every traveler gets the right accommodation for their needs and trip duration.

Sustainability Becomes a Corporate Travel Priority

Sustainability is no longer a niche concern; it’s a core business priority. A June 2023 survey by the Global Business Travel Association revealed that an overwhelming 92% of business travel professionals consider sustainability a priority for their company. This is translating into concrete action in the form of sustainable corporate travel: booking eco-certified hotels, prioritizing rail over air travel where feasible, and investing in carbon offset programs.

This push is also coming from employees. A report from Topia found that nearly one in four business travelers would consider declining a trip if it lacked sustainable options. By 2026, integrating sustainability into travel policy will be essential not only for corporate responsibility but also for attracting and retaining top talent.

Technology Transforms Travel Management

Technology continues to streamline the complexities of corporate travel. Centralized travel platforms are giving managers unprecedented visibility and control over spending, compliance, and duty of care. Automation and AI are simplifying everything from booking and approvals to expense tracking and real-time support.

At the same time, travelers demand a consumer-grade experience. The ability to book and manage trips entirely online is essential, with a Cvent study noting that 80% of travelers considered it a top priority. Mobile access, intuitive apps, and 24/7 support are now the standard expectations for any modern corporate travel program.

Cost Control and Consolidation of Travel Spend

With rising travel costs cited as a top concern by the Global Business Travel Association, companies are focusing on purposeful travel with a clear return on investment. Hotel rates in 2024 remained well above pre-pandemic levels, forcing businesses to be more strategic with their budgets.

To achieve greater corporate travel cost management, many companies are consolidating their vendors. Working with a single lodging partner provides access to better-negotiated rates and dramatically simplifies invoicing and administration. This consolidated approach gives travel managers the data and visibility needed to enforce policy, identify savings, and optimize their entire travel spend.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does remote or hybrid work influence corporate travel needs?

Remote and hybrid models decrease daily commuting but increase the need for purposeful travel like team off-sites, cross-regional collaboration meetings, and project kick-offs. This also fuels the “bleisure” trend, where employees extend work trips for personal leisure.

What are companies doing to make business travel more sustainable?

Companies are prioritizing sustainability by booking eco-certified accommodations, choosing lower-emission travel options like rail, offsetting their carbon footprint, and partnering with vendors who share their commitment to green practices.

How can businesses control or reduce corporate travel lodging costs?

Businesses can control costs by partnering with a lodging management company to leverage their buying power for pre-negotiated rates. Consolidating all bookings through one provider also simplifies invoicing and provides better data for budget management and policy enforcement.

How CHS Supports Companies Adapting to Travel Trends

As corporate travel trends evolve toward 2026, Corporate Hospitality Services (CHS) is uniquely positioned to help your business adapt and thrive. We simplify your entire lodging program so you can focus on what you do best.

A Full Range of Lodging: From short-term hotels and extended-stay apartments to fully-furnished homes and man camps, we provide the right housing for every employee and every project.
Flexible Housing Solutions: We offer flexible corporate lodging that scales with your workforce, whether you’re managing a small executive team or a large field crew across multiple regions.
Consolidated Billing: Eliminate administrative headaches. You’ll receive one simple invoice for all your bookings, simplifying corporate travel cost management and giving you full visibility.
Pre-Negotiated Rates: Our extensive network and buying power allow us to negotiate the best rates, passing the savings directly on to you without compromising on quality or comfort.
Streamlined Management: With a dedicated client portal and 24/7 support, we provide the technology and service your travel managers and employees expect.

Ready to streamline your corporate lodging program and control costs? Contact CHS today for a personalized quote and see how our employee housing solutions can support your team.