Business travel demand is flat but resilient, according to the latest Altour Business Travel Index. Altour is the corporate travel division of Internova Travel Group. The report said domestic travel has dipped slightly (down 1%), while international bookings are up, “reflecting a more selective and strategic approach to business travel.”

Other findings included:

• Human expertise matters more than ever. While 51% of travelers use online tools, nearly half (49%) prefer working with travel advisors. Among C-suite executives, who favor expert support for complex, high-stakes trips, that number increases to 70%. 
• Trips are shorter but not vanishing. Hotel spending is down, while aviation spend is up, suggesting travelers are compressing schedules to make each trip more efficient and impactful. 
• Premium economy is booming. With a 25% year-over-year increase, premium economy is now the fastest-growing cabin class, bridging comfort and cost. In comparison, economy grew by 10% and business/first class by just 3%. 
• “Bleisure” is on the rise. Almost two-fifths (39%) of business travelers frequently or always extend work trips for leisure. That number climbs to 59% for international travelers and 56% for executives, presenting new opportunities for more tailored, experience-rich itineraries.