Business travel in the US grew 1.1% to $317 billion in 2025 and is forecast to grow 0.7% in 2026 (in real terms) to $319 billion, according to the Spring 2026 U.S. Travel Update from the U.S. Travel Association. Other highlights of the forecast included:

• Growth in business travel is expected to remain below leisure travel growth in the near term, before improving from 2027 onward as broader economic conditions stabilize and corporate travel budgets recover.
• Demand is supported by projected stabilization of corporate budgets, and continued prioritization of in-person engagement.
• Domestic group travel is forecast to grow more rapidly than business travel overall at 1.4% in 2026 to $118 billion.

The update projects overall travel spending growth at low but positive rates, continuing the trend seen in late 2025 and early 2026. Bolstered by domestic travel, spending is expected to grow 1% (inflation-adjusted) in 2026, accelerating to 3% growth in 2027 and 2028. Resilient domestic demand is partially offset by ongoing economic pressures, including inflation and geopolitical uncertainty, according to the report.