Business travel trends shaping Asia in 2026
There’s a lot of excitement in the business travel industry for 2026. New working patterns, increased tech adoption, economic realities, ROI, and uncertainty- companies across Asia will approach their business travel programmes from a different lens.
We spoke with FCM Travel leaders across the region to understand what's on the horizon for business travel in 2026. Here are some key trends they anticipate will gain spotlight in Asia in 2026.
Business travel across Asia-Pacific will remain optimistic, with business trips expecting to rise with shorter stays. We'll witness an increase in tech adoption and see organisations leveraging booking data for enhanced travel programme management, identifying booking behaviour to balance cost pressures. As the need to scale and competitive pressure will remain high, there’ll be more interest towards consolidation- whether TMCs, airlines or ground support. Blended itineraries will get more shape for cost effectiveness and better negotiations.
Bertrand Saillet, Managing Director, FCM Travel Asia
Purpose-led travel will dominate. We'll also see AI-driven booking platforms and contactless travel. Meanwhile, amidst changing geopolitical landscape, travel managers and business travellers will look at reliable information, localised support and speedy assistance. MNCs will consolidate their global travel programmes as more companies will set up base in Asia. Sustainability trackers becoming a part of financial reporting will become a standard.
Vicki Parris, Managing Director - Southeast Asia, FCM Travel Asia
Business travel risk management will gain prominence. We expect RFPs to have more focus on crisis management and traveller safety, owing to a string of disruptions in 2025. Besides, India's next phase of travel growth across air, hotel, and ground will come from within India. Factors such as regional expansion, emerging business centres, and a more connected travel ecosystem will see cities including Goa, Surat, Raipur, Lucknow, and Visakhapatnam, fuelling business travel growth.
Sunny Sodhi, Managing Director, FCM Travel India
With the rise in business trips, companies will look for enhanced data protection. Focus will also be on leveraging tech with business travellers favouring platforms that’ll integrate with the local ecosystem. Visa support will take centre stage and the sentiment towards partnering with TMCs with strong visa capabilities will remain high. Also, Chinese companies are increasingly looking at global expansion, so the demand for a global TMC offering flexible solutions and localised service will shoot up.
Calvin Xie, Managing Director - Greater China and Hong Kong,
FCM Travel Asia
Operational efficiency, hyper-personalisation, and automation will define business travel in Japan in 2026. Companies will expect AI intelligence to support business travel management, especially for complex itineraries. Sustainability, cost management and ROI, and bleisure will also take the spotlight in Japan.
Vicki Parris, Managing Director - Japan, FCM Travel Asia.