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FCM Consulting Insights Report: Hotel Programs 2026
FCM Consulting's latest Insights Report has arrived, but this one’s a little different. For the first time, and just in time for the 2026 hotel RFP season, FCM Consulting has produced a report focused solely on hotel program management.
If you oversee your company's travel program, have renegotiating hotel rates on your to-do list, or just want to stay informed, this one's for you. Designed to help you prepare your hotel program for the sourcing cycle, this edition pulls together global data and insights into how others have successfully negotiated their rates.
What is inside the 2026 hotel report:
Hybrid working, geopolitical shifts, and changing traveler behavior have forced many businesses to change their corporate travel program. Which means heading into hotel request for proposal (RFP) season this year will require more than rate table refreshes and supplier list reviews. Here’s a look at what this edition covers:
- Dynamic pricing vs. fixed rates: Understand the move away from non-last room availability (NLRA) fixed rates and discover when and where you still have the leverage to secure fixed pricing.
- Regional rate predictions: Access market-by-market analysis, from local tax hikes in Europe to extreme rate volatility across Africa, you’ll have numbers for wherever travel takes your people.
- The loyalty factor: See how hotel loyalty programs influence booking decisions and learn how to manage program leakage while using loyalty benefits to boost traveler experience.
- Major event disruptions: Prepare for rate spikes and capacity limits driven by events and political disruption. Find out how to proactively communicate with your budget holders and adjust travel plans.
Previous corporate travel trend reports
Trends & Strategies for H1-2026
This edition covers AI in corporate travel and understanding where automation can add value in travel programs, and what’s better left to humans. Gain expert strategies for building a more resilient travel program that can handle whatever the world throws at it. The airline industry outlook is designed to help you stay ahead of what’s happening in the skies, including capacity, cost, and demand.
Corporate travel trends in Q4-2024
Business travel surged late last year, but so did prices and pressure. Airlines pushed capacity, hotels filled up, and travel managers had to think on their feet.
In this report, you'll find:
- Online self-service rose, with 61% of bookings made online.
- Seat availability was forecasted to rise with 38 million extra seats on offer in 2025.
- Hotel prices and occupancy rose in key cities, while some regions bucked the trend.
- Average trip costs hovered between $1,600 and $1,800, with airfares making up most.
- Domestic flights were popular, while economy and business fares dipped.
Corporate travel trends in Q3-2024
While economic uncertainty remains around the world, 2024 has continued to be a strong year for the travel industry. With flights 86.2% full in August 2024 and prices stabilizing for economy and business fares in Q3-2024, airlines are now looking to further grow services and schedules to meet demand in 2025.
Key takeaways from Q3-2024:
- Global airline capacity is expected to reach new heights in H1-2025.
- Airline income from ancillaries (bags, meals, etc.) increased 32.5% in 2023 vs 2022.
- Europe and the Americas saw hotel rates increase, while decreases were noted in APAC and Middle East & Africa.
- Car rental global average daily rates decreased 30% in Q3-2024 vs the same quarter last year.
What story does Q2-2024 tell us about corporate travel?
Global airline passenger demand is up 9.1%, the average room rate is rising, and economic uncertainty underpins everything as we move into H2-2024. However, data shows that the first half of 2024 created positive momentum.
Key takeaways from Q2-2024:
- NDC made up 21.5% of total transactions in June 2024
- Global fares rose by 15% for economy class and 11% in business class
- Hotel occupancy was forecast to reach 70% in July
- 11 of the top corporate airlines are forecast to exceed 2019 levels
Download for more Q1-2024 travel trends
Despite increasing demand, companies are not ready to increase corporate travel budgets. Business travelers are out on the road meeting with clients and colleagues, and budgets are being maximized with a combination of early bookings and more days away.
- Economic outlook for 2024 is positive, but faces uncertainty
- Rising demand is increasing supplier confidence
- Seat capacity forecasted to increase +3.5% over 2019 from May to December 2024 (North America leading the way with +9% increase)