The Future of Corporate Travel in the UK: Trends & Challenges in 2025

Corporate travel in the UK is undergoing a major transformation. Businesses are rethinking travel policies due to economic shifts, sustainability goals, and new technologies. As we step into 2025, travel managers, procurement teams, and executives must stay ahead of the curve to ensure efficient, cost-effective, and responsible business travel.

At Uniglobe Gemini Travel, we understand that business travel is more than just getting from A to B—it’s about ensuring your travelers are well-supported, your costs are optimised, and your travel program aligns with your business goals. 

In this blog, we explore the key trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping corporate travel in the UK in 2025.

UK Business Travel Trends for 2025

New UK Travel Regulations & ETA System

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system will be fully implemented in 2025, requiring visa-exempt travelers to obtain digital approval before entering the UK. On This impacts corporate travel, especially for international employees and business partners.

• Companies will need to adjust travel policies to account for additional processing times and costs.

Partner with a trusted travel management company (TMC) like Uniglobe Gemini Travel to ensure compliance, minimise disruptions, and simplify travel approvals for your teams.

The Rise of Sustainable Business Travel

With the UK’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, sustainability is a top priority for businesses.

• More companies will adopt carbon offset programs.
• Greater use of eco-friendly travel options, such as rail over air for domestic trips.
• The rise of sustainable hotels and travel suppliers.

What can I do as a business?

• Work with sustainability-focused travel partners like Uniglobe Gemini Travel to implement green travel policies. 

By choosing to book travel through our platform, businesses actively contribute to environmental sustainability.

Through our partnership with Trees4Travel, we integrate innovative carbon offset technology, ensuring that each trip taken is accounted for and its emissions are balanced through tree planting and certified renewable energy credits. Learn more about this here.

• Invest in carbon offset partnerships and eco-friendly travel initiatives.
• Educate employees on responsible travel choices that align with corporate sustainability objectives.

AI & Automation in Corporate Travel

Technology is revolutionising travel planning. AI-driven solutions are optimizing booking, cost management, and real-time travel adjustments.

• AI-powered chatbots offering 24/7 traveller support.
• Automated expense reporting to reduce administrative burdens.
• Predictive analytics improving travel cost forecasting.

How can my business adapt?

• Leverage intelligent booking tools provided by Uniglobe Gemini Travel.
• Implement AI-powered policy enforcement to keep costs controlled.
• Utilise predictive analytics to make data-driven travel decisions.

The Growth of Bleisure Travel

A rising number of business travelers are combining work trips with leisure experiences. Companies are recognising the importance of flexibility and well-being in business travel policies.

• Employers allow extended stays for leisure.
• Partnerships with hotels offering business-leisure amenities.
• Younger professionals (Millennials & Gen Z) driving demand for more flexible travel policies.

How can my business adapt?

• Offer employees the option to extend trips at their own expense.
• Work with TMCs like Uniglobe Gemini Travel to build flexible travel policies that accommodate both work and leisure needs.
• Use corporate booking tools that allow personal travel add-ons.
  

Key Challenges Facing UK Business Travel

Rising Costs & Inflation

Corporate travel costs are expected to rise by 5-7% in 2025, driven by inflation and supply chain issues in the travel sector. (GBTA, 2024).

How can I keep costs at bay?

Managing corporate travel costs effectively requires a strategic approach that balances cost efficiency with traveler needs. 

By using negotiated travel rates, predictive analytics for cost forecasting, and ensuring policy compliance through automated systems, you can take a proactive stance in controlling expenses for your business. 

Uniglobe Gemini Travel offers tailored solutions that provide insights into spending patterns and opportunities for optimisation, helping companies maintain financial control while supporting business objectives.

Traveler Well-Being & Duty of Care

Post-pandemic, employee well-being and safety remain top priorities. Travel managers must ensure employees are supported while on the move.

How can employee wellbeing be supported?

Supporting employee well-being in corporate travel requires a holistic approach that considers both physical safety and mental health. 

Organisations should implement comprehensive duty of care programs that proactively assess and mitigate travel risks. Providing mental health resources, such as access to well-being support and stress management programs, ensures that employees feel valued and secure while traveling. 

Additionally, incorporating flexible travel policies allows employees to make choices that align with their work-life balance needs, reducing travel fatigue and enhancing overall productivity. Partnering with a dedicated travel management company can help businesses integrate these initiatives seamlessly into their travel programs.

Corporate Travel Compliance

With new UK regulations and changing visa requirements, businesses must stay compliant to avoid fines and disruptions.

Ensuring compliance with evolving UK travel regulations requires businesses to stay informed and proactive. Keeping track of visa requirements, duty of care responsibilities, and corporate travel policies can be complex, particularly for organisations with frequent international travel needs. 

Implementing automated compliance monitoring systems and maintaining up-to-date policy enforcement measures allows businesses to mitigate risks and avoid unexpected disruptions. Partnering with an experienced travel management company ensures that businesses have access to expert guidance and the necessary tools to navigate regulatory challenges efficiently.

How Businesses Can Future-Proof Their Travel Strategy

To navigate these trends and challenges, businesses should:

• Embrace AI & automation for smarter travel management.
• Invest in sustainable travel solutions to align with UK environmental policies.
• Offer flexible travel policies that support employee well-being.
• Partner with a reliable TMC like Uniglobe Gemini Travel to streamline travel planning, reduce costs, and ensure compliance.

Conclusion

2025 is set to be a transformative year for corporate travel in the UK. From new regulations and rising costs to sustainability and tech advancements, businesses need to stay informed and proactive.

At Uniglobe Gemini Travel, we specialise in delivering seamless, cost-effective, and sustainable travel solutions that align with your business goals. Our expert travel consultants provide hands-on support to help you navigate the evolving corporate travel landscape.

Would you like a customised corporate travel strategy for your company? 

Contact our team at Uniglobe Gemini Travel today to explore how a personalised corporate travel strategy can optimise your business travel operations, improve efficiency, and support your company’s long-term goals.