Corporate travel is showing strong growth, with 46% of companies in EMEA planning to increase their travel spend in FY26, according to Flight Centre Travel Group’s (FCTG) latest State of the Market survey.
This is an increase from last year’s 39%.
Around 7% of respondents in the region anticipate reducing their travel budgets, compared with 21% last year, indicating that business travel is being prioritised as a strategic lever for growth.
Mummy Mafojane, GM of FCM Travel Southern Africa, said the results reflected renewed confidence among South African corporates as economic conditions improved.
“These global results are particularly encouraging for the South African market, where we're seeing strong momentum. Companies are recognising that business travel is essential infrastructure for growth, not just an expense,” said Mafojane.
Herman Heunes, GM of Corporate Traveller South Africa, said: “The survey results confirm that sentiment is shifting – companies are ready to back growth with increased travel budgets. We're seeing dynamic South African businesses who view travel as a strategic investment rather than a cost centre.”
Globally, 9% of FCM and Corporate Traveller customers intend to raise travel spend by more than 20%, while 36% expect increases of up to 20%.
With rising confidence and advanced travel technology simplifying arrangements, industry experts predict corporate travel recovery will accelerate through 2026.
