APAC business travel to surpass $700 billion in 2026

Business travel across Asia Pacific is on a strong upward trajectory with the region projected to remain the largest global market in 2026 – even as companies navigate ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and economic pressures, according to the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). Business travel spending in the region is forecast to reach over $700 billion USD in 2026, accounting for more than 40% of total outbound spending. China is expected to lead the region with $408 billion in business travel spending in 2026, while key markets including Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, Taiwan, Indonesia and Singapore are all projected to post strong year-over-year growth. “Business travel continues to demonstrate its resilience and relevance worldwide, notwithstanding geopolitical challenges, with APAC leading that momentum,” said Suzanne Neufang, CEO of GBTA. “Our latest data, cautiously optimistic, underscores not only the region’s strong growth, but also the critical role business travel plays in driving economic expansion, fostering innovation and strengthening in-person connections. As organizations navigate an increasingly complex global landscape, strategic investment in travel remains essential to achieving meaningful business and diplomatic outcomes.” According to the latest GBTA Global Business Travel Index (“BTI”) analysis, in 2026 APAC is projected to remain the world’s largest business travel region, even as travel programs face growing pressures from costs, geopolitical uncertainty and evolving risk and safety concerns. Asia Pacific is anticipated to reach $700.9 billion USD in business travel spending in 2026, showing a year-over-year increase of 10.9%. China is forecast to lead APAC in business travel spending at $408 billion, representing 58% of the entire region. According to GBTA BTI data, the top five APAC countries for business travel spending –  China, Japan, South Korea, India and Australia – represent $623.2 billion, or just over 40% of the 2026 global forecast total of $1.69 trillion USD. Among the APAC markets anticipated for strong year-over-year growth are Japan (15.3%), South Korea (13.3%), India (12.5%), Australia (9.7%), Taiwan (24.7%), Indonesia (12.6%) and Singapore (9.0%). Much of APAC’s growth is being fuelled by sectors such as Manufacturing, Utilities, Construction and Administrative Services, highlighting the essential link between business travel and core economic activity – even as recovery remains uneven across industries. Amid APAC’s strong outlook, there is still concern among regional industry professionals for the remainder of 2026 as reflected in insights presented by Neufang from GBTA’s April global survey of travel buyers, suppliers and intermediaries. Among APAC respondents, optimism fell from 56% in January to 46% in April, with pessimism remaining at about 25%, aligning with GBTA global trends. GBTA also unveiled early data from its upcoming International Economic Impact Study outlining municipal economic impact of business travel among 25 of the world’s most popular business travel destinations. Based on 2024 data, business travel to and within Singapore annually generates $8.1 billion USD in industry‑driven revenue, including $1.3 billion USD in tax contributions while also supporting 33,636 jobs. The impact study also reveals that business travel to and within Singapore generated $2.9 billion USD in local value‑added revenue in 2024, reinforcing its role as a key destination for business travel, meetings and events. And for every dollar spent on business travel in Singapore, just over half (56%) stays “local” and adds to the area’s economy. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]