This year’s Asia Pacific travel trends offer valuable lessons for Travel Managers everywhere, not just in the region. Many of these emerging patterns reflect long-standing Traveler priorities that are now reaching a tipping point, from sustainability to more personalized experiences.
For Travel Managers, the takeaway is clear: These trends aren’t passing fads. They’re shaping the future of business travel globally. Here’s what to watch—and how to apply it to your travel program.
1. Secondary Asia Pacific Destinations Gain Ground
Secondary destinations—those off the typical tourist track—are seeing a surge in Traveler interest, according to the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the Tourism and Society Think Tank. In general, both leisure and business Travelers are looking for more authentic, immersive experiences that connect them with local culture.
Emerging destinations like Laos and Sri Lanka are gaining attention for these reasons, according to Jacada Travel. These less-visited locales can not only elevate the Traveler experience but may also boost event participation by offering something fresh and unexpected for business travel.
The broader lesson? Business Travelers want trips that feel meaningful and memorable, even when traveling for work. Recognizing these preferences can lead to more engaged Travelers and stronger client connections.
2. Sustainability Is Now an Expectation
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword anymore—it’s a baseline. Travelers increasingly expect both travel suppliers and their employers to prioritize greener options across air, hotel and ground transport.
If your travel program hasn’t made sustainability a focus, now’s the time. Ignoring this trend risks not only Traveler dissatisfaction but could also reduce employees’ willingness to travel.
The good news? The rise in interest in lesser-known destinations complements this trend, offering alternatives to crowded hotspots and addressing concerns like overtourism.
3. Managed Travel Is Evolving Fast
Travelers across Asia Pacific are increasingly turning to travel companies and travel management companies (TMCs) for planning and booking support. Demand for managed travel is growing, but the approach is changing.
Travel Managers are seeing how technology, especially AI-powered tools, is streamlining tasks like itinerary creation, trip comparisons, and travel planning. According to Skyscanner, nearly half of Asia Pacific Travelers are confident using AI to assist with these activities.
Travel Managers can take advantage of this comfort with technology by introducing AI-driven tools that simplify booking, planning, and even expensing. This makes the experience easier for Travelers while reducing internal workload.
4. Travel Spend Keeps Climbing
Travel spend continues to rise globally, and Asia Pacific is no exception. Skyscanner reports that more than 70% of Travelers in the region plan to spend more on flights in 2025, with Indian Travelers leading the trend.
If your teams are also feeling the pressure of rising travel costs, now is the time to reevaluate spend management strategies. A well-managed travel program with the right tools—especially those that help with spend visibility and control—can help you keep budgets in check without compromising the Traveler experience.
Final Takeaway for Travel Managers
These Asia Pacific travel trends offer valuable lessons relevant to any travel program, worldwide. As Travelers’ expectations shift toward more personalization, sustainability and digital convenience, Travel Managers should evaluate how well their policies and tools align with these changes, both for today and into the future.
That’s where JTB Business Travel can help. Explore how Teal, powered by Spotnana, gives travel managers and Travelers the control, visibility, and flexibility they expect.
