European business travel is poised for robust growth despite ongoing economic and political uncertainty, with spending projected to climb 8.2 per cent in 2026 to EUR 38,990 crore (approximately USD 44,820 crore).

Forecast of the latest GBTA Business Travel Index Outlook holds significant implications for Bangladesh's travel and tourism sector, which relies heavily on European markets for corporate travel arrangements, airline ticketing services, and hospitality bookings. Industry insiders suggest the growth could generate increased business for Bangladeshi travel agencies handling European routes and corporate clients.

Europe continues to drive the sector's global recovery, with 77% of travellers reporting they took as many or more trips this year compared to pre-pandemic levels. Western Europe dominates regional spending, accounting for 88% of business travel expenditure, whilst emerging markets make up the remaining 12%.

Germany, the UK, France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands lead the charge, collectively generating more than EUR 24,150 crore in business travel spending. Meanwhile, emerging European markets, including Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Türkiye and Ukraine, contribute a smaller but growing share.

UK travellers spend the most per trip at nearly EUR 1,305, significantly above the European average of EUR 850.70. In contrast, Polish and Swedish business travellers rank lowest, spending between EUR 639 and EUR 646 per trip.

Accommodation remains the largest expense category, followed by meals, drinks and flights. European business travellers show a marked preference for rail travel, with 38% using trains on their last trip, far exceeding the 8% in North America and 4% in Latin America.

GBTA chief executive Suzanne Neufang noted that organisations continue viewing travel as essential for growth and innovation, with sustainability and traveller experience becoming key priorities.