Business travel across the Asia Pacific is set to maintain a strong growth trajectory, with the region projected to remain the world’s largest business travel market in 2026 despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and economic pressures. Total business travel spending across the region is forecast to exceed $700 billion USD, accounting for more than 40% of global outbound spending and reinforcing Asia Pacific’s position as a critical driver of global corporate mobility. These insights were unveiled during the Global Business Travel Association APAC Conference 2026, held 12–13 May at Marina Bay Sands and co-located with Worldwide ERC APAC 26 for the fourth consecutive year. The event attracted more than 1,100 registered attendees from 35 countries, bringing together corporate travel buyers, suppliers, policymakers and industry leaders to examine the evolving landscape of business travel and its growing economic influence.
According to the latest Global Business Travel Index (BTI) analysis, the Asia Pacific is expected to reach $700.9 billion USD in business travel spending in 2026, representing a year-over-year increase of 10.9%. China is forecast to lead the region with $408 billion USD in spending, accounting for 58% of total APAC business travel expenditure. Other major markets, including Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, Taiwan, Indonesia and Singapore are all projected to record strong growth, reflecting the region’s expanding economic activity and global connectivity.
Suzanne Neufang, CEO, Global Business Travel Association, said, “Business travel continues to demonstrate its resilience and relevance worldwide, notwithstanding geopolitical challenges, with APAC leading that momentum. Our latest data underscores the region’s strong growth and the critical role business travel plays in driving economic expansion, fostering innovation and strengthening in-person connections. Strategic investment in travel remains essential for organisations navigating an increasingly complex global environment.”
The top five APAC markets for business travel spending—China, Japan, South Korea, India and Australia—are projected to generate $623.2 billion USD combined, representing just over 40% of the global business travel forecast of $1.69 trillion USD in 2026. Growth across the region is being fueled by sectors such as manufacturing, utilities, construction and administrative services, highlighting the deep connection between business travel and core economic activity. Despite the strong outlook, industry sentiment remains cautiously optimistic. Findings from GBTA’s April global survey show optimism among APAC professionals declining from 56% in January to 46% in April, while pessimism remained steady at approximately 25%. This reflects ongoing concerns around cost pressures, geopolitical uncertainty and evolving risk and safety considerations impacting travel programs worldwide.
The conference also highlighted the significant economic contribution of business travel to Singapore. Early findings from GBTA’s upcoming International Economic Impact Study reveal that business travel to and within the city generated $8.1 billion USD in industry-driven revenue in 2024, including $1.3 billion USD in tax contributions and support for 33,636 jobs. Additionally, business travel contributed $2.9 billion USD in local value-added revenue, with 56% of every dollar spent remaining in the local economy—underscoring Singapore’s role as a global hub for business travel, meetings and events. Among conference attendees were 327 corporate travel buyers from 205 organisations representing a combined $21.3 billion USD in annual travel spend, while half of all delegates attended the event for the first time.
Elle Ng-Darmawan, Senior Director, APAC for GBTA, said, “Our APAC conference highlights both the momentum of this region and GBTA’s deepening commitment to supporting its growth. As the region’s global influence continues to expand, we are strengthening connections, advancing learning and ensuring our members are equipped to navigate change and capitalise on emerging opportunities.”
With strong spending forecasts, continued innovation and deeper collaboration across the ecosystem, Asia Pacific remains firmly positioned at the forefront of global business travel growth.