{"id":85369,"date":"2026-02-16T11:08:17","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T11:08:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/reedmackay.com\/?p=85369"},"modified":"2025-12-01T04:50:35","modified_gmt":"2025-12-01T04:50:35","slug":"business-travel-2026-budget-planning-maximise-value","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/reedmackay.com\/ae\/business-travel-2026-budget-planning-maximise-value","title":{"rendered":"Business travel in 2026: planning your budget to maximise value"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Prices for airfares, hotels and ground transport continue to stabilise, with the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) predicting moderate increases in global airfares and hotel rates<\/a>. This offers corporate travel buyers the opportunity to be smart with their business travel budget planning for 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s how you can continue optimising your corporate travel programme for cost-efficiency and added value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Secure the best airfares early<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After a dip in 2025, global airfares are forecast (in GBTA\u2019s report) to rise slightly, by 0.4% in 2026. This modest increase reflects improved airline capacity and easing fuel costs. Nevertheless, geopolitical tensions and aircraft delivery delays may still impact pricing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reed & Mackay Commercial Enablement Manager Jo Shilling advises booking early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAdvance purchase fares can still offer significant savings<\/a>. Booking up to 11 months ahead not only reduces costs but also secures preferred seats and ensures availability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is also essential if you\u2019re planning travel during major sporting events, such as the FIFA World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico next year. We expect that prices will soar during these times so, if you already know your organisation has any fixed-event conferences or meetings planned during these times, book as early as possible for better prices.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shilling also notes that planning ahead also supports trip batching \u2013 combining multiple meetings into one trip \u2013 which can help manage costs, support sustainability goals and promote traveller wellbeing.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Early booking with hotels may help secure better value<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2. Lock in competitive hotel rates<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The GBTA expects that hotel prices will rise by 1.8% globally in 2026, with the average daily rate reaching $166.<\/a> Inflation, limited new hotel development and high occupancy rates are driving these increases. And 61% of respondents to Business Travel News<\/em> 2025 Annual Hotel Survey<\/a> said they expected their companies’ 2026 corporate hotel rates to be higher than in 2025, albeit modestly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEarly booking and leveraging negotiated programmes like our Navan Lodging Collection can help secure better value,\u201d Reed & Mackay Director of Lodging Partnerships Tanya Whitney says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boutique and luxury hotels are gaining popularity among VIP travellers for their personalised service and privacy. Technology developments, especially AI, will continue to transform hotel operations and shape guest experiences. \u201cInvestments in technology, such as contactless check-in and mobile room keys, will enhance the guest experience,\u201d Whitney adds.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Plan around economic uncertainty<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While pricing is stabilising, macroeconomic factors such as inflation and geopolitical tensions continue to influence travel demand. Some companies are informally limiting travel, especially to destinations affected by tariffs or visa complication, according to reports earlier this year in Business Travel News<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Travel managers should remain agile, using data-driven insights to adjust plans and negotiate better deals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Consider sustainability and wellbeing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Advance planning allows companies to choose eco-conscious travel options, such as greener air fares, rail travel over air in certain circumstances that fits with travel programmes, and hotels with sustainability certifications. Advance planning also enables better scheduling to support employee wellbeing, reducing travel fatigue and improving productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Combining cost control with responsible travel practices can also help meet ESG goals while enhancing the employee experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Modest price increases and stabilising demand means next year is a great opportunity for anyone involved in organising corporate travel programmes to plan ahead to deliver even greater value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top tips:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n