Fewer trips, higher expectations
The transactional business trip is fading. Our research shows that 1 in 2 business travelers have turned down at least one trip in the past six months because it didn’t deliver enough personal value.
This shift validates the changing decision matrix for whether professionals will get on the plane or not. Business trips need to feel worth it on multiple levels. Beyond business outcomes, travelers are weighing how the journey supports their career momentum, personal growth, or even well-being. Some report that if the agenda doesn’t promise visibility or meaningful connection, they’d rather stay home.
As frequency declines, impact rises. Fewer trips are being approved, and when they are, travelers expect them to carry more weight—professionally and personally.
Quote from the Tribe:
“I stopped saying yes to every trip. If it’s not moving me forward, I’m too burned out to be in airports.”
Canada-based business traveler - 31 professional trips per year.
Commercial Takeaway
Business travelers are scrutinizing the personal impact of every journey and looking to check off as many “bucket list” items as possible with every trip. Emphasize experiences that advance careers, foster meaningful connections, and support well-being. From networking-friendly spaces to wellness amenities and high-prestige environments, spotlight how your brand ensures every approved trip feels indispensable.
Message us to discuss how your approach compares.
About the MODIV Tribes Series
Since 2022, MODIV’s always-on Mindset® study has engaged more than 48,000 frequent travelers across 25 countries. Our mission: decode the why behind traveler behavior—so travel and hospitality brands can act smarter, faster, and with greater commercial precision.
Our Tribes series distills what hospitality leaders need to know—direct from the source. Each quarter, we engage Business Travelers, Luxury Travelers, Zillennials, and Meeting Planners through our proprietary Mindset® study, then translate what we hear into strategic insights you can use.
This isn't one-and-done research. Each quarter, we go back to a tribe to test sharper questions based on what you tell us you need to know. Got a question you want answered? We invite you to add your voice in the comments or reach out directly.
About the Business Travel Tribe
This study reflects insights from a blended qualitative and quantitative session with 152 travelers across 15 countries, all of whom take 6+ annual business trips requiring flights and hotels. Participants represent a diverse mix of industries, company sizes, job levels, and travel policy types.