How to Tap Into 2025 Business Travel Trends and Dominate the Corporate Market

2025 is shaping up to be a game-changer for tour and activity operators looking to attract corporate groups. With remote and hybrid work becoming the new norm and workforce expectations shifting, companies are searching for fresh, engaging ways to build team culture, boost morale, and reconnect employees outside of the office.

Gone are the days of standard office parties and stale team meetings. Today’s teams crave unique, memorable experiences—think city-wide scavenger hunts, hands-on cooking classes, or outdoor adventure challenges that bring teams together in meaningful ways.

To help tour operators tap into this lucrative and fast-growing segment of the business travel industry, industry experts have uncovered the latest business travel trends shaping corporate bookings. The 2025 US National Report on Corporate Bookings breaks down key findings from real-world tour operators, market data, and travel buyers to give you the strategies you need to succeed.

Let’s dive into the insights that matter. Up next, we’ll walk you through actionable steps to position your tour and activity business as the go-to choice for business trips, off-site events, and individual and group itineraries.

Key Takeaways from the 2025 Business Travel Trends Report on Corporate Bookings

The 2025 Business Travel Trends Report on Corporate Bookings by UpLevel Tourism reveals key insights into the evolving landscape of corporate travel—an area seeing increased travel spending and renewed interest from businesses navigating shifting economic conditions and evolving challenges.

From changing booking behaviors to the rising demand for curated, personalized experiences, the report highlights what tour and activity operators need to know to attract and retain corporate travelers. Below are four major takeaways to help you stay competitive in this growing market.

1. Corporate Team Experiences Are on the Rise

With remote work becoming a long-term reality for many businesses, companies are actively seeking opportunities to strengthen team cohesion and build relationships outside of traditional work settings.

Key insights from the report include:

• Corporate events are increasing. Many organizations now plan multiple off-site gatherings per year to strengthen team dynamics and morale.
• Convenience is king. Companies prefer turnkey solutions with minimal planning effort—especially when booking through travel providers that streamline the process.
• Team-building remains a top priority. Over 20% of corporate outings focus on team bonding, followed closely by social events and business strategy sessions.

This trend aligns with the broader movement across the global business travel landscape—where organizations are blending business and leisure travel to increase employee satisfaction.

2. Why Companies Are Booking Corporate Experiences

To align your experience with corporate needs, it’s important to know why they are seeking out your experience. Corporate teams book offsite activities for a variety of reasons, with top motivations including:

Additionally, 70% of companies plan more business trips (between 1-4 per year), usually tied to seasonal priorities or company milestones. Of the groups researched, most fall in the 11-20 participant range, emphasizing the need for intimate and engaging experiences.

3. The Simplicity Factor: Corporate Clients Want Effortless Booking

Here’s where many in the travel industry are falling short. Although companies are anticipating increased travel spending, only 16% of tourism businesses currently have a dedicated corporate bookings page—leading to a frustrating user experience for time-strapped corporate travel managers.

Corporate travel decision-makers are evolving to prioritize:

• Structured, ready-made experiences over highly customizable options that require back-and-forth planning
• Easy-to-use technology-driven booking flows

The takeaway? Simplify the decision-making and booking experience by leaning on reservation tech solutions that reduce friction. Companies don’t want to book flights and activities across multiple platforms—they want seamless travel tools that handle it all.

4. What Works Best? Top 5 High-Demand Corporate-Friendly Experiences

Survey data from the report highlights the top areas of focus for operators looking to capture corporate business in the coming year:

1. Corporate & Team-Building Experiences (25%) – Designed to unite teams through meaningful engagement.
2. Technology & Efficiency (18%) – Businesses are investing in ai-powered tools, machine learning, and other technological advancements that make travel smarter and faster.
3. Local & Regional Tourism (15%) – Tapping into nearby corporate clients and offering accessible experiences.
4. Content-Driven Marketing (12%) – Using digital storytelling to showcase the value of corporate offerings.
5. Sustainable Tourism (10%) – Incorporating eco-friendly elements into experiences.

A Boston-based operator saw a 70% increase in private group bookings after introducing a streamlined corporate package designed for off-site team-building. 

5. Understanding the Corporate Booking Cycle

To capture more business trip bookings, operators should align their sales strategy with corporate planning behaviors.

• Most businesses plan their outings 1-2 months in advance. Having availability and promotions aligned with this booking window can significantly increase conversions.
• Defined outcomes matter. Corporate clients prioritize experiences that speak to why they want to book the experience, such as improved team cohesion or a fun way to celebrate a milestone.
• Metrics beyond revenue. While you may track revenue, they care about metrics like team satisfaction, feedback, and long-term morale. Post-event surveys, success metrics, and even offering loyalty points or referral perks can go a long way toward securing repeat bookings.

What This Report Means for Tour Operators: Here are 6 Smart Marketing Strategies to Attract Corporate Bookings in 2025

What this research is telling us is that the time to act is now, as some of the other experience operators in your area are already focusing on this. Those travel companies who establish themselves early as go-to providers for corporate bookings will have a significant advantage, as demand is climbing back to pre-pandemic levels.. 

Waiting too long means playing catch-up in a market that is rapidly defining itself. Now is the time to refine your offerings, create structured corporate packages, and position yourself ahead of the competition. 

So how do you attract and convert corporate clients? Here are 6 key strategies that can help you tap into this booming market.

1. Design High-Value Corporate Packages

Many operators treat corporate bookings as fully custom experiences, which often leads to inefficient planning and unclear expectations. Instead, businesses prefer structured, well-defined packages designed specifically for corporate needs.

Actionable Steps:

• Create polished, pre-packaged corporate experiences with clear inclusions and benefits.
• Avoid selling generalized tours—design experiences that cater to team-building, leadership, and employee engagement.
• Dedicate a webpage to corporate bookings with clear pricing, FAQs, and an easy inquiry process.
• Highlight "seamless planning" and "corporate-friendly" in your marketing messaging.

2. Target the Right Corporate Audience

Many operators assume corporate bookings involve massive groups, but most outings are department- or team-specific, not company-wide. This opens the door for businesses of all sizes to compete in this market.

Actionable Steps:

• Focus on small to mid-sized corporate teams (11–20 participants), as they make up the majority of bookings.
• Market experiences around company priorities like team bonding, leadership development, or end-of-quarter celebrations.
• Use seasonal promotions tied to corporate planning cycles (e.g., Q1 kickoff retreats, holiday parties, summer team outings).

3. Streamline the Booking Process

Corporate clients prioritize efficiency, yet only 16% of tourism businesses currently have a dedicated corporate booking page. Simplifying the booking process increases conversions.

Actionable Steps:

• Add a corporate booking tab to your website with structured package options and an easy inquiry form.
• Offer instant booking for pre-set packages to reduce friction in the sales process.
• Provide a dedicated corporate contact person to handle questions and special requests.
• Automate confirmations, invoices, and follow-ups to enhance professionalism.

4. Offer Corporate-Friendly Experiences

Operators should create experiences that directly address corporate needs rather than simply offering general tours. Successful operators see higher conversion rates when they align their offerings with corporate objectives.

Actionable Steps:

• Team-Building Experiences: Offer activities like escape rooms, scavenger hunts, and problem-solving challenges.
• Culinary Adventures: Organize food tours, cooking classes, or private mixology sessions.
• Outdoor Experiences: Promote guided hikes, water sports, and adventure activities.
• VIP Packages: Provide premium, white-glove experiences with exclusive perks.
• Sustainable Tourism: Incorporate eco-conscious options to appeal to corporate social responsibility goals.

5. Align with the Corporate Planning Cycle

Most corporate bookings happen 1–2 months in advance, so being prepared with availability and promotions at the right time increases conversions.

Actionable Steps:

• Adjust your marketing calendar to align with corporate planning windows.
• Offer early-bird discounts for companies that book in advance.
• Communicate availability for peak booking seasons (e.g., quarterly planning cycles, summer retreats, holiday parties).
• Use email marketing to remind previous corporate clients about upcoming booking windows.

6. Leverage Client Testimonials & Case Studies

Corporate decision-makers trust social proof. If they see other businesses benefiting from your experiences, they’re more likely to book with you.

Actionable Steps:

• Collect testimonials from past corporate clients and feature them prominently on your website.
• Write case studies showcasing how businesses have successfully used your services for team-building or special events.
• Share success stories on LinkedIn and industry-specific platforms where corporate planners are active.
• Encourage word-of-mouth referrals by offering discounts for repeat corporate bookings.

Corporate bookings present a massive opportunity for tour and activity operators in 2025. By designing structured, high-value experiences tailored to corporate needs, simplifying the booking process, and promoting corporate-friendly offerings, you can attract more business clients and grow your revenue.

How TicketingHub Helps You Sell More Corporate Bookings

Securing corporate bookings isn’t just about offering great experiences—it’s about making the booking process effortless. Corporate clients want a smooth, hassle-free reservation system that allows them to book confidently, without endless emails or complicated back-and-forths.

That’s where TicketingHub comes in. It is designed to help you capture more corporate clients by removing friction and making it incredibly easy for businesses to say “yes” to your tours. Here’s how you benefit:

• Effortless Group Reservations – Eliminate delays with an intuitive booking system for seamless corporate bookings.
• Get Paid Faster – Automated invoicing and payment processing speed up transactions while keeping them professional.
• Pro Forma Invoicing – Provide itemized invoices upfront to help corporate clients secure internal approvals quickly.
• Tailored Booking Pages – Use dedicated booking widgets to offer a customized, professional experience for corporate groups.
• Flexible Pricing for More Sales – Offer tiered packages and private group rates that fit corporate budgets and planning cycles.
• Turn Clients into Repeat Customers – Use customer insights to refine offerings and build long-term corporate relationships.

By integrating TicketingHub, you remove common barriers to entry, making it easier for corporate clients to book and repeat their business.

Looking Ahead: Seizing the Opportunity

2025 is a game-changing year for the tourism industry, and corporate bookings present a huge opportunity for growth. Now is the time to adapt—simplify your offerings, tailor experiences to these business travel trends, and make booking effortless with the right technology.

Here’s how you can get ahead:

• Streamline Your Corporate Packages – Create structured, easy-to-book experiences that appeal to businesses looking for seamless team outings.
• Make Booking Easy – Offer dedicated corporate booking pages, flexible payment options, and pro forma invoicing to remove barriers for decision-makers.
• Leverage Smart Technology – Use TicketingHub’s booking system to automate reservations, speed up payments, and keep corporate clients coming back.
• Stay Informed & Competitive – Gain deeper insights by downloading UpLevel Tourism’s 2025 US National Report on Corporate Bookings to fine-tune your strategy.

Corporate travel and team experiences are on the rise, and the businesses that act now will be the ones that thrive. Position yourself as the go-to provider for corporate groups, and 2025 could be your best year yet!

FAQ

1. What types of companies are most likely to book team experiences in 2025?

Companies most likely to book leisure trips and team experiences include:

• Mid-sized businesses and fast-growing startups
• Remote and hybrid teams seeking in-person connection
• Tech, healthcare, and consulting firms with team engagement goals
• Businesses blending business and leisure travel
• Companies prioritizing sustainable travel options and cultural destinations

According to the Global Business Travel Association, business travel spending is rising among companies seeking high-impact, values-aligned team activities.

READ REPORT: Business Travel Industry Kicks Off 2025 with Optimism Amid Evolving Challenges

2. How do I price my experiences for corporate groups without scaring them off?

Here’s how to price confidently while staying competitive:

• Offer structured packages with clear inclusions
• Create tiered pricing for flexibility and value
• Align with corporate travel programs and budgets
• Bundle extras like transport, hotels, or meals
• Emphasize outcomes (team-building, ROI), not just cost

In the past year, company’s spend increased for experiences that deliver measurable impact.

3. Are virtual or hybrid team-building experiences still relevant in 2025?

Yes—virtual and hybrid options are still valuable:

• Support distributed or international teams
• Use virtual reality to simulate immersive team-building
• Help companies reduce carbon emissions and costs
• Provide alternatives amid geopolitical concerns or travel restrictions
• Pair digital options with in-person add-ons for flexibility

Many businesses use technology-driven changes to maintain connectivity without increasing their environmental impact.

4. What should be included in a corporate experience proposal or pitch deck?

Your proposal should include:

• A clear itinerary with inclusions and pricing
• Team-building outcomes tied to business goals
• Sustainability initiatives or more sustainable travel options
• Group capacity and customization levels
• Visuals, testimonials, and social proof for credibility

Corporate travel buyers want proposals that reflect professionalism and ease—especially when evaluating multiple travel providers.

5. How do I align my experiences with corporate sustainability goals?

To meet corporate ESG goals, be sure to:

• Offer eco-conscious experiences and vendors
• Minimize transportation or offer carbon offsets
• Promote local sourcing and low-waste activities
• Highlight emission reductions and community impact
• Use transparent messaging on your environmental impact

With more and more companies tracking carbon emissions, sustainability is now a competitive advantage.

6. How can I stand out from competitors in my city offering corporate tours?

Set yourself apart by:

• Delivering personalized experiences tailored to team goals
• Embracing technology-driven changes like AI or mobile-friendly booking
• Offering hybrid or virtual experiences as needed
• Providing standout service: bilingual guides, unique formats, exclusive perks
• Featuring local culture, niche destinations, or trending themes (e.g., wellness, DEI)

The operators who evolve with increased investment in guest experience are the ones attracting more business travelers.

7. How are corporate travel trends changing in 2025 compared to recent years?

Key changes shaping corporate travel in 2025 include:

• Buyers anticipated a strong return to in-person events and team gatherings
• More companies are choosing local experiences over international trade shows
• Teams are eager to book trips that are purposeful, social, and aligned with new goals
• Travel volume is steadily increasing, but with smarter, more strategic planning
• Corporate travel policies now emphasize flexibility, safety, and ROI
• Many businesses, reacting to geopolitical tensions, are booking closer to home
• Two thirds of companies are integrating wellness, sustainability, or DEI into travel planning
• Compared to recent years, there’s a shift toward agile experiences built for the future of work

In 2025, expect corporate travel to be more intentional, values-driven, and experience-focused than ever before.