Cvent Global Travel Managers Report Reveals 91% Manage Both Business Travel and Meetings

Cvent unveiled the findings of its 2025 Global Cvent Travel Managers Report, offering comprehensive insight into how sourcing, budgets and business travel priorities are evolving worldwide.

Responses from over 1,600 corporate travel decision-makers reveal that a majority (91%) of travel managers currently source hotels and venues for their organisation’s meetings and events, a significant increase from 2017, when 64% of meetings and travel programmes were either consolidated or on the verge of consolidation, highlighting the shift toward centralised sourcing as the new standard. The primary reason for this consolidation is enhanced operational efficiency (49%), which rises to 53% in Europe. More than four in five (83%) respondents report that they’ve reduced costs by managing both programmes together.

As in-person engagement continues to prove its value, travel managers are prioritising meetings that drive clear business outcomes. The top reason for face-to-face meetings globally is acquiring new customers (43%), similarly echoed by European managers (43%).

Rising travel costs remain a concern, with 71% of travel managers expecting higher expenses in 2025. Consequently, organisations are reassessing travel, with incentive trips (31%) and internal meetings (31%) the most likely to be cut. Despite cost pressures, only 13% plan to cut technology spending this year, illustrating a continued need for robust technology platforms to enable greater efficiency and programme visibility.

Other Report Highlights

Online content and sourcing technology remain critical tools to enable more informed venue decisions.

• 48% of travel managers surveyed state that specifications, images and videos of guest rooms most influence their decision to submit an RFP.
  — To evaluate hotel suitability, they rely on travel websites (52%), hotel websites (47%) and search engines (42%).
  — Despite these resources, 33% struggle to determine whether a hotel meets programme needs.
   
• In Europe, sourcing platforms play a more significant role, with 43% stating they help them assess and analyse bids easily, surpassing the global average of 38%.

Sustainability remains a top concern.

• 30% of travel managers worldwide and 32% in Europe indicate sustainability practices and goals will influence business travel priorities through 2026.
   
• In Europe, travel managers value commitments to waste reduction (32%) and locally sourced food (29%) the most.

“This year’s global report demonstrates how the role of the travel manager has become increasingly strategic and streamlined, overseeing both business travel and event sourcing. Despite ongoing budget concerns due to rising travel costs, organisations are recognising significant operational and financial benefits from this consolidation. This trend is particularly strong in Europe, where travel professionals are focusing on operational efficiency and leveraging digital tools to overcome sourcing challenges, drive smarter decision making and deliver greater value,” said Graham Pope, Cvent Vice President of International Sales.

“The findings also underscore the importance of working with partners who can support this evolution. Hotels and venues that embrace the sourcing needs of today’s travel managers, including sustainability and transparency, and offer strong supplier partnerships, will be best placed to succeed.”

About the Study

In March and April 2025, Cvent partnered with Censuswide to survey over 1,600 business travel decision-makers across North America, Europe (including the UK), Asia-Pacific and the Middle East and Africa. The research explores trends in sourcing, spend management, technology use and more.
 

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