A huge majority (91 per cent) of travel managers currently source hotels and venues for
their organisation’s meetings and events, according to the 2025 Global Cvent Travel Managers Report.
This marks a significant increase from 2017,
when 64 per cent 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 per cent), which rises to 53 per cent in Europe. More than four in
five (83 per cent) respondents report that they’ve reduced costs by managing both
programmes together.
Responses from more than 1,600 corporate travel decision-makers reveal that 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 per cent),
similarly echoed by European managers (43 per cent).
Rising travel costs remain a concern, with 71 per cent of travel managers
expecting higher expenses in 2025. Consequently, organisations are reassessing
travel, with incentive trips (31 per cent) and internal meetings (31 per cent) the most likely
to be cut. Despite cost pressures, only 13 per cent 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 per cent of travel managers surveyed
state that specifications, images and videos of guest rooms most influence
their decision to submit an RFP.
- In Europe, sourcing platforms
play a more significant role, with 43 per cent stating they help them assess and
analyse bids easily, surpassing the global average of 38 per cent.
Sustainability
remains a top concern.
- 30 per cent of travel managers
worldwide and 32 per cent in Europe indicate sustainability practices and goals
will influence business travel priorities through 2026.
- In Europe, travel managers
value commitments to waste reduction (32 per cent) and locally sourced food (29 per cent)
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 more than 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.
