Not all business trips are equal: what our SME Travel Survey revealed about the new era of corporate travel

In a world where digital communication tools have never been more powerful, business travel continues to hold a unique and irreplaceable role in driving organisational success. Our latest SME Travel Survey reveals a clear message from businesses of all sizes: face-to-face interactions still matter - a lot.  

But what’s equally important is that not all business trips serve the same purpose. The motivations behind travel are becoming more strategic, more growth-driven, and more closely tied to business outcomes. 

At Travel Counsellors for Business, we work with ambitious SMEs every day. The findings from our survey shine a light on how travel is evolving, and how a trusted Travel Management Company (TMC) can support businesses to grow smarter, safer, and more sustainably. 

Why travel still matters to business success

In an increasingly digital world, many predicted that video calls and virtual collaboration tools would replace much of corporate travel. But SMEs are telling a different story. 

Among respondents planning to take more overseas business trips, the motivations reflect clear commercial priorities: 

The message is unmistakable: business travel is viewed as an investment, not a cost. 

Opportunities are opening up overseas, and SMEs that step forward are positioning themselves for growth. 

The value of in-person interactions

While digital tools provide convenience, they can’t fully replicate the nuance, trust, and connection that comes from meeting someone face to face. This is reflected in the top reasons SMEs travel overseas: 

SMEs recognise that certain outcomes simply happen more effectively when people share the same room. Whether it’s building trust, reading body language, deepening collaboration, or rapidly solving a client issue, the power of in-person connection remains unmatched. 

The benefits of overseas travel

This is further reinforced by what respondents see as the biggest benefits of overseas business travel: 

These numbers tell an important story: face-to-face interactions are catalysts for performance, growth, and long-term commercial success. 

What business travellers prioritise

The survey also revealed how SMEs are increasingly thoughtful about how they travel, not just why they travel. 

The top priorities when planning overseas trips include: 

A purpose-driven future of business travel

SMEs want travel that is cost-effective yet comfortable, convenient yet sustainable. Balancing these needs requires expertise, technology, and the right support. 

The findings from our SME Travel Survey make one thing clear: business travel is evolving, not disappearing. SMEs are travelling with greater purpose, clearer intent, and a sharper focus on outcomes. And while digital tools remain essential, they complement, rather than replace, the richness of face-to-face human connection. 

At Travel Counsellors for Business, we’re here to help SMEs navigate this new era of purposeful travel and turn every trip into an opportunity for growth. If you’d like help designing a smarter, more efficient business travel strategy for your organisation, we’d love to support you, so get in touch today.