The 2025 report shows centralised travel and event sourcing is now standard, with 91 per cent in Europe noting that this change has led to cost savings.

Cvent, an industry-leading meeting, events, and hospitality technology provider, unveiled the findings of its 2025 Global 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 per cent) of travel managers currently source hotels and venues for their organisation’s meetings and events, 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.

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.
  • To evaluate hotel suitability, they rely on travel websites (52 per cent), hotel websites (47 per cent) and search engines (42 per cent).
  • Despite these resources, 33 per cent struggle to determine whether a hotel meets programme needs.
  • 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 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.