The travel landscape is forever on the move and geopolitical events shape it around the world. Business Travel Show Europe looks at matters shaping travel both in the US and Europe. Nearly half of European travel managers believe the ‘Trump affect’ will push travel costs to the United States up. Meanwhile, 83% of travel are familiar with the impact of ETA and ETIAS will bring…
New insight from Business Travel Show Europe has revealed nearly half (48%) of European travel and procurement managers and bookers believe that travel to Unites States will be more expensive with the new Trump Administration in situ.
Over one third (35%) also believes it will be more difficult to travel to and from the United States now the Republican Party are in power, and 44% agree that President Trump’s threatened removal of climate change quotas will dilute the pressure for corporates to expedite sustainable travel programmes.
When asked if their organisations are more or less likely to travel to/from the United States, 9% said more but 12% said less. 29% of the 115 survey respondents answered, ‘I don’t know’, leaving a potential maximum of 24% to believe travel will be cheaper now Trump is in the White House.
Business Travel Show Europe marketing director Jonathan Carter-Chapman: “The Trump Administration has only been in power for two months and policies that may affect corporate travel – trade tariffs, flight bans, possible environment legislation, and more – are still in a state of flux. It’s therefore impossible to know for certain what the impact will be on travel and travellers to and from the United States. Despite that, many travel managers are proceeding with caution and, given the continued pressure to cut costs, are concerned.
The Trump effect and geopolitics: Travel costs to United States likely to rise
“Our opening session at this year’s Business Travel Show Europe hosted buyer conference is called, ‘How geopolitics will reshape your company’s travel programme’. The talk will focus on how the shifting geopolitical environment will impact business travel destinations, frequency and cost of business trips, as well as the risks travellers face. Delegate will discover what the new global risk map looks like and how to re-strategise their travel programmes accordingly.”
Are travel professionals ready for ETA/ETIAS?
Closer to home, the survey also revealed that 83% of respondents are familiar with the UK’s ETA scheme and the EU’s ETIAS scheme, which will both come into effect in the final quarter of the year. Only 14% were not aware of the new travel rules coming into effect on April 2nd.
In total 115 corporate travel and procurement professionals, EAs and PAs were polled in March 2025. 78% of these were travel managers, 17% in procurement and 5% EAs/PAs. The geographical split was UK – 36%, Europe – 47%, RoW – 17%.
Three must-attend travel and meetings & events shows with one pass
Business Travel Show Europe returns to Excel London from 25-26 June 2025 and will run alongside TravelTech Show and The Meetings Show to bring together over 700 qualified buyers and 200 exhibitors for high-level, in-person networking and a premium conference programme.
Registration is now open. It is free for travel buyers, bookers and managers, procurement professionals and EAs and PAs who book travel for their organisation.
About Business Travel Show Europe
Business Travel Show Europe, held annually in London since 1994 and presented by The BTN Group, is the place where serious travel buyers, procurement, and bookers from across Europe go to, improve, benchmark, or establish their travel programmes
Focusing solely on business travel, it brings all the innovation, knowledge and contacts together into one place to allow buyers and bookers to put the corporate traveller at the heart of every story. The unique hosted buyer programme brings many top-level decision-makers to the show with a minimum £1 million travel budget.
The show provides a forum for the industry to talk travel, learn new practices and exciting new techniques, and meet with colleagues and network. It is a show where the industry comes together to do business effectively.
About Business Travel Show Asia Pacific
Business Travel Show Asia Pacific is the leading event for corporate travel professionals in the Asia Pacific region, offering unrivalled networking, education, and sourcing opportunities. Organised by the BTN Group, the show connects buyers and suppliers from Asia Pacific, the US, UK, and Europe. With expertly crafted content developed by the BTN Group’s 40+ years of industry expertise, the event features insightful sessions, cutting-edge innovations, and dynamic networking formats. Co-located with The Meetings Show Asia Pacific, it’s a must-attend for travel and meetings professionals. Visit www.businesstravelshowapac.com for details.
About Business Travel Show America
Business Travel Show America is the premier event for corporate travel professionals in North America, designed to foster meaningful connections, deliver innovative solutions, and provide actionable insights. Hosted by the BTN Group, this inaugural event builds on over three decades of expertise from the successful Business Travel Show Europe. Featuring tailored appointments, thought-provoking educational sessions, and dynamic networking opportunities, it’s where travel and meetings buyers can shape the future of corporate travel. Visit www.businesstravelshowamerica.com for more details.
See PA Life’s Upcoming Events diary for more leading business shows and event for EAs, PAs and Office Managers to attend.
