Corporate buyers increasingly turn to TMCs to deliver sustainable travel programmes
Corporate travel buyers are placing growing trust in travel management companies (TMCs) to lead the charge on sustainability, according to new analysis from the Business Travel Show America. The global buyer insight survey, spanning four years of data, reveals a marked shift in how organisations are approaching the environmental and ethical impact of business travel.
In 2025, nearly a third of buyers (32%) reported relying on their TMC to ensure their travel programme is sustainable—up from just 22% in 2024. This trend aligns with mounting legislative pressure around emissions reporting and a broader corporate push to embed sustainability into operational strategy.
The survey also highlights a significant rise in traveller-facing initiatives. Over a third of buyers (35%) now provide employees with information on the carbon footprint of their journeys, compared to just 25–26% in 2022 and 2023. This reflects a growing appetite for transparency and accountability, as both travellers and organisations seek to make more informed decisions.
Environmental impact remains the top priority, with 46% of buyers stating they actively consider and limit the footprint of their travel programmes—up from 39% in previous years. But wellbeing is also climbing the agenda. Policies designed to support traveller health and wellbeing have increased from 23% in 2022 to 33% in 2025, signalling a more holistic approach to sustainable travel.
Louis Magliaro, Executive Vice President of the BTN Group, commented: “It’s encouraging to see buyers planning more sustainable travel programmes despite cost pressures. While legislation plays a role, we’re also seeing employees influence corporate directives. The rise in available data and tools is empowering travel managers, and many are turning to their TMCs for strategic support.”
The findings come ahead of the inaugural Business Travel Show America, held 15–16 October at New York’s Javits Centre. The event will feature a dedicated session on ‘Sustainable Business Travel’, offering insights into the evolving landscape and practical solutions for reducing carbon footprints across corporate travel programmes.