The vast majority of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) see in-person engagement as central to their growth ambitions in 2026, according to new research from American Express Global Business Travel.
The study, based on a survey of 500 senior decision-makers across the UK and the US, found that 83% of SMEs plan to increase face-to-face interaction with clients and customers as part of their growth strategy, underlining the continued importance of business travel in a hybrid working world.
Conferences, trade shows and exhibitions emerged as the primary drivers of travel activity, cited by 61% of respondents. Professional training and development followed closely at 56%, while 53% highlighted client relationship building as a key reason for travelling.
Despite the clear intent to travel more, the research revealed a significant gap in how SMEs manage business travel. Only 35% of respondents said their organisation currently uses a centralised travel management system, suggesting many businesses may be missing opportunities to improve cost control, duty of care and risk management as travel volumes rise.
The findings point to a potential disconnect between strategic growth ambitions and the operational frameworks needed to support them, particularly as travel programmes scale.
Beyond travel, the research shows SMEs are prioritising productivity, operational efficiency and the integration of artificial intelligence as core pillars of growth. AI is increasingly being viewed not as an optional enhancement, but as a fundamental business capability, particularly in addressing skills shortages and improving decision-making.
Talent attraction, employee wellbeing and upskilling also featured prominently among SME priorities, reflecting the challenge of balancing growth with sustainable workforce strategies.
Becky Power, vice president of SME client management at American Express Global Business Travel, said the findings highlight a pivotal moment for smaller businesses. “Our research shows SMEs are entering a critical phase,” she said. “AI has moved from a ‘nice-to-have’ to a business imperative. The companies leading this shift are those using AI to help close the talent gap, while simultaneously doubling down on the human connections that drive new business.”
For the business travel sector, the results reinforce a broader trend towards fewer but more purposeful trips, where in-person interaction is closely tied to measurable outcomes. As SMEs look to expand in 2026, travel linked to relationship-building, learning and visibility appears set to remain a core growth lever, even as technology reshapes how journeys are planned and managed.
The challenge now, the research suggests, will be ensuring that travel programmes evolve at the same pace as ambition, combining smarter tools with the face-to-face connections that SMEs still see as irreplaceable.