Britain’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are planning a significant rebound in international business travel, with budgets set to rise by 12 per cent in 2025, according to new research from Travel Counsellors for Business.
The survey of 1,000 UK SMEs found that almost two-thirds (62 per cent) intend to increase their international travel spending over the next 12 months, bringing average annual expenditure to £47,865. The findings suggest that, despite ongoing inflationary pressures and geopolitical risks, UK businesses are once again looking abroad for growth opportunities.
SMEs are placing renewed emphasis on in-person meetings to build relationships and win business. More than half of respondents (55 per cent) cited meeting clients, customers and prospects as the primary reason for travel — a 15 per cent jump on last year.
When asked about the benefits, 49 per cent pointed to stronger client relationships, 44 per cent to enhanced collaboration, and 40 per cent to improved communication — underscoring the continued value of human interaction even in a hybrid business environment.
The research also indicates that British SMEs are travelling more frequently and for longer. Nearly 43 per cent expect to take more overseas trips in 2025, with the average company planning seven international journeys per year, up from 6.8 trips in 2024.
According to Travel Counsellors for Business’ internal data, the average trip length has grown from 8.6 days last year to 9.8 days this year — reflecting a shift toward more strategic, multi-purpose travel that combines client visits, conferences and project work.
Europe remains the top destination for UK business travellers, accounting for 67 per cent of planned trips. North America (28 per cent) and Asia (25 per cent) follow, with the US representing 22 per cent of total bookings and showing 9 per cent year-on-year growth.
Meanwhile, travel to BRICS nations — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — has jumped sharply, now 8 per cent of total UK SME sales, with a 26 per cent annual increase, highlighting the pivot toward fast-growing markets.
Corporate confidence returns to premium cabins
Travel Counsellors for Business reported double-digit year-on-year sales growth since the pandemic, driven by a 10 per cent rise in both Premium and Business Class bookings. Demand has been strongest in the professional services and music and entertainment sectors, suggesting a resurgence in industries reliant on personal engagement and global networking.
Melanie Quinn, Director of Travel Counsellors for Business, said the findings reflect how UK SMEs increasingly view travel as “a strategic growth lever” rather than a discretionary expense.
“Our research shows that SMEs recognise the value of face-to-face interaction where the human touch is at the heart,” she said.
“Our technology — including the use of AI — empowers clients with booking flexibility, real-time visibility into spend and traveller behaviour, and robust duty-of-care systems. This allows businesses to scale up their travel budgets with confidence.”
Quinn added that the firm’s ‘high-tech, high-touch’ model combines digital efficiency with personal service:
“We remain true to our mission of pairing innovation with human care, so our corporate travel counsellors can focus on what matters most — building relationships and delivering a concierge-level experience for every SME client.”
The sharp rise in SME travel spending offers one of the clearest signs yet that British businesses are regaining international ambition after several years of pandemic-era caution. As firms seek to deepen partnerships and secure new contracts abroad, business travel is re-emerging as a cornerstone of UK export and growth strategy.