If 2024 hinted at a resurgence in SME international travel, 2025 has confirmed it. Our latest SME Travel Survey reveals a sector that’s not only back on the move but travelling with more purpose, confidence and ambition than ever.
In the last 12 months, organisations took an average of 6.23 overseas business trips, showing that international travel has once again become an essential part of SME operations.
And crucially, they’re happy about it: 96% of respondents say they enjoy travelling overseas for business, with only 4% saying they never enjoy it.
The most popular reasons SMEs travelled overseas this year were all centred on human connection and commercial impact:
Meeting clients, customers or prospects in person (55%)
Attending major industry events, conferences and trade fairs (53%)
Meeting with suppliers, manufacturers or partners (47%)
Visiting on-site projects (31%)
Meeting co-workers or overseas employees in person (29%)
And the benefits were clear. Respondents reported that overseas travel contributed to:
Stronger customer and client relationships (49%)
Enhanced collaboration (44%)
Improved communication (40%)
Increased sales and revenue (39%)
Higher customer satisfaction (39%)
Better connection with overseas colleagues (38%)
For SMEs, the return to in-person interactions is directly linked to performance, growth and relationship-building.
One of the stand-out shifts in 2025 is the blending of business and leisure. A huge 76% of people extended at least one overseas business trip with personal time, up from 48% last year.
And it’s not just about extending trips: 58% brought a partner or family member along, up from 42% in 2024.
Business travel is no longer purely transactional - it’s increasingly a holistic part of employees’ lifestyles and work-life balance.
This year, SMEs demonstrated increased commitment to responsible travel. Top sustainability actions included scheduling multiple meetings in one trip (33%) and booking direct flights (32%).
Meanwhile, there was a clear focus on preventing burnout and improving the travel experience. 29% avoided last-minute trips, 27% allowed recovery time after travel, and 27% kept in regular contact with the travelling employee(s).
Together, these shifts show a more thoughtful, people-first approach to international business travel.
Our 2025 data shows a year defined by purposeful travel, stronger relationships, and a clear focus on traveller wellbeing.
For deeper insights, download the full 2025 SME Travel Report and discover how you can get the best from your business travel programme.
Ready to elevate your business travel programme, with care-led, traveller-first solutions that deliver real ROI? Get in touch with us for more information on how we can support you.
Take a look at the highlights from our Corporate Conference in Birmingham, which brought together our community to share real stories, insights, and ideas shaping the future of business travel — and discover what it means for our clients, from more personalised support to smarter, more resilient travel management.
We are currently monitoring ongoing airspace disruption affecting parts of the Middle East. The situation is evolving and may impact flights to, from, or transiting through the region. Our priority is to support clients and travellers with clear guidance, proactive monitoring, and practical solutions in line with airline policies and official government advice.
In an uncertain world, unmanaged business travel is a growing risk. Discover how a people‑centred managed travel programme can protect your travellers, control costs, and build resilience, with the dedicated support of Travel Counsellors for Business.