Travel Guides & Articles
Mission critical: measuring the ROI of business travel in 2025
The reasons for taking business trips are legion: there’s the executive who can’t afford not to attend that client meeting in China for fear of losing them to a competitor, or that essential conference in Miami allowing a sales manager to meet new partners and generate fresh income. In an age of scrutiny, putting a euro, pound or dollar value on every air mile or hotel room night is increasingly important.
That’s because we now live at a time when videoconferencing and virtual collaboration compete with many in-person trips, enabling us to reduce travel-related carbon emissions, mitigate the impact of travel on individuals, and, of course, keep travel spend in check.
The pandemic showed firms what they’re capable of digitally. Justifying budgets is vital, and ‘Planet, people and profit’ is the mantra when it comes to return on investment.
“The landscape has evolved significantly, making the ROI of business travel more critical and complex,” says Raphael Pasdeloup, senior vice president for global customer management at CWT. “At the same time, calculating ROI remains one of the industry’s most complex challenges, because it goes beyond any straightforward cost-benefit analysis.”
The devil is in the data
An increasing number of corporates now collect data on the ROI of business trips. The financial returns that a company gets from signing a new contract on a trip or retaining a client are potentially easy to put a value on. Sophisticated pre- and post-trip evaluations also make such calculations easier.
“We’re also seeing greater integration of travel and expense policies, which enables companies to report on the true cost of winning a deal, from the plane ticket to the dinner. With advancements in granular sustainability data, we can also include the CO2 impact,” says Fred Stratford, group CEO of travel management company Reed & Mackay.
But it is not always as easy as that and there are still many challenges. A lot of data still sits in siloes and travel costs are often outside an organisation’s core ERP and CRM systems.
One travel manager echoes such sentiment: “ROI can be problematic to measure unless you fit within one of three categories. Firstly, you are within a revenue generating role. Secondly, you have fixed financial metrics for your work. Or thirdly, you are in a company where everyone in every role is measured against some form of numerical value.”
ROI can also be defined differently depending on the type of travel. For instance, training or internal meetings versus marketing or customer meeting and events – each has a different set of values. “Not all business trips have a direct link to an immediate revenue return and therefore measurements and data points need to be agreed upon by trip purpose in order to calibrate these,” says Kerry Douglas, head of programme at the UK’s Institute of Travel Management.
The ITM has also found that many travel managers aren’t actively involved in a company’s decision making when it comes to the ROI of a trip – only 31 per cent said they have influence in this area in a recent ITM poll. If those managing travel aren’t at the table on this issue, it is not surprising that there is little connection between investment and return.
“The challenge is that we’re really only at the beginning of this and studies to date – for instance the Oxford Economics research some years ago that said every $1 spent on travel returns $15 in sales – aren’t sophisticated enough or independent enough, since they’re a bit self-serving,” says Paul Tilstone, founder of Temoji Consulting. “We need to see companies defining where travel brings real value, and assessing the impacts – when they under- or overspend on travel.”
He continues: “Outside of the sales function you need to determine what constitutes success and value first, then you can measure the financial, carbon and people impact of travel to deliver on that success, but it gets very nuanced. Personally, I think this is the topic of our time and we aren’t doing enough about it.”
Companies need to consider measuring success factors, such as deals closed, across both virtual and in-person meetings”
No rule book on ROI
Within the business travel community there is no established best practice on how to manage the true return on investment of a business trip. Legacy travel tools also don’t account for such metrics either, especially in an age of fragmented and dynamic content, which makes it harder to compare like-for-like costs.
There’s also the question of whose role is it to make such calculations? Is the travel management company expected to deliver ROI metrics at the point of sale, or is it the job of the company’s procurement department, or is it a more strategic function? It is a grey area.
“Only the business itself can set the goals for its trips and measure against them, but many are leaning on their travel partners to help put structure around this,” says Stratford.
He adds: “Companies need to consider measuring success factors, such as deals closed, across both virtual and in-person meetings. That then enables an overall ROI metric by looking at how many deals included in-person meetings versus those handled virtually. However, few companies currently measure corporate travel ROI at this granular level.” And therein lies the crux of the matter.
Falling between the cracks
Where travel sits in terms of a business cost on the company’s books is also still a challenge. It is mostly seen as an operational cost rather than an investment for enterprises, and is therefore sometimes perceived as a low priority spend for the c-suite, in terms of scrutiny.
“In 2025 travel managers should adapt a new approach, change travel programmes, create travel policies with strategic goals, shift the focus from cost to purpose, and set incentives based on ROI, not on savings,” believes Michael Friedrich, co-founder and CEO of Tagtu, a platform that helps users maximise the value of business trips. “There should also be a change in mindset from travel being a cost centre to being a creator of value. But nothing works without the support of corporate leadership.”
A focus on purpose-led travel could be one way of reframing how business trips are calibrated. ITM has observed travel buyers having to select which one of their company values a trip aligns to. This enables managers to report where budget and time is being spent across each of a company’s priorities, which can then support better financial metrics.
“It’s why we believe that the focus of travel management is now shifting from the ‘how’ to the ‘why’ of business travel,” echoes Katie Virtue, head of sales and marketing at travel management consultancy Festive Road. “The ‘missing link’ is to find the connection between travel programme objectives and the overarching corporate objectives and purpose. Businesses should consider ROO – return on objectives,” she adds.
Another eventual goal is to improve the culture around travel bookings so that staff ultimately make the right decisions every time, asking the right questions as to whether a trip is worth it or not – and this is where AI-driven data analytics could help.
“Travellers do want to do the right thing,” explains Andy Raimond, practice lead for program optimisation at Amex GBT Consulting. “They want to travel with purpose, book in line with policy and comply with the organisation’s goals and company culture. So, it’s important to empower them to make good choices that work for them and the company.”
ESG to the fore
With sustainability coming to the fore, it is now an increasingly important prism through which the ROI of travel is viewed. Carbon budgets alongside financial ones are becoming an important factor in ROI calculations, as corporations grapple with their scope 3 emissions and broader sustainability goals.
“Each trip now faces a dual evaluation: financial return and environmental impact,” points out CWT’s Pasdeloup. “Companies increasingly seek ways to maximise the value of necessary trips while minimising their carbon footprint, whether through trip batching, prioritising impactful travel or leveraging more sustainable options.”
The interplay between financial, social and environmental factors will certainly demand more sophisticated pre- and post-trip evaluations, integrated tools and data analysis, both quantitative and qualitative, in the future in order to determine whether a trip’s outcomes justify the investment.
“Instead of asking, ‘can we afford to travel?’ the question should be, ‘can we afford to travel inefficiently and unsustainably?’,” states Horst Bayer, founder of TravelHorst, a consultancy focused on sustainable travel. “Companies must shift their mindset to see travel as not just a financial necessity but also a driver of social and environmental responsibility, ensuring that the ROI captures these broader impacts.”
He concludes: “Companies must now evaluate whether the expected financial gains from a trip justify its carbon cost, which has led to greater consideration of lower-impact travel options and alternatives like virtual meetings.” We’re still a long way from a holistic view on the ROI of business travel, but we are making progess.
A TRAVEL MANAGER’S ROI TRAVAILS
Q&A with Evelyn Hamilton, global bid manager, Transcom
What are the real issues with calculating the ROI of trips?
“Calculating ROI now involves more than simply comparing the cost of travel to an immediate financial return. There are longer-term impacts to consider, such as employee satisfaction, wellbeing and retention, improved client or prospect relationships, and meeting sustainability goals.”
What are the main challenges you see?
“There isn’t enough data collected on ROI, either because data is in silos, not collated effectively, or is simply not collected. Companies should rely more on concrete, accurate data to support their travel decisions and justify expenses. Instead of relying on perceptions, anecdotes or ballpark estimates, they should also leverage AI-powered data insights.”
Who’s responsibility is it to define ROI?
“I believe companies need to understand the potential ROI of business trips internally before seeking external assistance from TMCs. It’s up to companies to define what constitutes purposeful travel and to balance carbon emissions with financial budgets, as well as assess the value of each trip with a robust trip decision strategy framework. A collaborative approach is also necessary between TMCs, technology platforms and the travel industry to improve the ROI.
”
Travel Guides & Articles
‘We Cannot Go To Pakistan But He Can’
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday took a fresh swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, mocking his frequent foreign visits and specifically highlighting his surprise stopover in Pakistan’s Lahore in 2015 to meet the then Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif.
“It seems that when the PM is flying in his plane, he looks down and asks, ‘Which country is that?’ When told it’s so-and-so, he says, ‘No worries, we will reach an hour late where we are going; let’s land here now.’ He decides to land just anywhere. That’s how he landed in Pakistan too,” Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann said in Punjabi in the state assembly on Friday, as quoted by Hindustan Times.
“The PM decided, just like that, to visit Pakistan. He had biryani and came back. We cannot go to Pakistan, but he can land there!” Mann added.
ALSO REAAD: Gujarat Weather Forecast: Heavy Rain To Drench Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, Navsari And Valsad Till July 17
MEA Slams Punjab CM Over ‘Irresponsible’ Remarks
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday criticised CM Bhagwant Mann for his remarks on the foreign trips of PM Modi. While disassociating itself from the remarks, the MEA stated that the statement from the Punjab chief minister was “irresponsible” and “regrettable”.
Bhagwant Mann, while taking a jibe at PM Modi’s foreign visits, stated that the prime minister is visiting countries with populations less than even 10,000. PM Modi on Thursday returned to India after his five-nation visit to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia.
“We have seen some comments made by a high state authority about India’s relations with friendly countries from the Global South. These remarks are irresponsible and regrettable and do not behove the state authority,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated.
“The Government of India disassociates itself from such unwarranted comments that undermine India’s ties with friendly countries,” he added.
“Don’t I have the right to ask about the country’s foreign policy and what did he do there? Why does Adani’s business start wherever he (PM) goes? I will continue to ask in the future as well. With 140 crore people in the country, he should engage with them and address their concerns. He says he will stop the Ukraine war (Ukraine-Russia), but he can’t even resolve water issues between Punjab and Haryana,” Mann told reporters on MEA condemning his statements on PM Modi’s five-nation visit.
Travel Guides & Articles
12 adventure hotspots in India for the thrill-seeker’s bucket list |
If you think adventure in India ends with trekking in Himachal or rafting in Rishikesh, buckle up. From diving with sharks to biking on snow deserts, India is a land of opportunities where you can actually put your stamina to test. Whether you’re into heights, depths, speed, or any other adventure, here are 12 adrenaline-pumping, thrill-chasing, Instagram-bragging hotspots across India.
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
White-water rafting? Check. Bungee jumping off India’s highest fixed platform? Double check. Ziplining over the Ganges?All available here. In short, Rishikesh is where adventure junkies come to test their limits and leave with spiritual awakenings, and introspection about their strength.
Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh
Ever wanted to fly although you never went to that pilot school? Bir Billing is your place. Known as India’s paragliding mecca, it’s where you run off a hill with a stranger strapped to your back and land 30 minutes later with your soul still soaring. The view? 10/10. The wind-in-your-face feeling? Addictive.
Andaman Islands
Scuba diving in Andamans is like falling into a screensaver, except the fish are real and the colours haven’t been photoshopped. Havelock Island, or Swaraj Dweep, offers vibrant coral reefs, shipwrecks, and if you’re lucky, a chance to high-five a sea turtle.
Manali–Leh Highway
This isn’t just a road trip, it’s a pilgrimage for motorcyclists. You get it all here, hairpin bends, snow-clad passes, cheeky yaks, and the ever-present possibility of getting lost. If your idea of fun includes altitude, dust, and jaw-dropping views at every turn, saddle up.
Dandeli, Karnataka
Hidden in the Western Ghats, Dandeli offers white-water rafting in the Kali River with Grade III rapids, kayaking, canyoning, and even jungle treks that come with a real chance of bumping into a wildlife. It’s wild, wet, and wonderfully off-the-radar.Read more: Untouched Kerala: 7 secret towns waiting to be explored
Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
This place has moon-like landscapes, fossil-studded cliffs, and roads that seem to have trust issues with gravity. Mountain biking here is no joke, the air’s thin, the drop is real, and the selfies are unmatched. Add a monastery hop if your knees give out.
Meghalaya’s caving circuit
Fancy crawling through dark limestone caves with underground waterfalls and prehistoric vibes? Meghalaya’s got you. Caves like Siju, Liat Prah, and Mawsmai aren’t for the faint-hearted, they’re slippery, spooky, and spellbinding. You’ll love every bit of it.
Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
Forget beaches, try driving over a boundless white salt flat with nothing but mirages for company. During the Rann Utsav, this barren land turns into a cultural carnival, but for the rest of the year, it’s the perfect spot for ATV rides, or paramotoring.
Zanskar River, Ladakh
This is not a trek. This is a frozen-river mission where you walk on precarious ice sheets with temperatures dipping below –20°C, and your breath becoming a visible companion. It’s brutal. It’s beautiful.
Goa
Goa’s not all about beach bumming. Think jet-skiing, wakeboarding, kite surfing, and scuba diving with the occasional shipwreck. North Goa’s all about that fast life, while South Goa has quieter beaches. Pick what suits you the best.Read more: 6 uncontacted tribes in the world: These people will never allow entry in their homes
Auli, Uttarakhand
Want to ski but can’t fly to Switzerland on a whim? Auli’s your snowy saviour. With powdery slopes, ski lifts, and instructors who won’t laugh at your first fall, it’s India’s answer to alpine fun, minus the overpriced hot chocolate.
Bikaner, Rajasthan
Adventure in the desert? Oh yes. Welcome to Bikaner, where you can go dune bashing in 4x4s, zip around on quad bikes, or race camels like royalty on a sugar rush. It’s hot, hectic, but a lot of fun.
Travel Guides & Articles
Rishikesh Is Slowly Replacing Goa And Kerala As India’s Most Popular Tourist Spot And It Is Healing People In Unexpected Ways
Rishikesh Is Slowly Replacing Goa And Kerala As India’s Most Popular Tourist Spot And We Will Tell You Why. (Image: Canva)
For years, destinations like Goa and Kerala have been on top of India’s travel map. Attracting people for their beaches, backwaters and vibrant culture, these two destinations have been a complete delight for tourists. However, in the recent years, a shift has been seen – one which has positioned Rishikesh as the new favourite among travellers, especially those who are seeking more than just a vacation.
Being a small town which is located along the banks of Ganga river in Uttarakhand, Rishikesh has been luring all sorts of travellers – from spiritual seekers to adventure junkies and from digital nomads to slow travellers.
Popularly known as the ‘Yoga Capital Of The World’, Rishikesh is popular amongst Indians and foreigners alike as many priests, sages and real yogis live there. The city is entirely vegetarian and alcohol-free, which may seem unbelievable, considering its tourist footfall. Most rainfall is expected between July and August so its always better to visit the city before or after.
Why Is Everyone Travelling To Rishikesh?
One of the primary reasons for Rishikesh’s growing popularity is its spiritual aura. This place, for a long time, has attracted seekers of inner peace and balance. Every year, thousands visit ashrams and wellness retreats for authentic yoga teacher training programs, meditation workshops, and Ayurveda-inspired healing practices.
Unlike the commercial yoga studios found in bigger cities, Rishikesh offers a more grounded and traditional approach. Whether you are staying for a weekend retreat or a month-long course, there is something about this place which will heal you from within. The daily Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat, the chants that echo through the hills create a spiritual atmosphere that is both calming and transformative.
This is not it. Rishikesh is also a magnet for adventure tourism. From white-water rafting on the Ganga river to cliff jumping, zip-lining, kayaking, and hiking in the surrounding Himalayas, the town offers a bizarre adrenaline rush like no other.
Additionally, sustainability and conscious tourism are also two major factors that have contributed into an increase in number of tourists. Many eco-stays, homestays, and retreats here are now offering low-impact and environmentally responsible lodging options. There is also a growing emphasis on clean eating and mindful consumption.
Last but not the least, accessibility has played an important role too. With the new Char Dham highway project and an improved connectivity from Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, travelling to Rishikesh has become easier than ever.
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