The APAC business travel sector is rebounding in 2023, with a projected 41% increase in travel spending to US$567 billion this year, driven by China's reopening and domestic demand.

Japan, South Korea, and Australia are also on track for a solid recovery, while international business travel is returning to destinations like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.

APAC business travellers have distinctive preferences and spending habits, as revealed by the 2023 GBTA Business Travel Outlook of 4,700 travellers surveyed.

Distinct traits of the APAC business traveller

1. Slightly lower spending: On average, Asia Pacific business travellers reported spending US$1,038 per trip in the previous year, slightly less than their North American counterparts (US$1,219). However, it was more than the spending of European (US$888) and Latin American ($661) travellers.
2. All about the food: Food and beverage expenses constitute a larger share of per-trip costs in APAC (21%) than in any other region, including LATAM (17%), North America (17%), and Europe (18%). Air travel accounts for a similar share of per-trip costs in APAC (16%) and Europe (17%), but a higher percentage in North America (21%) and LATAM (26%), where employees typically travel longer distances.
3. Accommodation preferences: Lodging represents the highest percentage of per-trip spending in all four regions. However, in APAC, it accounts for 32% of expenses, lower than North America (40%), LATAM (40%), and Europe (41%).
4. Booking channels: A quarter of APAC-based business travellers (25%) reported booking their last work trip through "managed" channels, such as travel companies or online booking tools. While this percentage is higher than that of LATAM-based travellers (19%), it is slightly lower than North America (29%) and Europe-based travellers (32%). APAC and LATAM travelers are more likely to book through retail channels.
5. Preference for premium: APAC business travellers often opt for premium services. Of those who took an airplane on their last work trip, 40% flew business class or first class, a rate similar to North America-based travellers (44%) and higher than Europe-based (30%) and LATAM-based (32%) travellers. Similarly, 38% of APAC-based business travellers stayed at upscale or luxury hotels on their last work trip, similar to North America-based travellers (42%) and higher than Europe-based (32%) and LATAM-based (24%) travellers.
6. Bleisure travel: Almost half of APAC-based business travellers (45%) extended their work trips for leisure time during the previous year, a higher proportion than in any other region.
7. Travel for business objectives: About 70% of APAC business travellers are now travelling the same or more than they did in 2019, with 81% reporting that business travel is worthwhile for achieving their business objectives.