The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) and the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) have released a new study highlighting the financial impact of strategic business travel management for U.S. companies.

Analysis of 3,200 firms shows that optimised travel policies can increase revenue by up to 30%.

For each 1% rise in managed travel spending, revenue grows by 0.20%. This demonstrates the direct link between disciplined, data-driven travel management and financial performance. The study positions business travel not just as a cost, but as a strategic investment capable of driving measurable growth.

Large organisations with over 1,000 employees benefit from economies of scale, with travel and expense budgets averaging $2.4 million (€2m), enabling more effective optimisation. Smaller companies, with fewer than 100 employees, face higher per-employee travel costs but can still improve ROI by implementing structured travel programmes.

Industries with significant field activity—utilities, healthcare, and public administration—spend the most per employee, approximately $8,600 (€7,468), $6,800 (€5,905), and $4,700 (€4,081) respectively. Location-bound industries like food services and education spend less.

The study also identifies the importance of balanced travel policy enforcement. Overly rigid rules can limit performance, while the “sweet spot” combines oversight with flexibility, allowing employees to make efficient, cost-effective travel decisions.

Benchmarking tools provided in the report allow companies to compare their travel spend against industry peers, highlighting areas for optimisation. Companies can adjust strategies to maximise ROI and strengthen business outcomes, whether through more efficient booking, supplier engagement, or cost control.

Explore the full story on the GBTA and ASTA study for practical steps to optimise business travel spending.