Faster-growing SMEs link business travel to culture
New Amex GBT report shows high-growth companies use travel beyond client work
A new report by American Express Global Business Travel and Ipsos finds that small and midsized companies with stronger revenue growth are traveling more—and using travel as a tool for staff development and company culture, not just for client-facing work.
Key takeaways
- Growth leaders travel more: 66% of high-growth SMEs sent employees on international trips versus 52% of slower-growing companies.
- Travel purpose shifts: Faster-growing firms traveled less for client projects or relationship-building than slower-growing peers.
- Focus on development: Training, learning, and team-building trips were far more common among growth leaders (55% vs. 45%).
- Conferences are a priority: Both groups cited conferences, trade shows, and exhibitions as top travel drivers, with growth leaders ahead at 58%.
- Culture-building role: Travel among growth leaders supports staff engagement and company culture, not just servicing clients.
- Innovation-oriented behavior: Growth leaders more often introduced new products, exported goods, and sought external specialist advice, especially on AI, automation, and market insights.
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