Gen Z reshapes expectations for business travel

How flexibility, sustainability, and real-time risk intelligence are redefining corporate travel programs

Gen Z business travellers are driving a shift toward flexible, personalised, and environmentally conscious travel programs. They want business trips to align with their lifestyles, valuing safety, comfort, and seamless digital tools more than previous generations. Riskline, a travel risk intelligence provider, highlights the growing importance of accurate, real-time information as global disruptions increase. As travel behaviour evolves toward bleisure, slow travel, and sustainable choices, companies and travel facilitators must adapt quickly to meet these new expectations.

Key takeaways

• Gen Z priorities: Younger business travellers expect flexible itineraries, personalised experiences, and strong sustainability commitments.
• Digital-first behaviour: Most Gen Z travellers book trips themselves using mobile apps, online platforms, and messaging tools.
• Safety and risk awareness: Safety is a major concern, and expectations vary by region, with UK and Asian travellers prioritising risk information most.
• Sustainability focus: Eco-friendly airlines, green hotels, and employer investments in sustainable travel strongly influence travel decisions.
• High selectiveness: Nearly all Gen Z travellers would decline a trip that does not meet their expectations for comfort, safety, and flexibility.
• Growing need for risk intelligence: Travel disruptions, climate events, and geopolitical tensions make verified, real-time intelligence essential for traveller confidence.
• Bleisure and slow travel trends: Work-life blending, extended stays, and interest in slower, more mindful travel experiences continue to grow into 2026.
• Technology as an enabler: AI-powered tools, digital entry systems, and personalised travel apps will play a central role in the next phase of travel innovation.

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