Recent data from across the travel sector highlights unprecedented growth in transatlantic travel.
This has occurred for several reasons – pent-up demand since Covid-19, a change in travel habits due to topics, such as sustainability, and a change in business travel habits – just to name a few. But, whatever the reasons, the transatlantic travel trends are on the rise – and there’s never been a more important time to showcase your business to the wider industry.
In 2024, global business travel spending was projected to reach a record $1.48 trillion, surpassing the previous high of $1.43 trillion set in 2019. That spending is expected to continue to grow, with predictions that it will exceed $2 trillion by 2028.
Fuelled by economic stability, businesses are investing in business travel at unparalleled rates – with the financial and insurance sectors having a projected 72% increase in business travel spending through to 2028. After lockdown’s change to working more remotely and businesses spreading their offices across the globe, there’s also a demand to do business face-to-face, so business travel is going to rise as businesses seek to build more meaningful and productive relationships between their teams, and with clients and partners.
International Airlines Group (IAG), reported a 15% rise in operating profits for the peak summer season of 2024, reaching €2 billion. Similarly, Delta Air Lines anticipates record profits in 2025, projecting adjusted pre-tax earnings of $6 billion, up from $5.2 billion in 2024.
With demand comes expansion, and these major airlines, amongst others, have all increased their routes – naturally increasing the opportunity for the MICE sector too, with availability and affordability now more likely for the whole spectrum of travellers.
The traditional model of same-day return business trips is witnessing a decline, due to climate change concerns and a rise in virtual meeting platforms, with a shift towards multi-day business trips. Furthermore, 64% of business travellers are extending their work trips into vacations.
With business travellers staying for longer, and incorporating leisure-time into their trip, this opens up a huge opportunity for the MICE sector. It extends growth from hotels and hospitality into DMCs and destination discovery.
Driven by a resurgence in business travel and a heightened appetite for international events, there’s never been a better time to strengthen your transatlantic MICE connections.
Our M&I Transatlantic 2025 event in Miami deliver you ROT and ROI by securing high-quality cross-continental industry experts for you to meet with at our events. With our signature 1-2-1 meetings, destination discovery and evening events, you can build deep and meaningful connections with these audiences over the course of the event, taking strong business partnerships back to your home country and your office.
Why not reach out to one of our team today to make sure you have an M&I event in your 2025 calendar?
Global buyers
16-20 Mar 2025 | Morocco
American curators
24-27 Mar 2025 | Canada
UK & EU buyers
27-29 Aug 2025 | Croatia
The M&I Forum experience streamlined into two impactful days
Open your property up to a new range of events and opportunities by taking advantage of an online assessment created by our event partner, Healthcare Venues, which will determine if your venue is capable of hosting healthcare meetings and events.
If your property passes, you’ll receive Healthcare Venue certification, verifying you to our buyer network as a specialist healthcare venue.
Tim Chudley
Managing Director, Sundial Group
