In Australia, the intention to spend more jumped to 47 per cent of businesses that participated in TCTG's The State of the Market survey, conducted in June and July 2025. The target respondents were Corporate Traveller and FCM Travel customers, specifically decision-makers, travel managers and authorised travel bookers.
Both in Australia and globally, 37 per cent of businesses were intending on spending the same amount on travel in FY26 as they did in FY25, with only seven per cent planning to spend less this financial year
FCM Travel and Corporate Traveller Global COO Melissa Elf said: “Companies are aware that the cost of doing business is getting more expensive, so those focused on growth are committing budget to activity that deliver returns, and travel is one of those non-discretionary areas of spend that drives revenue.
“On top of that, there’s a real flock to the front of the plane, and businesses are willing to pay for the more expensive cabin classes to get the greatest level of productivity and loyalty out of their travelling staff.”
FCTG's corporate brands of FCM Travel and Corporate Traveller delivered another year of record total transaction values and year-on-year profit growth in the Australian market in their recent FY25 results.
FCTG said one key driver of this corporate travel transaction growth could be attributed to the ever-growing leaning towards premium travel options, and businesses’ willingness to spend on travel comforts, particularly on longer-haul international flights.
“We’re seeing an uptick in the premium economy and business class cabins in particular, both domestically and internationally,” said Elf.
Premium economy bookings are growing at the fastest rate, up nine per cent in the year to date (September 2024 – August 2025), compared to the previous year. Business class followed, up close to five per cent during the same period.
“Rising popularity at the front end of the plane reflects growth and stability across Australian businesses, and it echoes our recent findings that FCM Travel and Corporate Traveller customers are looking to spend more on travel in the year ahead,” Elf said.
