2025 APAC Business Travel Trends: Key Shifts Shaping the Year Ahead

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region remains one of the most dynamic markets for business travel, with Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Shanghai, Manila, and Sydney as key hubs for global business travel and corporate mobility. As 2025 unfolds, we especially see notable trends in business travel, influenced by evolving corporate priorities, policy changes, and traveler expectations. Understanding these shifts is crucial for corporate travel managers, mobility professionals, and serviced accommodation providers navigating the region. 

The State of Business Travel in Early 2025 

1. APAC Business Travel Rebounds, but with More Strategic Spending 

Despite economic headwinds in some regions, corporate travel demand remains strong across APAC. According to a recent report from the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), global business travel spending is expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels this year, with APAC leading the way. However, ‘spend’ and ‘volume’ are not the same and travel managers are sensitive to cost increases and inflation, prioritizing cost efficiency. We expect to see more strategic travel planning, longer stays, and an increased reliance on corporate housing solutions with their lower ADRs and greater personalization for travelers. 

In APAC, industries such as finance, technology, and professional services continue to drive mobility. However, benefit budgets are more scrutinized, with organizations seeking greater value from accommodation providers. This shift has fueled demand for serviced apartments and extended-stay corporate housing, which offer cost savings compared to traditional hotels without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Evolving Corporate Travel Expectations 

2. Sustainability and ESG Commitments Reshape Travel Policies 

Sustainability is no longer a preference—it is an expectation. APAC-based corporations are integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into their travel policies, aligning with regional and global regulations.

• Sustainable accommodations: Companies are selecting hotels and serviced apartment providers that adhere to green certification standards such as BREEAM, LEED, or Singapore’s Green Mark. In Hong Kong, major business districts are seeing an uptick in green-certified buildings. Tokyo is promoting sustainable hospitality as part of its Smart City initiative. Shanghai is implementing stricter carbon reduction policies for corporate accommodations. Manila is introducing eco-friendly hotel incentives, while Sydney is expanding its Net Zero Plan to include business travel emissions.
• Carbon-conscious travel decisions: Businesses are prioritizing direct flights, rail travel within APAC, and eco-friendly corporate housing solutions to minimize emissions. Singapore continues to lead in carbon offset initiatives, and Hong Kong’s airport is implementing green aviation programs. Tokyo and Shanghai are expanding high-speed rail networks to reduce reliance on short-haul flights. Manila is seeing the rise of electric shuttle services for business travelers, while Sydney is enhancing public transport options to support sustainable corporate mobility.
• Employee-driven sustainability expectations: Business travelers are advocating for greener travel options, from electric vehicle airport transfers to accommodations offering carbon offset programs. Companies in Singapore and Hong Kong are integrating sustainability-focused corporate travel policies, while Tokyo, Shanghai, Manila, and Sydney are witnessing growing employee demand for carbon-conscious travel options and ethical corporate mobility choices.

As Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Shanghai, Manila, and Sydney drive Asia’s push for net-zero emissions, sustainability will continue influencing business travel choices. Both the travel industry and the global mobility are responding to stakeholder demands by implementing green guidelines for service suppliers and developing carbon calculators for the standardized measurement of travel- and accommodations related emissions. For more information on this, see our recent blog: Leading the Future of Corporate Housing: Dwellworks Living at CHPA CONNECT 2025.

3. Technology-Driven Travel: AI and Automation Enhance the Experience

The role of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in business travel continues to expand. AI-powered platforms are streamlining corporate travel bookings, optimizing expenses, and personalizing accommodation recommendations based on traveler behavior.

• AI chatbots and virtual assistants are now standard in corporate travel programs, helping travelers with itinerary updates, policy compliance, and expense tracking.
• Predictive analytics are enhancing duty-of-care measures, enabling organizations to anticipate and mitigate travel disruptions caused by geopolitical events or extreme weather conditions.
• Contactless check-ins and digital concierge services are becoming more common in serviced accommodations across Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Shanghai, Manila, and Sydney, improving efficiency and traveler satisfaction.

4. Extended Business Travel and the Rise of “Bleisure” in APAC

With the return to travel and visits to more regional offices and client sites, corporate travelers are blending business with leisure (“bleisure”). Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Bangkok, Taipei, Sydney, and other major business hubs have seen an increase in extended stays as professionals combine work commitments with personal travel experiences.

• Companies are adopting more flexible travel policies, allowing employees to extend trips at their own expense or work remotely before or after business engagements.
• Luxury serviced apartments and flexible-stay options are in higher demand, particularly among expatriates and digital nomads seeking seamless long-term accommodations.
• APAC destinations, including Thailand, Japan, and South Korea, are benefiting from business travelers extending their stays for leisure activities.

Regulatory and Geopolitical Considerations

5. Visa Policies and Cross-Border Mobility

Governments across APAC are actively revising visa policies to facilitate business travel. Notably:

• Singapore has expanded its Tech.Pass program to attract highly skilled global talent in AI and fintech sectors. (Singapore’s Tech.Pass)
• Hong Kong’s Top Talent Pass Scheme continues to bolster the city’s appeal as a global financial hub, easing entry for executives and specialists. (Hong Kong’s Talent Pass Program)
• Tokyo, Japan is introducing new digital visa processing systems and simplifying requirements for business travelers from key international markets to enhance corporate mobility.
• Shanghai, China is making strides in streamlining visa applications for foreign business professionals, particularly in finance and technology, as part of broader efforts to position itself as a global business hub.
• Manila, Philippines has introduced visa-free travel policies for select business visitors and is working to expand long-term visa options to attract foreign investments and multinational corporations.
• Sydney, Australia is seeing policy shifts that favor skilled workers and corporate professionals through expanded business visa programs and employer-sponsored work permits.

With more flexible entry policies, regional business travel is expected to see steady growth, although companies must remain adaptable to evolving geopolitical tensions and trade agreements.

The Outlook for APAC Business Travel in 2025

6. Key Takeaways for Corporate Travel and Housing Providers

• Strategic cost management will drive business travel decisions, with extended stays and corporate housing solutions playing a larger role in accommodation choices.
• Sustainability and ESG policies will increasingly impact corporate travel programs, pushing demand for green-certified accommodations and responsible travel practices.
• The rise of bleisure travel will create new opportunities for accommodations that offer flexibility, comfort, and seamless connectivity.
• Evolving visa policies will facilitate cross-border mobility, supporting business expansion and global talent relocation.

For businesses, travel and global mobility managers, and serviced accommodation providers, adapting to these trends is essential to remaining competitive in the APAC corporate mobility and business travel landscape. At Dwellworks Living, we continue to support business travelers and the global workforce with tailored housing solutions across APAC, and worldwide, ensuring a seamless, high-quality experience in a rapidly evolving market.

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