The study surveyed UK business travellers and decision-makers across various companies, revealing that nearly 59% of Gen Z workers plan to increase their work-related travel in the next 12 months, more than any other generation. For many, these trips are seen as crucial for enhancing their appeal to potential employers (81%) and advancing within their current roles (83%).

Gen Z stands out as one of the most dedicated groups when it comes to business travel. They are the most likely to combine work and leisure in a single trip, with 44% strongly agreeing that this approach boosts productivity while reducing the need for multiple flights. Additionally, 54% of Gen Z respondents strongly agree that they can effectively manage their workload during business trips.

The research also highlighted that Gen Z employees tend to work longer hours while travelling, with 74% reporting they put in an average of 4.6 extra hours per day compared to a typical office day – more than any other generation.

Sustainability is another priority for Gen Z business travellers, with 48% actively collaborating with their employers to make travel more eco-friendly. Their efforts include increased use of public transport (67%), choosing environmentally responsible accommodations (43%), and extending stays to consolidate meetings (52%).

Meanwhile, UK businesses are ramping up their travel budgets, with 85% planning to maintain or increase spending on business travel in the coming year. This reflects a growing recognition of the importance of travel for driving sales, building relationships, and supporting international expansion. Compared to previous findings from 2021, when only 42% of UK businesses intended to increase travel, this year’s results underscore the continued value placed on these trips, particularly for strengthening client relationships (40%) and gaining insights into local markets (28%).

Moreover, 75% of businesses in the 2024 study identified business travel as essential to their growth strategies, with about 32% viewing it as a critical opportunity for employee professional development.

Lee Sullivan, Vice President at American Express, said: “Our research reveals businesses continue to see the value in travel as a way of driving growth and boosting employee engagement, and plan to invest more in this area. Our focus is on supporting firms of all sizes as their strategies evolve – through our Business and Corporate Cards that make travel more rewarding and expense management more seamless.

“It’s also interesting that younger employees see travel as critical for their career development. Gen Z are leading the way in reshaping how businesses approach travel, with a renewed focus on maximising the entire experience.”