The MENA region is currently experiencing a business travel boom driven by economic growth, infrastructure investments, and globalization. Positioned strategically between Europe, Asia, and Africa, MENA serves as a key business travel hub for various industries, such as oil and gas, finance, trade, and tourism. The region’s expanding aviation network, modern infrastructure, and an increase in business events have all contributed to this growth. It is projected that business travel in MENA will grow at a 15 per cent CAGR from 2023 to 2030, reaching a total spend of $100 billion, with corporate travel accounting for 75 per cent of this expenditure.
In response to this dynamic growth, WegoPro, a leading corporate travel and expense management platform, has introduced the top business travel trends in the MENA region. These trends include digital transformation, a shift towards managed travel programs, technology adoption, sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR), the rise of bleisure travel, intra-region business travel, as well as integrated business travel and expense management.
Digital transformation in business travel and expense management is reshaping how companies operate in MENA, enhancing efficiency and productivity through automation, mobile accessibility, data analytics, integration with other enterprise applications, and policy compliance. The adoption of platforms like WegoPro is transforming traditional travel practices in the region, driving operational efficiency, and ensuring policy compliance.
There is also a gradual shift in MENA from unmanaged to managed travel programs, driven by the need for better cost control, policy compliance, and a focus on employee well-being and safety. This transition reflects companies’ strategic initiatives to enhance efficiency, mitigate risks, and prioritize employee welfare.
Additionally, technology adoption in business travel in MENA enhances customer experience through personalization, pricing optimization, and the use of AI-powered chatbots for booking and issue resolution. Platforms like WegoPro leverage these technologies to offer superior user experiences and streamlined processes.
Sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) are important considerations in business travel in MENA, with sustainable travel remaining a priority. Key factors include transparency and clear objectives, C-level endorsement, investment in sustainable technologies, and guiding travelers towards greener alternatives.
The rise of bleisure travel, combining business and leisure, is becoming increasingly popular in MENA, with 15 per cent of WegoPro’s business trips now extending over weekends. Intra-region business travel is also on the rise post-pandemic, with key routes experiencing increased demand and cities like Dubai and Riyadh emerging as major business hubs.
With 80 per cent of business travel in MENA being unmanaged, platforms like WegoPro offer comprehensive solutions, integrating travel, expense, and company spend management. Additionally, there is a growing trend towards mobile-first business travel and expense management in the region, with mobile apps providing convenience, flexibility, and enhanced user experience for managing travel and expenses on the go, ensuring compliance and improving visibility into travel spending.
