A Look Back and a Glance Ahead

As we step into 2026, it feels like the perfect moment to reflect on the momentum that carried us through last year, not just in terms of travel, but in how we work and how we adapt to change.

Looking back across the blogs I wrote throughout 2025, a clear narrative emerged; business travel recovered its purpose, and work culture continued to evolve. What stood out to me was how the landscape changed; in a way that felt more considered and grounded than before.

Here are the themes that defined 2025, and what they mean for the year ahead.

A Brief Look Ahead: What will Shape 2026

2026 will be a year shaped by readiness and steady adjustment. Not dramatic shifts (I hope) but the continued evolution of trends set in motion this year. To bring some clarity to my thoughts, I’ve set out a short PESTLE view that highlights the forces likely to influence both leisure and business travel.

• Political: European border changes will affect every type of traveller. Business trips will need more preparation as EES embeds itself into airport processes. Leisure travellers may also experience slower flows at peak times as border teams adjust to the new system.

• Economic: Price pressure will continue to shape demand. Business travel budgets are holding steady, but organisations are focusing on value and clarity rather than volume. Leisure demand remains resilient, supported by strong appetite for experiences and personal travel (even in tighter economic conditions).

• Social: Hybrid working has settled, and this influences both markets. Commuter patterns remain inconsistent, which affects weekday demand for private and public transport and internal meetings. Leisure travel continues to be shaped by traveller wellbeing, personal time and the desire for flexibility around family life. Both groups place higher expectations on comfort and ease.

• Technological: Automation and AI will continue to influence planning and real-time decision-making across business and leisure journeys. The aviation industry and mobility providers will keep investing in tools that reduce friction and support travellers during disruption. Autonomous vehicles will also remain on the horizon; London’s supervised trials and early European pilots show steady, careful progress, and while adoption will be gradual, AV technology is beginning to shape how cities think about future mobility, and sustainability.

• Legal and regulatory: Businesses are under growing legal pressure to demonstrate that they have taken reasonable steps to protect employees when they travel. This includes clearer risk assessments and tighter approval processes (with clearly documented evidence that travellers were given the right information before departure). If something goes wrong, courts are increasingly looking for proof that an employer acted responsibly. In addition to this, vehicle regulations and ZEV mandates will keep influencing ground transport decisions for organisations and suppliers.

• Environmental: Sustainability expectations will remain high. Businesses will look for clearer reporting and more responsible travel choices. Market data suggests that the overall ‘sustainable tourism’ segment remains significant and growing; signalling commercial demand for providers that deliver on sustainability.

Written by:
Hayley Smith-Pryor
Strategy Partner, Experience – Addison Lee

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and cited contributors, and do not necessarily reflect the official views, positions or policies of Addison Lee. Any external contributors (for example, academic experts) are referenced in a personal or professional capacity, and their perspectives should not be interpreted as endorsements by Addison Lee. Addison Lee does not accept responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed in this blog.