Business travel in the age of the Trump tariffs

Travel Weekly

6 hours ago

Charlene Leiss is president of Flight Centre Travel Group, Americas, where she oversees a vast network of companies that includes flagship business travel divisions Corporate Traveler and FCM Travel.
We at Flight Centre Travel Group acknowledge that while President Trump's trade tariffs pose challenges, they also highlight the necessity of sustained global business travel and the opportunities they give for businesses big and small. The long history of economic growth and trade goes hand in hand with the movement of people across borders.
For businesses, the answer lies in maintaining robust travel strategies to explore new markets, build and grow international relationships and negotiate mutually beneficial agreements.
The travel management industry is well aware of the apprehensions among both international traders and companies due to the recent tariffs introduced by President Trump. These tariffs, aimed at protecting domestic industries, potentially and inadvertently create barriers to international trade and cooperation.
But business travel worldwide is the key to mitigating these barriers and unlocking new markets. By enabling direct engagement with foreign partners, businesses can navigate many tariff complexities, explore alternative sourcing options and diversify their market presence.
Flourishing markets in Southeast Asia and Africa, for example, can now be seen as opportunity regions for U.S. corporations, especially as American businesses currently face heightened tariffs with Chinese goods.
But through strategic business travel, companies large and small can identify new suppliers in countries less affected by the tariffs, building new trade routes that benefit both the American economy and emerging economies in these regions.
Companies looking to survive and thrive in the new trade tariff world may well respond to the uncertainty by forging new relationships and investing in corporate travel to offset challenges in the U.S., as managed travel becomes a key cog in the machine of driving new market opportunities and collaboration across the globe.
Business travel has played a pivotal role in economic development for centuries, with the only constant being change and opportunity - President Trump's new global tariffs are no different and offers both - where international borders can be lucrative new avenues rather than obstacles.
The historical need for corporate travel -- and the more recent requirement for managed business travel -- is mirrored today by those globetrotting to not only win new business and bid for contracts but to build relationships, negotiate contracts, and attend meetings, events, and conferences.
Today, the link between business travel and economic growth is undeniable.
In an age where AI is playing an ever-increasing role in multiple industries, the connections people are able to create through in-person interactions can't be understated. Who would sign a multimillion-dollar deal over a Zoom or Teams meeting?
Business travel opens a gateway to understanding the local business environment, while ensuring compliance with regional regulations and tailoring products to meet local demands.
As a travel management company, we are committed to supporting enterprises in navigating this complex landscape, ensuring that business travel continues to be a formidable driver of economic success and global cooperation and providing the gateway to thrive in 2025.
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