Investing in alternative aviation fuels and travelling less are the two most popular means of mitigating the environmental impact of corporate travel programmes, according to new survey results published today.
More than half of respondents (55 per cent) in a Business Travel Show Europe poll of more than 100 travel buyers said their company looks to decarbonise, in particular through the purchase of ‘sustainable’ aviation fuel (SAF), while a similar proportion (54 per cent) said simply travelling less was a key tactic.
The two initiatives appear increasingly important to corporates, having both been identified by fewer respondents – 50 per cent in both cases – in a similar survey conducted a year ago.
Among other tactics, four in ten buyers (42 per cent) said their company sources carbon neutral suppliers and service providers, 36 per cent offset their emissions, and 26 per cent partake in carbon removal initiatives.
Published ahead of Earth Day on 22 April, the survey also showed that nearly three-quarters of buyers (73 per cent) build sustainability into their travel programmes, with 46 per cent limiting travel choices to less carbon-intensive options and 44 per cent providing travellers with information on their carbon footprint.
Of the 27 per cent of those surveyed that do not currently consider sustainability in their travel programme, lack of senior management commitment was the primary blocker for 26 per cent of respondents, while cost (15 per cent) and inadequate technology (14 per cent) were also significant hurdles. A further 18 per cent said their company is in the process of appointing sustainability leadership.
Business Travel Show Europe surveyed 115 corporate travel managers, procurement professionals and EAs and PAs in March 2025, 83 per cent of whom were based in Europe.
• Registration for Business Travel Show Europe, which is organised by the BTN Group and takes place in London on 25-26 June, is now open. Ahead of the annual two-day event, the 5th annual Business Travel Sustainability Summit Europe takes place on 15 May in London. Both events are free to attend for business travel buyers, bookers and procurement personnel.