Business travel spending in Italy is projected to reach €34 billion in 2025, as reported by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA).

According to the association¡¯s 2025 Business Travel Index, this represents an 8 per cent year-on-year increase, placing Italy among the top ten global markets for business travel, based on spend.

Italy¡¯s projected spending growth outpaces that of Germany (with an anticipated annual growth rate of 4 per cent), France (also 4 per cent), Spain (where the market is expected to remain stagnant at 0 per cent growth) and the Netherlands (where a 1 per cent decline is expected).

The report, first published in July, forecast global business travel expenditure to reach a record US$1.57 trillion this year. Italy¡¯s country-specific data was presented at the GBTA Italy Conference?in Milan this week, highlighting the local industry¡¯s ¡°strong recovery¡± following the pandemic.

According to GBTA, 76 per cent of Italian business travellers who were surveyed for the report have either reached or exceeded their 2019 travel volumes. More than 95 per cent also said travel is ¡°worthwhile¡± in order to achieve their overall business objectives.

Key sectors identified as drivers of Italy¡¯s business travel growth include utilities, accommodation and food services, as well as arts, entertainment and recreation, according to the association.

Speaking at the conference this week, GBTA Italy director?Fulvio Origo, said: ¡°Italy is a global leader in business travel, with projected growth in spending for 2025 greater than other major European markets like France, Germany and Spain.??

¡°However, the risks of trade policy uncertainty loom large for the Italian business travel sector, as they do for many other sectors. For this reason, it is crucial for business travel professionals to collaborate, share insights and address the challenges we face together, so we can navigate the current uncertainty and ensure our sector continues to thrive in the years ahead,¡± Origo said.?