Latin America Business Travel Market

Market Overview 2025-2033:

The Latin America business travel market size reached USD 50.6 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 86.9 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 5.89% during 2025-2033. The rising investments in transportation and communication infrastructure, the implementation of favorable government policies to attract foreign investments to promote business growth, and the significant expansion in several industries are some of the major factors propelling the market.

Business travel refers to the practice of employees or professionals traveling to different locations for work-related purposes. It is essential in modern business operations, allowing organizations to expand their reach, forge new partnerships, and attend essential meetings, conferences, and trade shows. It facilitates face-to-face interactions, which often lead to more effective communication, relationship-building, and decision-making. These trips can be short domestic visits to international journeys, depending on the scope of the company's operations and objectives. Nowadays, business travel is an integral part of global commerce and offers opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and exposure to numerous markets and cultures.

The market is primarily driven by sustained economic growth leading to increased commercial activity. Additionally, businesses are expanding their operations, requiring more frequent and extensive travel to foster partnerships, attend conferences, and explore new markets, thus contributing to market growth. Moreover, several technological advancements are facilitating business interactions, often complementing in-person interactions, face-to-face negotiations, and relationship-building remain essential which represents another major growth-inducing factor. Besides this, several government initiatives to attract foreign investments and encourage business growth incentives such as simplified visa processes and investment-friendly policies making the region more appealing for foreign companies and entrepreneurs, leading to a rise in business-related travel are accelerating the market growth. Furthermore. companies are recognizing the value of combining business and leisure to create more appealing trips for employees’ morale, thus creating a positive market outlook.

Latin America Business Travel Market Trends/Drivers:

The rising investments in transportation and communication infrastructure

The market is primarily driven by significant investments directed toward enhancing transportation and communication infrastructure, which is influencing the market growth. In addition, governments and private stakeholders are collaborating to bring about substantial improvements, thus contributing to market growth. Moreover, these investments have translated into modernized airports, expanded flight networks, upgraded road and rail systems, and advanced digital communication networks representing another major growth-inducing factor. Besides the significant growth of direct flight routes between key business hubs within the region and to international destinations considerably minimized travel times and increased accessibility, thus accelerating the market growth. Also, seamless transportation options, coupled with reliable communication networks, are improving the region’s appeal for business travelers, thus augmenting the market growth. Apart from this, the availability of efficient transportation infrastructure ensures smoother travel experiences, facilitating timely attendance at conferences, meetings, and negotiations, thus propelling market growth.

The implementation of favorable government policies

Governments across the region are recognizing the significance of nurturing a conducive environment for foreign investments, market expansion, and economic development. Consequently, they are introducing numerous policies designed to attract, facilitate, and promote business travel activities that are influencing market growth. Moreover, simplified visa procedures, for instance, streamlining the entry process for travelers, and facilitating quick and hassle-free access to the region represent another major growth-inducing factor. Along with this, the implementation of policies encouraging foreign direct investments and offering tax incentives to businesses looking to establish regional headquarters or subsidiaries are propelling the market growth. Apart from this, government support for business events, exhibitions, and conferences is fostering networking opportunities, knowledge sharing, and technology transfer, thus augmenting the market growth.

Latin America Business Travel Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the Latin America business travel market report, along with forecasts at the regional and country levels from 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on type, purpose type, expenditure, age group, service type, travel type and end user.

Breakup by Type:

• Managed Business Travel
• Unmanaged Business Travel

Unmanaged business travel represents the most popular type

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type. This includes managed business travel and unmanaged business travel. According to the report, unmanaged business travel accounted for the largest market share.

Unmanaged business travel encompasses travel that is arranged without the oversight of a company's travel policy or a designated travel management service. This segment holds a significant portion of the market in Latin America due to the flexibility and autonomy it offers to individual travelers or small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) without stringent travel policies. Travelers in this segment often make arrangements based on personal preferences or direct bookings through online platforms, leading to a diverse range of travel experiences and expenditures. The prevalence of unmanaged business travel in the region reflects a dynamic market environment, where the rapid adoption of technology and mobile applications empowers individuals to plan and manage their travel independently, often seeking value-driven and convenient solutions.

Managed business travel, on the other hand, refers to trips organized and booked through a company's internal department or an external travel management company (TMC). This segment is characterized by a structured approach to organizing business trips, where travel policies and budgetary controls are strictly adhered to. Managed travel programs are designed to streamline travel processes, negotiate corporate rates with service providers, and ensure duty of care for traveling employees. The focus within this segment is on cost efficiency, policy compliance, and the integration of travel data for strategic management purposes.

Breakup by Purpose Type:

• Marketing
• Internal Meetings
• Trade Shows
• Product Launch
• Others

Marketing holds the largest share of the market

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the purpose type has also been provided in the report. This includes marketing, internal meetings, trade shows, product launch, and others. According to the report, marketing accounted for the largest market share. 

Marketing professionals frequently cross the region to attend conferences, workshops, and trade shows, where they gain insights into cutting-edge marketing strategies, industry trends, and emerging technologies representing another major growth-inducing factor. Additionally, the markets present unique opportunities for businesses to tailor their marketing efforts to local preferences and cultures providing a positive thrust to the market growth.

Besides this, the prominence of digital marketing, social media engagement, and influencer partnerships further intensifies the need for marketing experts to immerse themselves in regional nuances, thus accelerating market growth. As the region embraces digital transformation and e-commerce, the demand for marketing-related travel is driven to sustain its upward trajectory, solidifying Latin America's position as a hub for marketing innovation and industry knowledge exchange.

Breakup by Expenditure:

• Travel Fare
• Lodging
• Dining
• Others

Travel fare presently accounts for the largest market share

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the expenditure has also been provided in the report. This includes travel fare, lodging, dining, and others. According to the report, travel fares accounted for the largest market share.

Travel fare, encompassing airfares, train tickets, and other transportation costs, constitutes a substantial portion of travel expenses which is contributing to the market growth. In addition, the need for convenient, quick, and efficient travel options is accelerating market growth.

Moreover, professionals travel long distances to attend meetings, conferences, and business engagements leading to the widespread adoption of travel, expansion of air routes, improved flight connectivity, and the rise of budget airlines have made air travel accessible and essential for travelers representing another major growth-inducing factor. Also, the expansion of air routes, improved flight connectivity, and the rise of budget airlines made air travel more accessible and essential for business travelers are augmenting the market growth.

Furthermore, the implementation of technology-driven travel solutions, such as online booking platforms and mobile apps, has allowed travelers to compare fares and find cost-effective options thus propelling the market growth.

Breakup by Age Group:

• Travelers Below 40 Years
• Travelers Above 40 Years

Travelers below 40 years hold the largest share of the market

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the age group has also been provided in the report. This includes travelers below 40 years, and travelers above 40 years. According to the report, travelers below 40 years accounted for the largest market share.

Travelers below 40 years of age are emerging as the market growth. In addition, the tech-savvy nature of this age group aligns well with the technological advancements shaping the market growth. Also, young professionals are more inclined to adopt digital tools, virtual collaboration platforms, and mobile apps that facilitate efficient communication and itinerary management, enhancing the travel experience.

Moreover, as businesses expand their operations across borders, these young professionals are eager to seize opportunities for networking, skill enhancement, and exposure to international markets thus increasing business travel activities, such as attending conferences, industry events, and cross-border meetings, which represents another major growth-inducing factor.

Furthermore, travelers below 40 often embrace the leisured trend, combining business trips with leisure activities, and extending their stays to explore the cultural and recreational offerings of the destinations which enhances their experiences, thus creating a positive market outlook.

Breakup by Service Type:

• Transportation
• Food and Lodging
• Recreational Activities
• Others

Food and lodging presently accounts for the largest market share

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the food and lodging has also been provided in the report. This includes transportation, food and lodging, recreational activities, and others. According to the report, food and lodging accounted for the largest market share.

Food services are essential in enhancing the travel experience. Latin America's rich gastronomic heritage offers an array of flavors, from traditional local cuisines to international delicacies thus influencing individuals to seek out authentic dining experiences that reflect the region's cultural diversity which is influencing the market growth. Also, food services are providing several kinds of culinary options to suit various tastes and preferences, thus contributing to the market growth.

Moreover, the lodging segment is witnessing significant growth due to the rise in business travel activities. A diverse portfolio of accommodations, including luxury hotels, boutique stays, serviced apartments, and business-friendly lodgings catering to the preferences of consumers seeking comfort and convenience. Besides this, the growing focus on modern amenities, connectivity, and personalized services aligning with the evolving expectations of individuals are propelling the market growth.

Breakup by Travel Type:

• Group Travel
• Solo Travel

Group travel holds the largest share of the market

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the travel type has also been provided in the report. This includes group travel, and solo travel. According to the report, group travel accounted for the largest market share.

Group travel offers cost efficiencies, as bulk bookings often lead to discounted rates for accommodations, transportation, and conference facilities, thus contributing to market growth. Additionally, group travel facilitates enhanced networking opportunities, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among professionals attending the same event or conference which strengthens relationships within organizations and encourages cross-industry interactions, thus propelling the market growth.

Moreover, the growing emphasis on interpersonal connections aligns well with the group travel concept representing another major growth-inducing factor. Also, face-to-face interactions are facilitated through group travel, aiding relationship-building and trust development thus accelerating the market growth. Furthermore, the rise of group travel due to the growing number of international meetings and exhibitions is further propelling the growth of the market in the region.

Breakup by End User:

• Government
• Corporate
• Others

Corporate sector represents the most leading end user

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the end user. This includes government, corporate, and others. According to the report, corporate sector accounted for the largest market share.

Corporations across various industries recognize the value of in-person interactions, negotiations, and relationship-building. As the region continues to integrate into the global economy, multinational corporations and local enterprises are engaging in cross-border collaborations, expansion efforts, and participation in industry-specific events.

Moreover, business travel is essential in establishing and nurturing international partnerships, exploring new markets, and attending conferences to stay updated on industry trends. The demand for seamless travel experiences, efficient accommodation, and technologically advanced facilities aligns with corporate travelers' needs. Furthermore, companies are embracing the concept of bleisure, allowing employees to combine business trips with leisure activities, enhancing employee satisfaction and motivation, thus creating a positive market outlook.

Breakup by Country:

• Brazil
• Mexico
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Chile
• Peru
• Others

Brazil exhibits a clear dominance in the market

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Peru, and others. According to the report, Brazil accounted for the largest market share.

Brazil is driven by a growing industrial base and a rapidly expanding business ecosystem. Its role as a regional business hub, coupled with its strategic geographical location, contributes significantly to its market dominance.

Moreover, the improvement of transportation and communication infrastructure is elevating its connectivity within the region and beyond thus representing another major growth-inducing factor. Also, major cities such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are magnets for international conferences, trade exhibitions, and corporate events with rich cultural heritage, and modern business facilities, making it an attractive destination for business and leisure travelers, thus propelling the market growth.

Furthermore, the implementation of the government's initiatives to attract foreign investment, coupled with favorable policies and simplified visa procedures has positioned the country as a prime destination for multinational corporations seeking expansion opportunities, thus creating a positive market outlook.

Competitive Landscape:

At present, leading players in the market are strategically implementing measures to solidify their positions in this competitive landscape. These strategic initiatives encompass a range of customer-centric approaches, technological advancements, and market expansion efforts. They are focusing on offering seamless and personalized experiences to travelers and investing in user-friendly platforms, intuitive booking processes, and responsive customer support to ensure a hassle-free journey for their clients. Moreover, some players are incorporating advanced booking systems, mobile apps, and digital payment solutions to streamline the travel booking process, making it convenient and efficient for travelers. Besides this, key players are offering comprehensive travel management tools that allow businesses to track and manage their employees' travel expenses, bookings, and itineraries which enhances efficiency.

The report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined along with the profiles of the key players.

Report Coverage:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the Latin America business travel market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the Latin America business travel market.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the Latin America business travel industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.