Business travel still has plenty of life left.
According to a study conducted by CSA for Navan, published on July 15, 2026, 71% of French workers consider business trips to be an important, or even essential, part of their professional life.
Over the past twelve months, 51% of those surveyed travelled for work, whether regularly or occasionally.
But behind this average lie strong generational differences.
The under-35s are notably more likely to travel for professional reasons: 64% of them say they did so in the past year, compared with only 38% of workers aged 50 and older.
Contrary to some common beliefs, the most connected generation is not the one least attached to physical exchanges. On the contrary, 86% of those under 35 believe that business travel helps strengthen working relationships and corporate culture. A figure that drops to 64% among professionals aged 50 and over.
Trade shows are the primary reason for travel for the entire group of respondents, cited by 44% of them. Team events, like seminars, come next with 38% of responses.
This perception also translates into future prospects. Only 25% of under-35s anticipate a decrease in business travel in the coming years, compared with 37% of workers aged 50 and over.
According to a study conducted by CSA for Navan, published on July 15, 2026, 71% of French workers consider business trips to be an important, or even essential, part of their professional life.
Over the past twelve months, 51% of those surveyed travelled for work, whether regularly or occasionally.
But behind this average lie strong generational differences.
The under-35s are notably more likely to travel for professional reasons: 64% of them say they did so in the past year, compared with only 38% of workers aged 50 and older.
Contrary to some common beliefs, the most connected generation is not the one least attached to physical exchanges. On the contrary, 86% of those under 35 believe that business travel helps strengthen working relationships and corporate culture. A figure that drops to 64% among professionals aged 50 and over.
Trade shows are the primary reason for travel for the entire group of respondents, cited by 44% of them. Team events, like seminars, come next with 38% of responses.
This perception also translates into future prospects. Only 25% of under-35s anticipate a decrease in business travel in the coming years, compared with 37% of workers aged 50 and over.
The “bleisure” trend more deeply rooted among under-35s
Another notable difference between generations is how they extend business trips with personal activities.
Among those who travel for their job, 65% of under-35s report having already combined business travel with leisure by lengthening their stay, often or occasionally. This practice affects only 24% of travelers aged 50 and over.
The desire is strong among young professionals who have not yet had the chance to do so. 77% of under-35s say they would be ready to take advantage of such an opportunity if it presents itself.
The choice of accommodation also reflects evolving practices. While hotels remain the preferred option, particularly for 45% of business travelers, alternatives are gaining ground among the younger minds.
18% of those under 35 thus state a preference for renting a local lodging via an online platform for a multi-day stay, compared with 14% on average among all professionals.
Among those who travel for their job, 65% of under-35s report having already combined business travel with leisure by lengthening their stay, often or occasionally. This practice affects only 24% of travelers aged 50 and over.
The desire is strong among young professionals who have not yet had the chance to do so. 77% of under-35s say they would be ready to take advantage of such an opportunity if it presents itself.
The choice of accommodation also reflects evolving practices. While hotels remain the preferred option, particularly for 45% of business travelers, alternatives are gaining ground among the younger minds.
18% of those under 35 thus state a preference for renting a local lodging via an online platform for a multi-day stay, compared with 14% on average among all professionals.
The train favored by older professionals
The choice of transport mode reveals, however, an unexpected result.
With comparable duration and cost, the train is more preferred by professionals aged 50 and above: 60% choose it, compared to 52% of those under 35.
This difference does not mean that younger professionals are less sensitive to efficiency or environmental impact. They place more importance on the possibility of working during the trip. 39% of them cite this argument to justify their transport choice, versus 28% among those 50 and older.
Time management before a flight also illustrates different behaviors. 14% of those under 35 report arriving less than an hour before their plane departs, versus 7% of professionals aged 50 and older.
When organizing a business trip, professionals weigh up gains in time, comfort and flexibility.
Overall, 52% of travelers prefer saving time, even at the expense of comfort. Conversely, 40% prefer traveling in better conditions, even if it lengthens the journey.
The under-35s stand out for their pursuit of flexibility. Refundable and adaptable tickets are an important criterion for 46% of them, vs 39% of professionals aged 50 and over.
For the latter group, time savings remain the main criterion, cited by 55% of respondents. This priority is even more pronounced among managers, at 60%.
With comparable duration and cost, the train is more preferred by professionals aged 50 and above: 60% choose it, compared to 52% of those under 35.
This difference does not mean that younger professionals are less sensitive to efficiency or environmental impact. They place more importance on the possibility of working during the trip. 39% of them cite this argument to justify their transport choice, versus 28% among those 50 and older.
Time management before a flight also illustrates different behaviors. 14% of those under 35 report arriving less than an hour before their plane departs, versus 7% of professionals aged 50 and older.
When organizing a business trip, professionals weigh up gains in time, comfort and flexibility.
Overall, 52% of travelers prefer saving time, even at the expense of comfort. Conversely, 40% prefer traveling in better conditions, even if it lengthens the journey.
The under-35s stand out for their pursuit of flexibility. Refundable and adaptable tickets are an important criterion for 46% of them, vs 39% of professionals aged 50 and over.
For the latter group, time savings remain the main criterion, cited by 55% of respondents. This priority is even more pronounced among managers, at 60%.
Frustrations differ by generation
The organization of business travel remains generally well managed by professionals. 68% feel it does not present major difficulties. However, 22% still view the process as complex and consider administrative tasks a constraint.
Technological tools seem to help simplify these tasks: 75% of professionals polled feel they make organizing their travels easier, either in part or in full, a figure that rises to 82% among frequent travelers.
However, sources of frustration vary by age. Among those under 35, managing expense reports and receipts is the main difficulty, cited by 41% of them.
Internal processes are also more frequently pointed out: 33% encounter difficulties related to waiting for managerial approval, compared to 28% among those 50 and older. Booking changes are also more often mentioned by younger professionals, at 33% versus 22% for their elders.
For professionals aged 50 and over, travel-related unforeseen events constitute the primary source of frustration. Delays and cancellations are thus cited by 44% of them.
Technological tools seem to help simplify these tasks: 75% of professionals polled feel they make organizing their travels easier, either in part or in full, a figure that rises to 82% among frequent travelers.
However, sources of frustration vary by age. Among those under 35, managing expense reports and receipts is the main difficulty, cited by 41% of them.
Internal processes are also more frequently pointed out: 33% encounter difficulties related to waiting for managerial approval, compared to 28% among those 50 and older. Booking changes are also more often mentioned by younger professionals, at 33% versus 22% for their elders.
For professionals aged 50 and over, travel-related unforeseen events constitute the primary source of frustration. Delays and cancellations are thus cited by 44% of them.
Published by Amelia Brille TourMaG.com Editor View all articles by Amelia Brille
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Dans ce contexte, le secteur du voyage fait figure d’exception relative.
