Travel Teams Report Widespread Understaffing
A GBTA and Cvent survey finds most corporate travel managers say their programs lack adequate staff as responsibilities expand.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Business Travel
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Sixty-two percent of travel managers describe their programs as understaffed, according to research released by the Global Business Travel Association in partnership with Cvent. The findings reflect teams taking on expanded responsibilities such as travel risk management, payment selection and expense management.
Why it matters
As travel programs absorb more cross-functional duties, staffing shortfalls could affect how well organizations manage risk, spending and traveler safety. The data suggests a widening gap between responsibilities assigned to travel teams and the resources available to carry them out.
A survey of 270 travel managers in North America and Europe found 62% describe their programs as understaffed, with 68% of programs spending $30 million or more annually reporting the same. Programs average 4.9 full-time staff on travel issues, though the median is three, and the study does not show how these levels have shifted over time.
The players
Global Business Travel Association (GBTA)
The GBTA is an international trade association representing business travel professionals and the corporate travel industry.
Cvent
Cvent is a global software company that provides event management and meetings technology platforms.
The details
Travel teams are involved in travel risk management at 88%, selecting payment products and providers at 66%, and expense management at 63%. Asked which competency they would most like to add or strengthen, 35% of respondents chose data analysis and reporting.
Timeline
September 22 through October 1, 2026: GBTA surveys 270 travel managers.
November 3, 2026: GBTA and Cvent release the staffing research.
Seasonal Patterns
GBTA's ongoing travel management research has tracked how corporate travel teams increasingly absorb duties beyond bookings, including risk and payments. This staffing survey extends that research by measuring whether those expanded roles are matched by headcount.
Companies with understaffed travel teams may face slower approvals, less oversight of traveler safety, and weaker control over expenses. Employees traveling for work may notice changes in booking policies or support processes as programs adjust.
The takeaway
Travel managers are being asked to do more with limited headcount, and the research highlights data analysis as the skill most in demand. Organizations that invest in travel program staffing may be better positioned to manage risk and cost.
Further reading
For more on how companies manage trips and corporate travel budgets, see Business Travel.
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Do you think employers are asking too much of their staff these days?
