China’s Outbound Business Travel Market—What Happens Next?
5 Minutes With Hana Huang
We are witnessing a pivotal shift in global travel, particularly within China’s corporate landscape. As the prolonged US-China trade war introduces an era of unpredictability, businesses around the world are watching closely to understand what’s next for Chinese outbound travel.
Despite ongoing geopolitical headwinds, demand in China’s outbound business travel sector is booming. In 2024, the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) positioned China as the world’s second-largest business travel market, with spending projected at approximately $211 billion. Driving this surge are factors such as steady economic growth, cost-cutting initiatives, and a growing desire from businesses to diversify their operations and reduce dependency on the domestic market.
These forces are giving rise to a new corporate travel landscape—one defined by relocation from China, evolving supply chains, and dynamic global partnerships.
To better understand this transformation, we spoke with Hana Huang, Synergy’s Supply Chain Manager, APAC, for her insights on the trends shaping China’s outbound market, and how companies are navigating this new frontier.
Q: China’s outbound business travel market has witnessed promising growth. What’s driving this trend?
Hana: Watching the rise of Chinese outbound travel has been fascinating. Several macroeconomic and geopolitical factors are influencing this trend:
US-China Trade War
Tensions between the US and China have prompted many companies to consider how to leave China—or at least how to diversify operations. Tariffs and trade restrictions have already pushed major corporations to shift manufacturing and sourcing to countries overseas, sparking a wave of companies moving out of China.
While this disruption is significant, it also brings opportunity. Many organizations are leaning into international expansion as a way to safeguard operations and identify new growth markets.
Risk Management
The pandemic, trade uncertainties, and supply chain instability have taught companies the value of spreading risk. Increasingly, domestic Chinese companies are exploring relocation strategies and expanding their global footprint to improve resilience and adaptability.
Labour Costs
Rising minimum wages and mounting operational costs are leading businesses to seek more cost-effective environments. This economic pressure is fueling the migration of operations from China into more affordable regions—especially for sectors like business travel manufacturing.
Q: Which countries have seen the most growth in demand and why?
Hana: We’re seeing significant outbound movement to Vietnam, India, Thailand, Mexico, Malaysia, and Indonesia. These countries are becoming essential players in global travel and supply chain management due to competitive labor costs and favorable business conditions.
Proximity to China, cultural similarities, and the ability to maintain regional supply networks make Southeast Asia especially attractive. As companies moving out of China continue to expand internationally, we expect this momentum to accelerate.
Q: Which industries are driving the rise of the China outbound market?
Hana: The growth spans multiple sectors, but we’ve identified three major drivers:
Technology: As a global tech leader, China continues to expand overseas with innovation hubs and R&D centers being set up abroad.
ESG: China’s leadership in solar and renewable energy has increased global business engagements in support of carbon neutrality goals.
Manufacturing: With business travel manufacturing leading the charge, we’re seeing more movement of factory and procurement experts to satellite locations in Southeast Asia and Latin America.
These shifts are deeply connected to strategies focused on relocation from China and long-term business sustainability.
Q: Aside from trade, tell us more about the macroeconomic influencers across China and how travel managers might respond?
Hana: The modern business travel landscape requires flexibility, especially as companies respond to market volatility. Here are three key macro factors at play:
Economic Growth
China’s 5% GDP growth in 2024 shows a stable but cautious recovery. With cost management top of mind, many travel programs are being evaluated more rigorously. That means increased attention to ROI, value-driven partnerships, and efficient accommodation choices like serviced apartments, furnished apartments, and temporary housing.
Enhanced Risk Management
Chinese firms are elevating duty of care and risk management protocols. This includes data security, travel policies, and business continuity strategies that support dispersed workforces and relocation plans.
Sustainability
Green travel is no longer optional—it’s imperative. From low-emission transport to eco-conscious accommodation like corporate housing, companies are rethinking how they support both sustainability goals and traveler well-being.
How Synergy Can Help
At Synergy, we support your global workforce through expert corporate housing and serviced apartment solutions that align with your evolving business strategies—especially as you navigate relocation from China or expand operations abroad.
Whether your team is staying short- or long-term, relocating an office, or opening a new plant, our global network of high-quality furnished apartments and temporary housing ensures your employees feel at home, wherever they go.
Synergy provides:
- Consultative, end-to-end programme management for international mobility and business travel goals
- A specialist team in reservations, guest services, supply chain and account management
- Access to an extensive portfolio of fully vetted, high-quality serviced apartments
- A high-touch service model prioritizing traveler satisfaction and duty of care
- Innovative accommodation solutions tailored for modern business demands