UK-based SMEs are expected to increase business travel to Asia, Africa and the Middle East in 2026, according to research conducted by Travel Counsellors for Business.
A survey of 1,000 small and medium-sized businesses in the UK revealed a 26 per cent year-on-year increase in plans to book business travel to Asia, while trips to Africa are expected to rise by 16 per cent this year.
According to the study, Asia is the most frequently cited “emerging” region for business travel in 2026 among UK-based SMEs, with 25 per cent of survey respondents planning trips to the region this year. This is followed by planned trips to the Middle East (19 per cent), Australia (18 per cent), South America (13 per cent) and Africa (13 per cent).
Meanwhile, trips to Europe are expected to fall by 12 per cent year-on-year, which Travel Counsellors for Business said signals a shift away from “established” business hubs.
The survey data aligns with the TMC’s 2025 booking and sales data. Last year, Riyadh ranked fifth among its most-booked long-haul business travel destinations, after New York, Dubai, California and Florida.
Additionally, the TMC saw “significant” year-on-year booking growth in 2025 to destinations including Borneo, Pahang, South Africa National Park and Aruba, all of which saw more than a 20-fold increase in bookings, according to the company.
Travel Counsellors for Business director Melanie Quinn said: “This data highlights the ambition and creativity of UK SMEs as they look to unlock growth on a global stage.
“While Europe and the US continue to play an important role in UK-outbound business travel, we’re seeing businesses actively explore new markets across Asia, Africa and the Middle East, seeking out further revenue opportunities and forging business-building partnerships.