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The Autumn Budget 2025 has landed, and brings the usual mix of cost pressures and opportunities – not least for business travel and events. While the 2026 rail fare freeze offers a positive step for travel budgets, increases to Air Passenger Duty, fuel duty, business rates and a new electric vehicle tax will create challenges for many organisations. The introduction of regional visitor levies may also reshape hotel and event-planning costs.
At Inntel, we’re committed to helping our clients navigate these changes efficiently. from sourcing best-value hotels and transport to strategic account management and protecting your event budgets through smart sourcing and industry expertise.
Below, we unpack the key announcements from the Autumn Budget, what they mean for business travel and events, and how we can help our clients stay ahead of the impact.
One of the most positive announcements is the freeze on regulated rail fares in England for 2026. This is the first time in 30 years that fares haven’t increased, following years of above-inflation rises.
It’s important to note, the fare freeze applies to rail services run by England based train operating companies only. Fares in Scotland and Wales remain under devolved control. Unregulated fares – including First Class, some off-peak tickets and promotional fares – are unaffected.
Clive Wratten, CEO of the Business Travel Association, noted the freeze was a welcome relief for UK businesses. Though, he also highlighted the need for “long-term investment in routes, reliability and ticketing reform.”
For companies using rail regularly, the change means:
With rail becoming financially and environmentally attractive, we can help you optimise routing, integrate rail-first policies and identify where rail provides the best value compared to flights or car travel. Our LOGiC booking platform strengthens cost control by monitoring fare fluctuations and identifying more cost-effective options to bookers.
When it comes to reporting, we go above and beyond to give you the full picture of your travel spend. We help clients analyse non-compliant bookings, monitor unused tickets, and highlight cost leakage patterns. This approach enables continuous optimisation and ensures every aspect of a travel programme is delivering value.
Air travel will become more expensive from April 2026 as Air Passenger Duty (APD) rises, especially for long-haul journeys. With flight costs already climbing, this increase may prompt businesses to rethink their air travel policies.
Our experts can help to offset APD-driven increases by sourcing the most cost-effective fares, optimising routes and proposing rail alternatives for domestic and near-European travel where appropriate.
Inntel’s award-winning Account Managers support clients in shaping travel policies that deliver the best value. They also work with clients to effect cost-saving behavioural change in bookers, for example encouraging further in advance bookings.
A new Electric Vehicle (EV) tax arriving in 2028, combined with an increase in fuel duty, will put further pressure on road travel budgets. While EVs and hybrids will still work out cheaper to run than petrol or diesel vehicles, businesses may still feel the impact of increased operational costs.
Inntel can help reduce exposure to rising road costs through:
One of the most discussed proposals is the new power for regional mayors to introduce a visitor levy on overnight stays. There are no confirmed rates or rules yet – the Government plans a 12-week consultation.
Possible impacts include:
As the levies come into effect, Inntel can find you best-value properties inside or outside levy zones, negotiate preferential rates and decipher the impact on event budgets. We’ll also support destination decisions should cities diverge significantly in cost competitiveness.
April 2026 will see a big restructuring of business rates with a new five-tier system, creating significant financial impacts depending on commercial property value. Crucially, it also introduces a clear distinction between Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) properties, as well as a new band for high-value premises.
For the business travel and events sector, smaller venues may benefit from lower rates. Yet, many large hotels and major conference venues are likely to face higher costs, potentially leading to rate rises. Industry associations have called for clarification on how event venues will be categorised within the new structure, so rate predictability may be affected until details are finalised.
Inntel supports clients by:
The year ahead will require organisations to stay agile, informed and proactive in managing their travel and events programmes. As policies shift, costs rise and new levies emerge, strategic support becomes more important than ever. Inntel can support you in navigating the changes by providing:
We’re here to ensure your business travel and events remain efficient, cost-controlled and exceptional – no matter how the political landscape evolves.