American Express Predicts Increase in Travel Prices
The American Express Global Business Travel Forecast 2016 predicts that ground transportation prices — along with hotel and air — will see modest gains in 2016 as a slowly-improving economy and strong demand outpace increases in supply.
The American Express Global Business Travel Forecast 2016 predicts ground transportation — along with hotel and air — will see modest gains in 2016 as a slowly-improving economy and strong demand outpace increases in supply.
Ground transportation rates are expected to remain relatively flat as overcapacity, strong competition and a continued focus on ancillary fees persist globally, according to the report.
American Express Global Business Travel’s annual forecast provides subscribers with over 1,800 pricing predictions across airfares, hotel rates and car rental rates in North America; Europe, Middle East and Africa; Latin America; Asia-Pacific.
“While we expect modest increases in global travel prices heading into 2016, travel managers are operating in an era of new challenges and evolving disrupters,” said Caroline Strachan, vice president, consulting, American Express Global Business Travel. “In addition to handling tasks such as measurement and compliance, new factors such as the sharing economy and mobile booking channels are becoming increasingly popular for business travelers. In order to thrive in this digital era, travel managers need to be aware of and dynamically adapt to these forces across a variety of geographies.”
According to American Express’ forecast, here are some predictions on 2016 car rental in global regions:
- North America: The ground transportation market is expected to see limited growth in 2016. Despite aggressive attempts by suppliers to increase pricing, negotiated rates should remain largely flat — although increased ancillary fees will drive up average costs. Ride-sharing services are also expected to see greater mainstream adoption and expansion in 2016.
- Latin America: With the strong competition between the major car rental companies and new local suppliers, Latin American car rental rates are not likely to experience notable increases in 2016. Larger car rental companies are expected to continue to establish themselves across Latin America as they capitalize on business from global corporations and local companies with travel patterns that match their networks.
- Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA): The average daily rates for ground transportation in Europe, the Middle East and Africa are all expected to rise in 2016 on higher ancillary expenses. Increased competition and growing demand for smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles should keep base fares relatively flat in 2016. Carsharing services will also see significant growth in 2016 as major car rental companies make further investments in this area.
For more information on the study, visit www.amexglobalbusinesstravel.com.
More Rental Operations

Car Rental Rates Forecast to Rise 3.6% in 2026 Before Easing in 2027
Car rental rates are projected to rise less than airfares and hotel rates in 2026, then become the only major travel category forecast to decline in 2027, according to projections from GBTA and ALTOUR.
Read More →
Avis Cuts Fleet as Summer Demand Trails Expectations
Avis Budget Group increased second-quarter earnings despite lower Americas revenue and softer-than-expected summer demand. The company also expanded Avis First and advanced its autonomous fleet operations with Waymo.
Read More →
Why Bookings Are Only the Start of the Rental Day
A reservation captures demand. The operating test is whether the business can keep the customer, vehicle, commercial terms, and next action aligned until the rental is closed.
Read More →
This Is the Oldest Car Rental Advertisement You’ll Ever See
This ad for Saunders Drive it Yourself, believed to be the first car rental company in the U.S., was found in an Omaha phone book from 1926.
Read More →
The Desk Upsell Is Costing Operators More Than it Earns
Counter upsells generate revenue, but they can also slow transactions, erode trust, and cost repeat business. Fully inclusive pricing may offer operators a better path to long-term value.
Read More →
U-Save Expands Indian Ocean Presence with New Master Franchise for Mauritius
The franchise has been acquired by Mauritian travel entrepreneur Umarfarooq Omarjee, an established figure in the island's tourism and mobility sector.
Read More →
Global Carsharing Fleet Projected to Reach 768,000 Vehicles By 2030
A new Berg Insight forecast outlines several business models driving the projected growth in public carsharing worldwide through 2029.
Read More →
Rental Car Fleet Sales Show Mid-Year Strength
June gains ensured rental fleets closed out the first half of 2026 in positive territory.
Read More →
Surprice Mobility Opens Corporate Rental Station at Milan Malpensa Airport
The Milan opening is part of Surprice Mobility's broader strategy to expand its corporate operations while increasing the use of technology across its network.
Read More →
Brazilian Executive MBA Targets Growing Domestic Rental Car Industry
Rental car companies face a unique combination of challenges that are rarely addressed in traditional programs.
Read More →
