Quoting 2027 New Zealand Group Programmes: Cost Outlook

Short answer: Travel costs are forecast to rise more slowly in 2027. The GBTA's July 2026 forecast puts global average airfares up 1.5% in 2027 after 4.7% in 2026, and hotel rates up 1.8% after 3.7%. For New Zealand groups, Explera DMC New Zealand states rate validity on every quote and confirms costs at quotation.

The figures are global averages for business travel, not New Zealand group rates. They are still a useful guide to the direction of costs when agents price 2027 departures.

What does the forecast say?

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) published its forecast with ALTOUR on 28 July 2026. Its global averages, in US dollars:

Airfares. The average fare is forecast at US$756 in 2026, up 4.7% on 2025, with a 1.5% rise in 2027. Economy fares rise 8.7% in 2026 to US$536 and 1.1% in 2027. Premium fares rise 9.5% in 2026 to US$4,488 and 2.2% in 2027.
Hotels. The average daily rate rises 3.7% in 2026 to US$168 and 1.8% in 2027 to US$171. Asia-Pacific hotel rates rise 5% in 2026.
Car rental. The daily rate rises 3.6% in 2026 to US$46.50 and falls 0.9% in 2027 to US$46.10.

GBTA links the 2026 rise to energy costs and says fuel prices have since fallen from their peak. ALTOUR's Michael Boult said "we are likely to see elevated fuel-related inflation for the remainder of the year".

Passenger jets parked on an airport apron beside the terminal

What does it mean for New Zealand group quotes?

Air and land move separately. Airlines set airfares and fuel-related charges. Land costs, such as hotels, coaches, guides and activities, are set by New Zealand suppliers.
State the validity. Date every quote and say how long the rates hold. A quote for a 2027 departure made in late 2026 should say when it will be re-confirmed.
List set charges separately. Government charges change on set dates. The cruise border levy, for example, changes on 1 July 2027. See our cruise border levy briefing and our entry requirements guide.
Book peak dates early. Rooms and coaches are scarcest in the summer holidays. See our Christmas and New Year briefing and our lead times guide.

Guests checking in at a hotel reception desk

How Explera DMC New Zealand can help

We quote group tours, MICE programmes and hotels and lodges for travel agents and tour operators, with the validity of each rate stated on the quote.

FAQ

Will travel costs rise in 2027? GBTA forecasts slower rises in 2027: global average airfares up 1.5% and hotel rates up 1.8%, after 4.7% and 3.7% in 2026.

Are these New Zealand prices? No. They are global averages for business travel, published by GBTA with ALTOUR on 28 July 2026.

What drove the 2026 increases? GBTA links them to energy costs, and says fuel prices have since fallen from their peak.

How should agents quote 2027 departures? Date every quote, state how long the rates hold, list government charges separately and book peak dates early.

Does Explera state rate validity? Yes. We state the validity of each rate on the quote and confirm costs at quotation.