AI Transforms Business Travel Management with Innovation, Efficiency, and Enhanced Traveler Experience
AI is transforming corporate travel by enhancing efficiency, traveler satisfaction, and sustainability. Human expertise remains essential for managing risks and disruptions.
AI in Business Travel: Driving Innovation and Efficiency
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
In 2024, the Business Travel Show Europe highlighted the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on corporate travel. Industry leaders expressed confidence that AI will improve traveler experiences, streamline operations, and boost productivity. Recent advancements are changing how business travel is managed, promising a new approach to corporate travel programs.
The European Union’s Pioneering AI Legislation
A major milestone in 2024 was the introduction of the European Union’s AI Act, the first global regulatory framework addressing AI use. The law classifies AI applications by risk and prohibits harmful practices like social scoring, biometric identification, and facial recognition. This legislation sets a precedent that will influence AI adoption across sectors, including business travel, where AI tools are becoming essential for service delivery and operational efficiency.
New AI Tools Transforming Travel Technology
Several AI-powered innovations have entered the market, enhancing corporate travel management. OpenAI’s GPT-4.1 and Google’s Gemini 2.5 lead in improving program efficiency and day-to-day operations. Notably, China’s DeepSeek model offers a cost-effective alternative that does not depend on Nvidia GPUs, making AI more accessible and scalable for travel companies.
How AI is Optimizing Corporate Travel
A 2024 Serko/Sabre survey showed 44% of corporate travel managers expect AI to significantly impact their programs in the next five years, with 22% anticipating a complete transformation. AI-driven platforms are already in use: Altour’s suite assists with booking and disruption management through natural language interfaces, while Amex GBT enhanced its Egencia platform with AI-powered virtual agents and query systems. HRS’s Copilot platform combines large language models with proprietary AI tools to help optimize hotel programs by providing real-time insights and recommendations.
Beyond Cost Savings: AI Enhances Travel Program Quality
Experts emphasize that AI's value extends beyond booking efficiency. Martin Biermann from HRS points out that modern travel programs must focus on sustainability, traveler satisfaction, and safety. AI enables ongoing program refinement by analyzing spending patterns, loyalty trends, and traveler profiles. Incorporating data on markets, suppliers, and traveler personas helps balance cost, compliance, and sustainability goals for better program outcomes.
Addressing Data Privacy and Security
Despite AI’s benefits, data privacy and security remain concerns. HRS manages these risks by running AI tools on its own cloud infrastructure, ensuring client data remains private and secure. Transparency allows businesses to monitor AI decisions and review recommendation logs. Securing IT approval for AI adoption is becoming more complex, as organizations proceed cautiously. Sophie Taylor, CTO of Gray Dawes Group, notes that many companies are eager about AI but still lack clear integration plans within their travel systems.
Bridging the Gap Between Developers and Users
A significant challenge is the knowledge gap between AI developers and corporate travel managers. Many security teams hesitate to trust AI outputs due to risks of inaccurate or misleading information, known as “hallucinations.” Even minor errors in bookings or recommendations can have serious implications for budgeting and safety. However, emerging AI technologies like diffusion models offer new possibilities, such as enhancing visual content creation for branding and marketing, which could reshape travel company engagement strategies.
The Continuing Role of Travel Management Companies
Travel Management Companies (TMCs) will remain vital despite AI’s growing influence. Sophie Taylor explains that during crises—flight disruptions, natural disasters, pandemics—human expertise is irreplaceable. TMCs provide critical support in these moments, complementing AI tools. Going forward, TMCs will evolve by integrating AI capabilities while continuing to offer essential human intervention when unexpected challenges arise.
AI’s integration into business travel is advancing steadily, improving efficiency and decision-making. Yet, human oversight and support remain crucial for managing risks and ensuring successful travel programs.
