How companies can balance efficiency, personalization, and the human touch in the next wave of business travel
Sep 11, 2025
Global business travel spending is on track to hit record highs by 2025, and AI is fast becoming the tool of choice to optimize programs for both efficiency and experience. But success depends less on racing ahead and more on aligning AI adoption with company culture, data readiness, and the right balance between automation and human support.
Key takeaways
- Rsing AI adoption: Corporate travel programs are increasingly experimenting with AI as global adoption rates climb past 70%.
- Personalization and efficiency: AI can learn traveler preferences, streamline approvals, and reduce friction in booking and expense management.
- Data as the foundation: The real power of AI lies in high-quality data, which enables predictive analytics, policy compliance, cost control, and vendor negotiations.
- Human element still critical: Chatbots and automation handle routine needs, but complex or high-stakes travel situations require human expertise.
- Agentic AI on the horizon: More autonomous AI models may expand capabilities, but balancing innovation with corporate culture and traveler trust remains essential.
- Fit and balance over speed: Companies are advised to define clear goals and integration strategies rather than rushing AI adoption for its own sake.
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