Business travel, payments, and expense management platform, Navan has revealed its seventh annual State of Corporate Travel and Expense Report, in partnership with Skift.
The report delivers a clear message: corporate travel is soaring, yet businesses are hitting roadblocks with outdated T&E solutions. While the importance of in-person connections reaches new highs, travellers demand AI-powered tools and broader inventory.
Together, travel and finance managers are increasingly seeking comprehensive all-in-one T&E platforms.
The 2026 State of Corporate Travel and Expense Report found that 90% of business travellers see travel as an essential investment or a necessary cost, an increase of 8% from the findings in the 2025 report.
“Closing deals” reappeared as one of the most important reasons to take a business trip, claiming the No. 2 spot, while a staggering 80% of travelers sometimes book off-platform, while 77% of managers admit current expense tools fall short.
Other key findings from the report included 76% of travellers now trust AI for straightforward T&E tasks, a significant leap from the 59% who said the same in the 2024 report.
88% of managers confirm New Distribution Capability (NDC) delivers savings and better booking options and lastly, it found that interest in all-in-one T&E solutions has surged among managers, with 77% expressing interest, which is up from 66% in the 2024 report.
“Navan exists because we believe in the power of in-person connections. This study confirms that travellers and travel managers feel the same, but there’s still plenty of work to be done,” said Kim Hamer, Chief Travel Advisory Officer at Navan.
“Our report found that 77% of travel managers are now interested in an all-in-one travel and expense solution. Businesses won’t be held back any longer: They demand user-friendly, AI-powered platforms that shine even in the most turbulent travel environment.”
