How AI is shaping the world of business travel

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a concept from science fiction; it has become a powerful force driving change across industries. Business travel is no exception. For companies managing frequent travel arrangements, AI offers new ways to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve the overall travel experience.  

This blog explores how AI is shaping business travel, from booking software innovations to enhanced personalisation. Whether you're a corporate travel manager or a frequent flyer, here's what you need to know about the growing influence of AI in this sector. 

Personalised itineraries 

AI-powered platforms are transforming the booking experience by tailoring travel options to suit individual needs. Using data input such as traveller preferences, job roles, past itineraries, and budget constraints, AI can recommend flights, accommodation, and even activities that best meets the needs of the traveller, and the objectives of the trip. 

Dynamic pricing and cost savings 

Keeping travel costs under control is essential in today’s competitive business environment. AI tools can analyse years of data to predict fluctuations in airfare and accommodation rates. This allows businesses to book travel at optimal times, securing the best deals.  

Additionally, corporate travel platforms equipped with AI monitor spending patterns and provide suggestions for savings, helping companies stretch their travel budgets further. 

Multi-lingual support 

Doing business across borders can create language barriers, but AI-powered translation tools alleviate communication challenges. For instance, services like Google Translate and iTranslate now use AI-neutral networks to deliver faster, more accurate translations. Some apps even provide real-time voice-to-text translations, which can be beneficial during critical overseas meetings or venue negotiations. 

Streamlined expense management 

Filing expense reports is a universal pain point for business travellers. AI tools are taking the hassle out of this process by automating expense tracking and report generation. Some platforms use receipt-scanning technology to capture and categorise purchases instantly. This automation not only saves travellers valuable time but also improves accuracy, reducing disputes over reimbursements. 

Faster reporting 

Here at Travel Counsellors for Business, we harness AI with myTC Insights – our state-of-the-art data management tool which gives our clients the insights they need to reduce costs, improve sustainability, and scale up. Powerful AI automation makes creating and sharing reports quicker and easier, with automatic data cleansing to ensure its quality. 

Duty of care 

Ensuring employee safety during corporate travel is essential. myTC Locate completes the circle when it comes to our high level of care, complementing wrap-around elements such as our 24-hour duty office and incident support.  

It monitors global events in real-time, from natural disasters to political unrest, helping you to support travellers in an affected area – or decide whether a trip should even go ahead at all.  

Additionally, AI enables companies to create risk profiles for their travellers and suggest safer travel alternatives when necessary, adding an extra layer of security. 

Enhanced sustainability 

Many AI-driven corporate travel platforms, such as myTC Insights, now feature carbon footprint calculators. These tools help companies compare the environmental impact of various travel options, allowing them to make greener choices. For instance, users may see emissions data for different flight options or identify train routes as a less carbon-intensive alternative. 

Leveraging AI to enhance care – not remove it 

We believe that AI in business travel should be used to enhance and drive care – not remove it altogether. Our high-touch, high-tech business travel solutions put the wellbeing of your employees at the heart of every trip. Ready to experience a new level of care in business travel? Get in touch with our friendly team today.