A corporate travel technology platform should serve both the Travelers’ and the company’s needs. Here’s why tech-first travel programs are often the ideal choice.

As an Executive or Travel Manager, if you and your Travelers struggle using legacy travel-booking tools, you’re not alone. Many corporate travel programs still rely on legacy technology. However, the typical corporate travel technology stack isn’t often suited to modern needs.

Over the last few months, we’ve been exploring traditional travel programs contrasted against the alternatives—such as in-house travel management versus working with a Travel Management Company (TMC). Today, we’re talking about the differences in using a legacy travel-booking platform and one that’s more tech-forward.

Essentially, more and more employees expect consumer-like digital experiences at work. They want the familiar ease of booking personal travel when it comes to booking their next business trip. Tech-first travel programs put modern solutions at the center of the Traveler experience. It gives them what they want for a more satisfying business trip. It simultaneously ensures the company’s needs are met as well.

Let’s take a look at what a tech-first corporate travel technology platform looks like. We’ll also discuss the benefits and risks of utilizing such a platform. Plus, see how the Travel Manager fits into the entire process, from adoption to day-to-day implementation.

Key Takeaways

• Travelers want modern booking experiences, not legacy tools
• Tech-first travel programs provide benefits such as personalization and ease of use
• Drawbacks to tech-first travel programs may include change management struggles and over-reliance
• The Travel Manager must strategize and provide a human touch

What Tech-First Means in Corporate Travel Programs 

Tech-first travel programs use modern corporate travel technology platforms to improve business travel planning, booking and management, while supporting Traveler needs and company goals.

At its core, a modern corporate travel technology platform is typically cloud-based and designed to support open, API-driven integrations. This enables travel booking tools to connect with HR, finance, expense and risk systems, creating a flexible and connected travel program. Modular design allows organizations to adapt as needs change, rather than relying on rigid legacy tools. 

Modern platforms may include airline NDC content, expanding access to fare options, bundled services and more personalized offers. AI is also increasingly important, enhancing search results, automating routine tasks and providing insights from Traveler behavior and program data. When used effectively, these tools boost efficiency and decision-making without replacing service, policy oversight or human support.

Artificial intelligence is among the most discussed technologies transforming corporate travel. A recent Hospibuz article noted that, “according to recent industry projections, more than half of Asia-Pacific businesses are expected to adopt AI-enabled travel management solutions within the next two years,” highlighting the shift toward tech-first travel programs supported by experienced travel management.

The Benefits of Tech-First Travel Programs

The benefits of a tech-first travel program go far beyond personalization, though.

Thanks to things like NDC in corporate travel, employees enjoy a greater range of options and ease of use. A recent Travel and Tour World article detailing British Airways, Iberia and Qatar Airways’ NDC integration noted positive capabilities such as more fare and service options, enhanced options for purchases such as extra luggage or seat selections, automatic ticketing processes and easier cancellations and refunds.

Another benefit? As new capabilities often mirror what Travelers are already accustomed to using in their personal lives, your teams may see faster tech adoption and greater travel policy adherence than what’s been experienced in the past.

Customizable workflows can likewise make adherence easier, while also streamlining Travel Managers’ day-to-day tasks.

All of this can add up to an improved Business Travel Experience on all fronts. That leads to safer, more profitable travel that’s more likely to meet your company’s travel goals.

All the while, this scalable technology can grow with your company and shift with your evolving travel needs.

Risks and Consideration

Tech-first travel programs, though, are not without their potential risks and faults.

First and foremost, change management will be required, as teams make what may very well feel like a substantial shift. Even if it’s for the best, large-scale changes do come with their hurdles.

Additionally, integration may be complex and require additional IT resources. Data governance and security must be given proper attention, too.

Then, if you find that your teams come to be overly reliant on technology, without service support, they could find that they run into a simple fact: Tools like AI in corporate travel can’t solve every single problem.

The Travel Manager’s Role in a Tech-First Program

No matter how tech-first a travel program becomes, the Travel Manager still plays an important, human role. They ensure that Travelers are safe and happy and that travel meets the company’s goals.

First and foremost, before even launching into a tech-first program, the Travel Manager will want to put together a travel program technology strategy, along with a change management strategy.

As adoption occurs, the Travel Manager will need to adapt the existing travel policy and approval workflows accordingly.

Meanwhile, while some Travel Manager tasks may be streamlined by the tech at hand, they can’t simply abandon reporting, analytics, Duty of Care or Traveler tracking. Human attention is necessary to ensure all goals are being met, travel decisions are being made strategically and Travelers are taken care of.

Furthermore, support and servicing falls on the Travel Manager. They may bring in IT and other stakeholders to assist.

If orchestrated ideally, the new tech-first travel program will balance innovation with operational stability.

Technology Can Lead, but Services Remain Critical

And on that note, while platforms enable progress, it’s ultimately the people who enable success. The strongest travel programs combine modern technology with experienced travel services.

In the next post in our Rethinking Travel Series, we’ll explore how Travel Managers can design corporate travel program flexibility while still meeting Duty of Care and compliance needs. If you’ve yet to read the rest of our series, be sure to check out our recent posts on in-house travel management and flexible corporate travel programs.

Then, keep an eye out for our coverage of the role a traditional corporate travel program can still play in today’s business travel landscape.

JTB Business Travel may reference reporting or research published by Northstar; however, all commentary and recommendations in this article are independently developed.