7 expert insights you need to know about AI in corporate travel

At a recent webinar on “The Real Deal on Travel AI,” our Global Head of AI and Machine Learning, Eric Ediger, shared real-world applications, practical advice and a vision of what AI means for corporate travel management today and in the future.

Here are seven standout insights from the discussion and what it means for corporate travel.

1. AI isn’t new, but its capabilities are

“Artificial intelligence models have been around for decades, but what’s really fascinating now is their ability to generate truly original content ideas and outputs we’ve never seen or heard before, out into the public sphere.”

The leap from automation to intelligence means AI can now create, not just process. For corporate travel, this opens the door to hyper-personalised itineraries, adaptive risk alerts, and smarter decision-making tools that evolve with your travellers’ needs.

2. Think of AI like the weather

“Think of AI like the weather. It’s always there, shifting. You can make predictions, you can work around it, but sooner or later, you’re going to hit turbulence.”

AI isn’t static. Tools will evolve, systems will improve, and businesses must remain agile. Building travel programs that adapt, rather than resist this transformation, is key.

3. Enterprise AI needs guardrails

“It’s a bit like being a helicopter parent. We’re tightly managing what these agents can access, touch, and influence.”

While AI tools are now broadly accessible, deploying them safely at an enterprise level is a different challenge. Data governance, permissions and system monitoring are essential for AI to deliver reliable value at scale.

4. Your data quality is the real differentiator

“Garbage in, garbage out. Clean data and strong orchestration matter more than the model itself.”

Swapping AI models is easy. What’s hard and vital is maintaining clean, well-structured data. For corporate travel programs, this means ensuring every booking, policy, and traveller profile is up to date and aligned across platforms.

5. AI isn’t the ‘easy button’, especially at scale

“People think AI is just an easy button… but doing it at enterprise scale? That’s different.”

While individual AI tools may seem straightforward, scaling their use across a global business with thousands of users requires robust infrastructure and consistent performance delivery, something only experienced travel partners can provide.

6. The future is frictionless, and for everyone

“Everyone wants to be treated like a VIP. That day is coming, and soon. Frictionless travel for SMEs, enterprise travellers, anyone.”

AI is helping level the playing field, enabling SMEs to access tools once reserved for large enterprises. Expect better personalisation, faster support and smarter itineraries regardless of your company’s size.

7. AI is here to help people, not replace them

“We’re not designing systems to replace the human touch. We’re designing them to augment it.”

The goal isn’t to remove the travel manager or travel advisor; it’s to empower them. By automating routine tasks and reducing cognitive load, AI allows teams to focus on strategy, service and traveller wellbeing.

AI is changing how we book, manage, and experience business travel, but the future isn’t about replacing people. It’s about making smarter decisions, faster responses, and more personalised experiences possible at scale. As a TMC, we’re investing in AI solutions that deliver tangible value without compromising safety, service, or control.