Corporate travel is evolving rapidly as travel technology, payments, and AI converge in new ways. From deeper platform integrations to tighter alignment between spend management and booking tools, the industry is shifting from isolated solutions to connected ecosystems. This article breaks down the signals behind these changes—and what travel leaders need to do now to ensure their programs are ready for what’s next.

Travel & Expense is no longer a back-office function. Heading into 2026, it’s becoming a strategic lever powered by AI, anchored in trust, and shaped by culture.

Airlines are doubling down on first and business class, and it’s not just nostalgia. As travelers return with higher expectations, carriers are betting on comfort, privacy, and standout service to win loyalty (and margins).

The U.S. government shutdown is exposing cracks in our aviation system, with millions of travelers already impacted by delays and staffing shortages across the FAA and TSA.

In today’s travel landscape, success isn’t just about managing bookings, it’s about managing performance.  The best Travel Managers track KPIs that show how efficiently, compliantly, and strategically their programs operate.

SAP Concur and American Express Global Business Travel just dropped big news, a new strategic alliance to deliver “Complete by SAP Concur and Amex GBT”, an integrated travel, payment, and expense solution.

What if your travelers had a colleague who never slept, never took a holiday, and answered questions instantly no matter what the time zone? That’s not a dream role to recruit for, it’s the power of AI in today’s travel programs.