Business travel is evolving. Advances in technology, increasing budget pressures, rising sustainability expectations, and a changing global risk landscape are all impacting journeys.
At Business Travel Show Europe 2026 (BTS), these challenges were front and centre as Travel Managers, suppliers, and industry experts explored the current state of corporate travel and how it could look in future.
We've put together a concise summary of the key themes discussed at the show:
1. AI
Unsurprisingly, AI was one of the biggest topics of discussion at BTS. Panel discussions on the issue included ‘How Travel Managers are Using Artificial Intelligence Today’ and ‘Creating a Modern Global Travel Programme’.
However, the human touch was also mentioned often as a key differentiator for Travel Managers.
Panellists agreed that they don't see AI as a replacement for humans but as a way of augmenting their work. When the unexpected happens, expert human support is essential. CMAC is a firm believer of the importance of human support, with our team available 24/7/365 across 7 international operations hubs
2. Sustainability
Within a number of conversations about AI, sustainability emerged as another key theme.
With BTS taking place amidst record-breaking high temperatures and subsequent Do Not Travel advice from the industry, discussions were timely.
Audience members raised questions in panel discussions around the increase in AI data centres and the resulting environmental impact.
Although solutions will take work from many stakeholders, it is undoubtedly a topic the industry can expect to discuss more often in the coming years.
3. More purposeful travel
As with most industries, travel sector workers are being expected to do more with less.
This can be seen in agreement from panellists that Travel Managers are focusing more on the outcomes of business trips than ever before.
In an increasingly global economy, we are also seeing corporate travellers book more complex business trips, made up of multiple legs and using various forms of transport.
4. Geopolitical situation
Geopolitics are having a big impact on business travel. With major conflicts happening in Russia, Ukraine and the Middle East, airlines have been forced to avoid flying over those regions. With these longer flight paths comes increased fuel consumption, increasing the cost of travel.
Political instability across the globe has also led to inflationary rises, meaning the cost of borrowing remains high. That leads to Finance Managers being more protective of business funds and reducing Travel Managers’ budgets.
The geopolitical impact on finance is not the only reason it impacts travel. Many more travellers are reluctant to visit certain regions because of instability or conflict. Panellists emphasised the need for Travel Managers to include evacuation plans as part of the planning process, not when conflicts begin.
5. Duty of care
Closely linked to geopolitical situations and ensuring employee safety is the duty of care businesses have to those travellers. Panellists and exhibitors highlighted the importance of keeping travellers safe regardless of where they went.
But it was also emphasised that travellers must stay on programme for employers to keep them safe. That reflects how important it is to ensure programmes make it easy for employees to travel – an issue you can explore further in CMAC’s Business Travel White Paper.
Panellists discussed how travellers knowing they have support if something goes wrong can give them confidence to keep travelling in a politically unstable world. It therefore becomes even more important to offer human support alongside technology in case something goes wrong.
CMAC Director of Business Development Leanne Riley said: "As these themes show, business travel is ever-changing. But by offering technological developments, always-on human support, and travel programmes that simplify journeys, you can stay ahead.
"Against a backdrop of political and economic uncertainty, resilient travel programmes are more important than ever. For organisations seeking to minimise the effects of disruption, protect their people, and keep journeys moving, ground transport is becoming an essential part of the solution."
If you missed CMAC at BTS, get in touch to arrange a demo of our booking portal and see how we can support your travel programme.
