More and more business travellers are ready to adopt AI when making travelarrangements, says Direct Travel, Inc.

According to the company’s ‘Personalization Takes Priority: How Business Travelers are Reshaping Travel Management Companies (TMCs)’ survey, among the 650 respondents, 87% would be comfortable having AI make their travel arrangements and bookings automatically. Also notable, 90% of bleisure travelled, and nearly all respondents (93%) say TMCs must innovate with technology to maintain a role in the business travel ecosystem.

“Today’s business travellers have made it clear: the status quo is not enough,” said Christal Bemont, CEO, Direct Travel. “Travellers are demanding an overhaul of the way travel is managed, emphasizing the need for personalized, tech-driven solutions that offer delight in all aspects of the travel experience, from reservations to reimbursements.”

Key findings from the report include: 

• More than one third (37%) of business travelers do not believe the industry is innovative, with almost two thirds (63%) seeking a wider array of options for content, signaling a demand for industry-wide innovation.
• 18-29 year olds are the least satisfied with corporate travel, rating their business travel experience the lowest of all other age groups (7/10).
• Business travellers are overwhelmingly optimistic about the role AI can play in the business travel experience: 96% are at least somewhat interested in a business travel digital assistant that could anticipate needs and make recommendations based on personal preferences and travel routines.
• Of the 90% of business travellers who have extended a business trip for pleasure, more than half acknowledge doing so “frequently.” Almost all respondents (98%) agree that incorporating leisure into business trips positively impacts overall work performance.

“At Direct Travel, we’re not just listening to these travellers – we’re actively responding with new technology, tailored solutions, and exemplary service. Our goal is to set a new standard in corporate travel management, ensuring that every journey is as close to perfect as possible,” continued Bemont.

Source: Travelweek