Susan Lichtenstein is vice president of sales for mobility specialist HQ. She founded?the Travel and Meeting Society (TAMS) in 2020 and was inducted in BTN's Business Travel Hall of Fame in 2017

Corporate travel management is no longer about enforcing rigid policies or chasing cost savings at the expense of traveler wellbeing. It¡¯s about redefining what¡¯s possible ¨C blending efficiency with empathy, personalisation with compliance, and innovation with responsibility. As AI reshapes the industry, forward-thinking travel managers must embrace these ten strategies to lead the charge.

1. Personalisation at scale
One-size-fits-all policies are obsolete. AI analyses individual preferences ¨C aisle seats, hotel gyms, loyalty perks ¨C to curate tailored itineraries. This level of personalisation enhances satisfaction and fosters compliance. When travellers feel understood and accommodated, they¡¯re more likely to adhere to policies without resistance. Imagine a system that anticipates needs before they¡¯re voiced, aligning choices with both traveller desires and corporate policy. Personalisation boosts compliance and satisfaction, creating a win-win for both travellers and companies.

2. Predictive cost intelligence
AI forecasts airfare and hotel rate fluctuations, identifying optimal booking windows. Companies using these tools report 10 to 15 per cent cost reductions while maintaining traveller satisfaction. This strategic move turns every dollar into measurable value, ensuring that travel budgets are optimised without compromising on quality or comfort. It¡¯s not just about saving money ¨C it¡¯s about maximising the value of every dollar spent, aligning travel spend with broader business goals.

3. Proactive disruption management
When flights cancel or meetings shift, AI doesn¡¯t just react ¨C it pre-empts. Automated rebooking, rescheduling, and stakeholder alerts keep trips on track, minimising downtime during crises. This proactive approach ensures that travellers remain productive and stress-free, even in unpredictable situations. Resilience is the new benchmark for traveller productivity. By mitigating disruptions, companies can safeguard business continuity and traveler wellbeing.

4. Empathy-driven duty of care
AI handles logistics, freeing managers to focus on human-centric support during emergencies. Real-time risk alerts ensure swift, empathetic responses, because travellers need reassurance, not just solutions. This balance between efficiency and empathy builds trust and loyalty, demonstrating that companies truly value their employees¡¯ safety and wellbeing. Balancing efficiency with empathy is crucial in building trust and loyalty. By providing both logistical support and emotional reassurance, companies can enhance their duty-of-care initiatives.

5. Sustainability as a strategic imperative
AI-powered carbon calculators recommend eco-friendly routes and vendors. By integrating sustainability into travel programmes ¨C such as prioritising direct flights or green hotels ¨C organisations can align their practices with broader environmental commitments. This isn¡¯t just about meeting regulatory requirements; it¡¯s about demonstrating leadership in an area that resonates deeply with employees and stakeholders alike. Sustainability isn¡¯t a checkbox ¨C it¡¯s a leadership differentiator. By embracing green travel options, companies can enhance their brand reputation and contribute to a more sustainable future.

6. Voice-activated travel management
¡°Book my usual ride¡± becomes reality with AI assistants. Voice-driven bookings and payments reduce friction for busy professionals, making travel management more convenient and accessible than ever. This hands-free convenience isn¡¯t a luxury ¨C it¡¯s a productivity necessity in today¡¯s fast-paced business environment. Hands-free convenience isn¡¯t just about ease; it¡¯s about maximising productivity. By automating routine tasks, travellers can focus on strategic priorities and deliver more value to their organisations.

7. Frictionless expense automation
AI auto-categorises receipts, detects fraud, and syncs with policy guidelines. By eliminating manual work, companies can unlock time for innovation and strategic planning. This streamlined process also reduces errors and enhances financial oversight, ensuring that travel expenses are both compliant and efficient. Eliminating manual work unlocks time for innovation. By automating routine tasks, travel managers can focus on higher-value activities that drive business growth and traveller satisfaction.

8. Hyper-personalised risk mitigation
AI evaluates real-time safety ratings, flagging risky hotels or routes. This proactive approach ensures that travellers are always informed and protected, aligning with the highest standards of duty of care. By integrating these insights with travel policies, companies can safeguard their employees while maintaining operational efficiency. Safety isn¡¯t negotiable ¨C it¡¯s the foundation of trust. By prioritising risk mitigation, companies can enhance their reputation and demonstrate a genuine commitment to employee wellbeing.

9. Data-driven policy evolution
AI identifies inefficiencies in travel programmes, recommending smarter policies. By analysing booking trends and spend patterns, companies can refine their travel strategies to better align with business objectives. This dynamic approach ensures that policies evolve alongside changing business needs, driving continuous improvement and cost optimisation. Static policies stagnate ¨C dynamic ones drive growth. By embracing data-driven insights, companies can stay agile and responsive in a rapidly changing travel landscape.

10. The human-AI partnership
AI doesn¡¯t replace managers ¨C it empowers them. By automating routine tasks, it frees leaders to focus on strategy, culture, and traveller advocacy. This partnership between technology and human expertise is crucial in creating a future where travel management is both efficient and empathetic. The future belongs to those who harmonise technology with humanity. By embracing this partnership, companies can unlock new levels of innovation and customer satisfaction in corporate travel.

Leadership in the age of AI

The future of corporate travel isn¡¯t just intelligent ¨C it¡¯s intuitive. It¡¯s time to move beyond automation and embrace a vision where technology serves both the traveller and the bottom line. True leaders will reframe AI as a strategic partner, not just a cost-cutting tool. It will prioritise traveller wellbeing alongside efficiency. And it will embed sustainability into every decision.

The question isn¡¯t whether AI will transform corporate travel ¨C it¡¯s whether you¡¯ll lead the transformation or follow. It¡¯s time to redefine what¡¯s possible by embracing AI as a catalyst for innovation, empathy and sustainability. Are you ready to lead?