Corporate Travel Tech: How Technology is Transforming Business Travel in India
Corporate Travel Tech is transforming the way businesses manage travel, making trips more efficient, cost-effective, and seamless. From AI-powered chatbots to integrated booking platforms, the travel industry is embracing cutting-edge technology to meet the rising expectations of corporate travelers.
With India’s corporate travel market projected to reach $20.8 billion by FY30, companies are investing in tech-driven, personalized, and sustainable travel solutions. The rapid growth in MICE travel, international summits, and SME-driven business activities is further fueling the demand for smart corporate travel tech solutions.
The Rise of AI in Corporate Travel Tech
The adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in corporate travel tech is revolutionizing business travel. Companies like Thomas Cook (India) and SOTC Travel have launched India’s first voice-enabled generative AI advisor, Dhruv, to enhance travel booking and management for enterprises.
🔹 24/7 AI Assistance – Reduces response time by up to 60%, improving efficiency.
🔹 Multilingual Support – Dhruv supports 20+ languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Spanish, and German.
🔹 Personalized Itineraries – AI-driven recommendations optimize travel planning and expense tracking.
“Innovation and customer-centricity are at the core of AI-powered travel tech solutions,” says Madhavan Menon, Executive Chairman, Thomas Cook (India).
Why Corporate Travel Tech is Booming in India
Business Travel Spending is Surging
Corporate travel spending in India is expected to surpass 120% of pre-pandemic levels by 2027. According to Indiver Rastogi, President & Group Head, Global Business Travel at Thomas Cook (India) and SOTC Travel, the demand is driven by:
✅ Expansion of SMEs into global markets.
✅ Rising business activities in Tier-II cities.
✅ Increased investment in tech-enabled travel solutions.
MICE Travel & International Summits Drive Growth
MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) travel is a key driver of corporate travel expansion. India is hosting more international business events, boosting demand for corporate travel tech solutions.
“The demand for AI-driven solutions is increasing, particularly in MICE travel and corporate events,” says Avinash Chandani, Partner, Deloitte India.
IT, BFSI & Manufacturing Lead Corporate Travel
Corporate travel growth is fueled by IT, BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance), and manufacturing industries, which account for 86% of total business travel spend among India’s top 100 listed firms.
“As India becomes home to more global corporations, corporate travel will see exponential growth,” says Ramalingam S, President of Cox & Kings.
How Technology is Enhancing Corporate Travel
Corporate travel tech solutions are streamlining business travel experiences through:
🔹 AI-Powered Booking & Chatbots
🚀 Voice-enabled AI assistants like Dhruv help business travelers book flights, hotels, and make payments effortlessly.
🔹 Smart Expense Management
💳 Automated expense tracking ensures seamless reimbursements and compliance for corporate travelers.
🔹 Integrated Travel & Payment Platforms
📊 Real-time data analytics provide insights into corporate travel expenses, budget optimization, and policy compliance.
🔹 Sustainable & Personalized Travel Solutions
🌿 Companies are focusing on eco-friendly travel, offering carbon offset options, wellness programs, and local experiences.
“With Gen Z joining the workforce, corporate travel tech is evolving to include personalized experiences, sustainability-focused initiatives, and AI-driven enhancements,” says Chandani.
The Rise of Bleisure Travel & Extended Stays
Corporate Travel Tech is also adapting to the rise of “bleisure” travel—where employees combine business and leisure.
✅ Employees prefer extended stays to explore new cities post-business meetings.
✅ Hotels and airlines offer customized corporate packages that include wellness programs and personalized experiences.
✅ AI-powered platforms help optimize itineraries, ensuring a seamless balance between work and relaxation.
“The post-pandemic work model has led to an increase in bleisure travel, prompting hospitality players to customize their offerings,” says Ramalingam.
Top Corporate Travel Destinations in India
📍 Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, and Bengaluru remain India’s top business travel destinations.
📍 Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Bhubaneswar, and Lucknow are emerging as corporate hubs.
📍 Pune and Hyderabad are witnessing a rise in tech-driven corporate travel growth.
Corporate Travel Spend Estimates:
💰 Small & Mid-size Organizations (Up to 250 employees): ₹1 crore annually.
💰 Large Corporations (250-5,000 employees): ₹10 crore annually.
With a booming middle class (65% of India’s population) and rising discretionary spending, corporate travel is poised for continued growth.
Global Trends in Corporate Travel Tech
According to Airbnb’s latest data, domestic business travel bookings in India have grown by 30% year-over-year, especially in:
🔹 Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, Pune, and Hyderabad – Driven by work travel, business events, and conferences.
Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific business travel is witnessing a 44% revenue growth, driven by:
✅ India and Southeast Asia’s business expansion.
✅ The reopening of China.
“Business travel demand will continue to grow in 2025, with a strong focus on AI-driven solutions to enhance corporate travel experiences,” says Bertrand Saillet, MD, FCM Travel Asia.
Additionally, American Express Global Business Travel’s 2025 Global Meetings and Events Forecast reveals that:
🔹 66% of corporate planners expect an increase in business travel budgets.
The Future of Corporate Travel Tech in India
Corporate Travel Tech is set to redefine business travel efficiency, sustainability, and personalization. As companies invest in AI, automation, and integrated travel platforms, the future of corporate travel looks seamless and technology-driven.
✅ AI-powered voice assistants will dominate corporate travel bookings.
✅ Bleisure travel will continue to reshape corporate travel policies.
✅ Sustainability initiatives will be prioritized by corporate travel programs.
✅ Companies will invest in real-time analytics for better travel expense management.
With corporate travel spend growing rapidly, technology will be the driving force behind the evolution of business travel in India.
Corporate Travel Tech is the Future of Business Travel
Corporate Travel Tech is revolutionizing the way businesses manage travel, with AI-driven solutions, seamless integrations, and sustainable travel options leading the way. As India cements itself as a global business hub, the demand for smart, efficient, and tech-enabled corporate travel solutions will continue to grow.💼 Is your company ready to embrace the future of corporate travel tech? 🚀
