BCD Travel asked its technology and business experts to share their predictions about the future of business travel. Despite growing reasons to reduce work-related travel, the number of business trips continues to rise.
In times of digitization, rising costs, climate concerns, and international terrorism, many organizations try to limit travel. Still, according to Jean‑François De Mol, Sales Development Leader at BCD Travel, this trend will not slow down any time soon.
The Role of BCD Travel
BCD Travel helps organizations use their travel budgets effectively. Its focus is on safety, productivity, and smart decision-making for travelers. The BCD Group is the market leader in the Benelux and operates in more than 108 countries worldwide. It employs over 14,000 people and generates a total turnover of $26.4 billion.
Human Contact and Status Still Matter
“Our sector is strongly influenced by political change and climate awareness,” says De Mol, who has more than 20 years of experience in business travel. “Companies are questioning long-distance trips. They ask whether flying is really necessary or if fewer people can attend meetings.”
Internally, many organizations choose web conferences as a cost-effective alternative. The quality of online meetings continues to improve. However, human contact remains essential for client relationships, business development, and prospecting. For these reasons, travel will continue.
Companies are also shifting to trains for shorter journeys. For example, traveling from Brussels to central Frankfurt is often more efficient by high-speed train than by plane. Although the train ride is longer, the total travel time is shorter.
De Mol also notes that future of business travel carries a certain status. People often complain about travel, yet they would not want to give it up completely.
Technology Is Reshaping the Future of Business Travel
Technology is transforming how future of business travel is organized. Trips can now be booked digitally, 24/7, using integrated platforms. These systems combine flights, hotels, and car rentals in one place.
“You can see the industry changing rapidly,” says Miriam Moscovici, Emerging Technologies Director at BCD Travel. Airport buses, mobile hotel check-ins, and AI-powered wayfinding systems are becoming common. The future of travel has already begun.
Personalization and Data Balance
Business travelers interact with travel management companies many times a year. This frequent contact encourages TMCs to personalize the travel experience.
Airports are responding as well. Brussels Airport, for example, invests heavily in personalization. At the same time, it must balance digitization with security and data protection.
“The goal is relevance,” says Moscovici. future of business travel do not want endless options. They prefer a few smart choices based on past behavior, similar travelers, and real-time market conditions.
Key Trends for the Near Future
Several trends are expected to shape future of business travel in the coming years:
- In-flight connectivity: Airlines such as KLM and Lufthansa are testing Wi‑Fi on long-haul flights. Working in the air will become standard.
- Bleisure travel: Business and private travel are merging. Travelers expect the same quality of service for both.
- Virtual payments: The use of virtual credit cards is growing rapidly. These payments are more secure and efficient.
- Invisible payments: Services like Uber and automated hotel check-ins reduce friction and save time.
- Smart infrastructure: Sensors, beacons, and smart luggage tags improve navigation and baggage tracking at airports and train stations.
According to Moscovici, integrated technology is becoming smarter and more connected. Especially in transfers and logistics, innovation continues to simplify the journey. The possibilities for future of business travel are vast and still expanding.
In addition to these trends, sustainability will play an even bigger role in shaping corporate travel policies. Many multinational organizations are now tracking their carbon emissions more carefully and setting measurable reduction targets. As a result, travel managers are expected to prioritize eco-friendly airlines, energy-efficient hotels, and rail alternatives where possible. Carbon offset programs are also becoming more structured and transparent. Instead of eliminating trips entirely, companies are focusing on making smarter travel choices that balance environmental responsibility with business growth.