As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape industries worldwide, corporate travel is no exception. AI has become a cornerstone in optimizing travel management, driving cost savings, and enhancing the traveler experience. Serko and Sabre announced the release of the 2025 State of AI in Corporate Travel: Unlocking Opportunities, Overcoming Challenges report.

The study, based on a survey of more than 300 U.S.-based travel managers at companies with over $50 million in revenue, sheds light on how AI and generative AI (genAI) are reshaping the business travel landscape—and where organizations are still falling short.

“The study’s results are clear: while AI adoption in corporate travel is high, success isn’t guaranteed,” said Darrin Grafton, CEO and co-founder of Serko.

“Yes, 90% of travel managers say they’ve implemented AI or genAI, but too many are still hitting roadblocks. Whether it’s poor implementation, a lack of internal capabilities, or limited partner support, these challenges are preventing organizations from realizing the full value of their investment. That’s exactly where technology players like Serko or Sabre have an opportunity to step up.”

Key Findings: AI Momentum, But Support Gaps Remain

Widespread adoption: Over 90% of respondents report using AI or genAI, primarily for cost savings (71%), enhancing the traveler experience (68%), and improving data analysis (63%).

Positive ROI: 52% say AI has exceeded expectations; 45% say it’s meeting them. Use cases include booking optimization (73%), pricing and cost savings (70%), and chatbot-based traveler support (64%).

Transformational potential: Nearly half of travel managers believe AI will have a “significant” or “transformative” impact on their programs over the next five years.

Support Shortcomings: While some respondents feel supported, 49% say support from travel partners is only “moderate,” and 11% say they’ve received little or no help. Tech provider support shows similar results.

Biggest roadblocks: Implementation hurdles (46%), lack of internal talent (19%), and budget constraints (14%) are slowing progress.

Tech providers must accelerate AI integration, with the customer at the center

As the study suggests, AI has moved from experimentation to expectation, but the survey indicates that too many corporate travel programs are struggling to scale their efforts effectively. That’s where travel technology partners must take a more proactive role to bridge the gap between potential and performance.

“The corporate travel industry is moving quickly from exploring AI and genAI to deeply embedding it into their operations,”

said Sundar Narasimhan, SVP and President, Sabre Labs. “What was once a ‘nice-to-have’ is becoming an operational necessity. Companies that fail to integrate AI-driven decision-making risk falling behind—not just in efficiency and cost savings but in their ability to deliver the seamless, personalized experiences that travelers now expect. Our focus is on helping our customers navigate this shift with confidence, helping to ensure they have the right tools, strategies, and support to turn AI investment into meaningful traveler and business outcomes.”

Serko and Sabre agree: it’s not enough to innovate for innovation’s sake. The responsibility lies with technology provide

rs to simplify implementation, provide smarter automation, and actively guide customers through their AI transformation journeys. That means aligning roadmaps to real-world needs, reducing integration complexity, and helping to ensure that AI delivers not only performance improvement but also traveler-centric value.

“This is a defining moment for the industry,” added Andrew Revell, Serko’s head of AI. “Our customers are asking not just for tools, but for trust, expertise, and a clear path forward. We are  focused on delivering on all three.”

Final thoughts about AI in corporate travel

The integration of AI in corporate travel is not merely a trend but a profound shift that is likely to reshape the industry in the coming years. With over 90% of business travel managers already utilizing AI or generative AI (genAI), the technology’s impact is undeniable. However, the path to successful AI adoption is not without its challenges. As highlighted in the 2025 State of AI in Corporate Travel report, while many organizations have embraced AI, the ability to leverage it effectively remains inconsistent. The root causes of this gap often lie in poor implementation, insufficient internal capabilities, and lack of adequate support from tech partners. These barriers hinder the ability to fully realize the potential of AI, preventing organizations from achieving the efficiency, cost savings, and traveler satisfaction that AI promises.

Looking ahead, the corporate travel landscape will likely see a continued shift toward deeper AI integration, driven by the growing demand for personalized and seamless travel experiences. For instance, AI-powered tools such as chatbots and predictive analytics are already enhancing booking processes, allowing for smarter decision-making and more efficient travel management. As more companies embrace AI, there will likely be a surge in innovations focused on automation, data-driven insights, and real-time support, enabling businesses to stay competitive in a fast-evolving landscape.

In terms of predictions, we can expect AI’s role in corporate travel to expand beyond cost savings and operational efficiency. Travel managers may increasingly rely on AI for real-time risk management, dynamic policy compliance, and more personalized travel experiences tailored to individual preferences. As AI technologies mature, we may also see the rise of fully automated, end-to-end travel management systems, where AI seamlessly handles everything from booking to post-trip analytics.

However, for AI to reach its full potential, corporate travel technology providers like Serko and Sabre must not only innovate but also collaborate with organizations to offer practical, scalable solutions. Simplifying implementation and providing clear guidance through the AI transformation journey will be essential. Companies that invest in AI now—and partner with providers who prioritize seamless integration and support—will be well-positioned to thrive in the future of corporate travel.

In conclusion, while AI in corporate travel is at an exciting crossroads, success will depend on how effectively organizations and technology providers address the barriers to implementation. Those that embrace AI’s full potential will not only gain a competitive edge but will be better equipped to meet the ever-evolving expectations of the modern traveler.