A total of 204 corporate travel buyers took part in this year’s survey. Respondents selected up to three major challenges they expect to face when managing corporate travel programmes in 2027.
With Brent crude oil prices recently exceeding $100 per barrel, airline costs remain a prominent concern. The share of buyers identifying airline costs as a major challenge doubled from 15% in 2025 to 30% this year.
Another 30% cited securing better value from suppliers. Meanwhile, 29% identified improving policy compliance and reducing leakage as key challenges.
Cost, Supplier Value and Compliance
Louis Magliaro, Executive Vice President of the BTN Group, said: “What’s striking about these findings is, despite discussion around AI and emerging technologies, corporate travel buyers are heading into 2027 focused on some familiar challenges: cost, supplier value and compliance,”
He added: “The solutions to these challenges are evolving rapidly and it’s important for buyers to understand how new technologies, stronger supplier partnerships and smarter program strategies can help them deliver more value with the resources available and that’s where Business Travel Show America steps in. Over the next two days, we’re bringing hundreds of buyers, suppliers and industry experts together to share practical solutions, discover innovations and gain fresh insights, and help shape stronger corporate travel programs for the year ahead.”
Technology Integration and Traveller Experience
Technology also features prominently in travel managers’ priorities. Some 28% of respondents identified finding, understanding and implementing suitable technology solutions as a major challenge.
Travel managers face growing pressure to integrate technology across increasingly complex programmes. Priorities include AI-enabled tools, traveller experience improvements, risk management solutions and advanced analytics.
Managing traveller expectations within budget constraints ranked among the concerns of 22% of respondents. Employees increasingly expect consumer-grade booking experiences, greater flexibility and personalised travel options.
Travel managers must balance these expectations with corporate spending controls and available technology capabilities.
External Uncertainty Shapes Travel Planning
External risks also featured in the survey responses. Geopolitical uncertainty ranked among the biggest challenges for 21% of buyers. Supporting business growth in new markets and regions was cited by 20%. Economic uncertainty concerned a further 17% of respondents.
Business Travel Show America Programme
Business Travel Show America brings together more than 150 suppliers and corporate travel and procurement professionals at the Javits Center in New York. The two-day event focuses on solutions to challenges facing the corporate travel industry.
Participants can evaluate suppliers, strengthen existing relationships, compare programmes with industry peers and explore technologies aimed at improving efficiency, compliance and traveller experience.
The programme also includes independent education sessions developed by the BTN Group, networking opportunities reserved for buyers and the Business Travel Innovation Faceoff. During the competition, 12 innovators will present emerging solutions for the corporate travel industry.
