Business travel has changed—from a pure necessity to a strategic success factor. Once considered a cost center, it is now seen as an important tool for customer acquisition, employee retention, and strengthening corporate culture.

“Travel is no longer an end in itself, but a central component of successful business relationships,” says Andreas Neumann, member of the DRV initiative Chefsache Business Travel and managing director of ADAC Reisevertrieb.

“Those who plan business trips in a targeted manner and manage them digitally gain in efficiency, sustainability, and trust.” Together with the Chefsache Business Travel initiative, Neumann has identified five future trends that show how companies—especially small and medium-sized enterprises—are strategically rethinking business travel.

1. From obligation to strategy: business travel as a competitive advantage

A face-to-face meeting can mean the difference between a quote and an order. It builds trust that is not so easy to achieve via video. “Those who see business travel only as a cost factor are missing out on opportunities,” emphasizes Neumann. “Targeted travel management enables travel to be used as a strategic lever – with data-based reporting, efficient booking, and reliable compliance.”

Professionally managed business travel thus becomes a real advantage: teams travel purposefully instead of randomly; sales opportunities can be planned precisely; customer relationships are measurably strengthened.

A real-world example: A medium-sized software service provider bundles all customer appointments in a region into a single time slot. The result: shorter travel times, lower hotel costs – and a clearly measurable ROI.

2. Hybrid is the new normal: When presence and digital work together perfectly

The future lies in a mix of digital and presence, and this is precisely where efficiency comes in. Virtual meetings create momentum, while face-to-face meetings build trust. An example: A key account workshop starts online with two short sessions before the crucial discussions take place on site. This reduces travel times, lowers CO₂ emissions, and maximizes personal impact.

TMCs support companies with:

·       Optimized travel routes and appointment bundling

·       CO₂ reporting for sustainable corporate goals

3. Stay flexible: The future belongs to intelligent combinations

In volatile markets, flexibility is worth its weight in gold. Projects are postponed, budgets change, meetings are scheduled at short notice. Dynamic booking models with flexible cancellation and rebooking options enable agility without losing control.

“Medium-sized companies in particular benefit from being able to adjust travel plans spontaneously and without additional costs,” explains Neumann. “Agile travel management means maximum flexibility with minimum effort – with clear budget control and less stress for employees.”

Travel management companies enable, among other things:

·       Combination of negotiated corporate rates and real-time prices

·       Flexible rebookings and cancellations

·       Centralized billing and transparency for controlling and management

4. A personal touch despite digitalization

“AI is changing travel management—and that's a good thing,” says Andreas Neumann. “Automated policy checks, personalized hotel suggestions, and chatbots ensure speed and convenience. But when flights are canceled, visa problems arise, or special requests come up, human expertise is indispensable.”

The future belongs to the intelligent combination of AI and personal service: AI takes care of routine tasks – people take care of everything that requires tact and sensitivity.

In concrete terms, this means:

·       AI tools for efficiency, booking speed, and personalization.

·       Travel specialists for complex requirements, crisis management, and individual advice.

The future lies in the combination of artificial intelligence and personal expertise—technology for efficiency, people for trust and security.

5. The future travels sustainably, and sustainable travel is becoming a mark of quality

Sustainability is no longer just an image issue, but a strategic necessity. As EU regulations surrounding CSRD reporting requirements are being reorganized, pressure is growing on companies to make their travel strategies more transparent and environmentally conscious.

“Sustainable travel is becoming a mark of quality,” emphasizes Neumann. “Companies that take responsibility early on not only strengthen their credibility, but also their competitive position.”

Travel management companies are supporting this change with practical solutions – from audit-proof CO₂ reporting and sustainable booking recommendations to strategic consulting for a climate-conscious travel culture. In this way, sustainability is transforming from a mandatory requirement into a genuine success factor.