Companies are increasing travel budgets while prioritising cost optimisation, digital tools and integrated travel management systems, according to new insights from Ebix Travels
India’s corporate travel sector is poised for further expansion, with 74 per cent of organisations expecting business travel activity to increase over the next 12 months, even as companies place greater emphasis on cost control and operational efficiency, according to new insights from Ebix Travels.
The findings, based on travel patterns and booking trends across the company’s enterprise client base between June 2025 and May 2026, suggest that business travel continues to be viewed as a critical driver of customer engagement, market expansion, partnership development and revenue growth.
At the same time, organisations are becoming increasingly disciplined about travel spending. Nearly 68 per cent of respondents identified cost optimisation as their primary travel management objective, highlighting the growing need to maximise returns on every travel investment.
Premium and Business-Critical Travel on the Rise
The analysis found that 52 per cent of organisations reported an increase in premium and business-critical travel, indicating that companies are prioritising trips with clear strategic and commercial outcomes.
Meanwhile, 47 per cent observed a rise in last-minute bookings, reflecting the need for greater agility as businesses respond to changing market conditions and emerging opportunities.
The trend underscores the evolving role of corporate travel, which is increasingly being assessed through the lens of business impact, efficiency and return on investment.
Technology Becomes Central to Travel Management
As travel programmes grow more complex, organisations are turning to technology to improve visibility, control and decision-making.
According to the findings, 71 per cent of respondents cited fluctuating airfares as a major challenge, prompting companies to seek smarter ways to manage travel budgets.
Nearly half of the organisations surveyed are exploring artificial intelligence-powered tools to enhance booking decisions, optimise expenditure and improve traveller experiences.
Digital adoption is also accelerating across booking platforms. Self-booking tools now account for 58 per cent of all bookings, reflecting growing demand for seamless user experiences and faster approval processes.
However, challenges remain. Around 63 per cent of organisations reported difficulties arising from disconnected travel, expense, foreign exchange and payment systems, resulting in fragmented data, reduced visibility and compliance concerns.
Demand Grows for Integrated Travel Ecosystems
Commenting on the findings, Vikas Garg, Chairman of Ebix Group, said business travel remains a vital enabler of economic growth and corporate expansion.
“As organisations navigate a dynamic operating environment, the focus is increasingly shifting towards creating greater value from every travel investment. Technology, data intelligence and integrated financial solutions are playing a pivotal role in helping enterprises achieve this balance,” he said.
Garg added that the future of corporate travel would be defined by efficiency, agility and seamless digital experiences that support both business objectives and traveller needs.
Latika Bolar, Chief Business Officer – Corporate Travel at Ebix Travels, said organisations are increasingly focused on optimising travel rather than merely facilitating it.
“Every trip is being evaluated through the lens of business impact, cost efficiency and traveller experience. This is driving demand for integrated, technology-enabled solutions that provide greater visibility, smarter decision-making and better control across the travel lifecycle,” she said.
Shift Towards Smarter Travel Management
The report highlights a growing preference among enterprises for integrated travel ecosystems that combine travel management, payments, foreign exchange and expense oversight within a single platform.
According to Ebix Travels, organisations adopting such models are reporting stronger governance, improved compliance, enhanced employee experiences and better control over travel expenditure.
The findings indicate that while business travel demand remains robust, the sector is entering a new phase where technology, automation and data-driven decision-making are becoming as important as the travel itself.
As companies seek to balance growth ambitions with financial discipline, integrated digital travel solutions are expected to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of corporate mobility in India.
