What will corporate travel technology look like in 2025?

In our Business Travel Trends Prediction 2025, we explored what travel buyers need to have on their radar to help future-proof corporate travel programmes.

Corporate travel technology is one of the key areas expected to move forward rapidly; the Global Business Travel Association already highlighted how the corporate travel industry must embrace emerging technologies to remain competitive and accelerate growth. And, prioritising user experience when enhancing these platforms will be integral, especially as more than three-quarters of the travel buyers we surveyed at Business Travel Show back in June 2024 reported their company uses an online booking tool (OBT).

Demand for enhanced user experience

Reed & Mackay Global Director of Product Fahim Khan predicts how the user experience for corporate travel booking tools is just as important as the platform’s core functionality. “This is crucial for user adoption, so we’re investing heavily in this area,” he says.

To meet this forecast for 2025, Reed & Mackay has already launched a series of enhancements to its proprietary technology R&M/Book, including a redesigned user interface and improved air booking process. “Our customers told us that having the most comprehensive content is important for their users. And that’s a key differentiator for us, ” Khan adds. “We’re going to great lengths to ensure clients have access to the right fares for them through our proprietary technology. That can be through NDC content, through scheduled airline or a low-cost carrier across both online and offline.”

Tech and service integration

Khan reiterates how, at Reed & Mackay, travel technology and personalised service go hand in hand. “We build our own tech stack so it’s fully integrated with the service we provide,” he says.

“A prime example of the advantages of this blended approach is our online flight check-in service, available upon request. Our consultants simply send the boarding pass straight to the traveller’s mobile via the Reed & Mackay app. Travellers can the opt to receive it as a PDF or as a push notification for their digital wallet, enabling a seamless and speedy journey through the airport.”

Constant communication with travellers

Keeping travellers updated with technology updates remains crucial for 2025. For every single flight and every single customer, Reed & Mackay’s technology checks the flight’s status and sends push notifications to travellers to let them know if the flight is on time, delayed or cancelled. Then, consultant support is on hand immediately to support the traveller.

“We have teams behind the scenes to protect you,” Khan highlights. “We’ve taken all the pieces that affect travel – cancellations, duty of care, an integrated direct feed from a risk management company – and have pulled them into one source of truth. The traveller, travel booker and our consultants have everything in one place for a seamless travel experience.”