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A groundbreaking new report reveals that while artificial intelligence has firmly planted its flag in the corporate travel sector, the journey from innovation to real-world impact remains incomplete. Titled The 2025 State of AI in Corporate Travel: Unlocking Opportunities, Overcoming Challenges, the study—jointly conducted by online travel leader Serko Ltd. and global travel technology powerhouse Sabre Corporation—unpacks the evolving role of AI and generative AI (genAI) in reshaping travel programs across the United States.

The survey, encompassing insights from over 300 U.S.-based corporate travel managers at firms generating $50 million or more in annual revenue, paints a picture of widespread enthusiasm tempered by sobering realities.

“The appetite for AI is real—but so are the obstacles,” asserted Darrin Grafton, CEO and co-founder of Serko. “While it’s encouraging to see that over 90% of travel managers have adopted some form of AI, poor execution, limited internal capability, and patchy support from partners are holding back true value realization.”

AI: From Novelty to Necessity

The report’s data underscore just how central AI has become in the daily operations of corporate travel programs. A commanding 90% of respondents reported deploying AI or genAI tools, primarily to reduce costs (71%), enhance the traveler experience (68%), and improve data analysis (63%).

Among the top-performing implementations:

73% are optimizing bookings with AI.
70% are leveraging it for price intelligence and cost savings.
64% utilize chatbot-driven support to assist travelers in real time.

More than half of respondents (52%) reported AI delivering returns beyond expectations, while another 45% saw results meeting initial benchmarks. However, these numbers do not tell the whole story.

The Reality Check: Support and Strategy Lacking

Despite these successes, 49% of travel managers characterized support from travel partners as merely “moderate,” while 11% said they received little or none. Similar patterns emerged in feedback related to technology vendors and platforms.

“AI is no longer a futuristic concept,” emphasized Sundar Narasimhan, Senior Vice President and President of Sabre Labs. “It’s now a cornerstone of how travel programs are expected to perform. Businesses that fail to embed AI into decision-making are not just behind the curve—they’re risking their entire value proposition.”

He added that companies unable to deliver personalized, seamless, tech-powered experiences will be at a competitive disadvantage—not just in cost efficiency but also in attracting and retaining top travel talent.

Top Roadblocks Identified in the Report

Implementation complexity – flagged by 46% of respondents as their most significant hurdle.
Lack of internal expertise – cited by 19% of travel leaders.
Budget limitations – noted by 14%- show that financial constraints hinder progress.

These issues underscore the need for more brilliant guidance and strategic partnerships.

“This is not about technology for technology’s sake,” said Andrew Revell, Head of AI at Serko. “Our clients are looking for more than tools—they seek trusted advisors who can demystify AI, reduce friction, and lead them with clarity.”

Tech Providers Must Lead the Charge

Serko and Sabre are aligned in their call to action: the travel technology sector must evolve from tool vendors to transformation enablers. That means aligning product roadmaps with customer pain points, offering intelligent automation, and reducing integration complexity.

The study highlights a growing desire among corporations for holistic, outcome-oriented AI strategies, where performance metrics aren’t limited to cost-cutting but also emphasize traveler satisfaction, policy compliance, and sustainability goals.

To answer this need, providers are now being challenged to:

Offer intuitive AI solutions tailored to specific organizational goals.
Provide embedded support and co-piloting to assist during rollout.
Prioritize transparency, data integrity, and ethical use of AI.

The full report, available here, is not just a litmus test for current performance but also a strategic compass for the industry’s future.

Looking Ahead: A Defining Inflection Point

With AI now viewed as an operational imperative, corporate travel stakeholders—vendors and buyers alike—must build capability, foster collaboration, and focus squarely on value delivery.

Grafton said, “This is a defining moment for our sector. Those who embrace AI with foresight, humility, and partnership will not only survive—they will lead.”

Indeed, the message is clear: the future of business travel won’t be built on technology alone but on how well that technology is implemented, supported, and trusted.