How to Leverage Business Travel Data for Smarter Decision-Making
For companies of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises, business travel is essential for fostering client relationships, bringing teams together, and supporting global expansion. However, without proper oversight, travel expenses can quickly spiral and become difficult to manage.
That’s where data-driven travel management comes in. It can provide organizations with greater visibility into spending and compliance. With advanced analytics and real-time reporting, businesses can optimize travel programs, improve cost control, and create a smoother experience for employees on the move.
This article explores the latest trends in business travel, key industry statistics, and how data-driven strategies can transform corporate travel management.
Current Trends in Business Travel
The business travel sector has seen major transformations in recent years, driven by evolving corporate priorities and advancements in travel technology. Recognizing the value of corporate travel, companies are investing more in strategic programs to facilitate in-person meetings, attendance at industry events, and global collaboration. According to the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), 49% of travel programs plan to increase their investment in travel technology in 2025.
Companies are also making changes to accommodate the rise of “bleisure” travel, where employees blend business trips with leisure activities. This shift has prompted companies to refine policies that balance compliance with flexibility.
Another key trend is a growing emphasis on sustainability. In a survey conducted by Skift and Navan, 72% of travel managers offer sustainability tools to measure the effect of their business travel. More companies are also incorporating eco-conscious travel policies, such as carbon offset programs and green-certified accommodations, to align with corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Above: An app view of Navan’s carbon emissions analytics
Key Statistics in Business Travel
Business travel continues to be a significant economic driver — especially as expenditures have reached pre-pandemic levels. In fact, GBTA projects that business travel spending will exceed $2 trillion by 2028. Additionally, 64% of business travelers surveyed reported an increase in their spending compared to 2023.
Furthermore, Deloitte found that 58% of travel managers anticipate higher travel spending, indicating that corporate travel is on track for continued growth.
Furthermore, companies are increasingly leveraging technology to streamline their travel and expense (T&E) management processes. According to the Skift and Navan survey, 77% of travel and finance managers favor an all-in-one T&E management solution rather than relying on separate tools for each function.
Benefits of Data-Driven Travel Management
Business travel data helps organizations make more strategic decisions by revealing booking patterns, travel expenses, and traveler behavior. By identifying inefficiencies, companies can take corrective action, strengthen policy compliance, and reduce unauthorized spending.
Above: An app view of Navan’s expended hotel policy analytics
Additionally, data insights contribute to a smoother travel experience for employees. Personalized booking recommendations, real-time travel assistance, and streamlined expense reporting simplify the process. Predictive analytics further refine travel programs by anticipating demand fluctuations and optimizing budgets.
Implementing Data Analytics in Your Travel Program
Organizations looking to harness the power of business travel data should start by collecting and analyzing key metrics. Establishing performance indicators such as average trip cost, compliance rates, and traveler satisfaction scores allows companies to measure the effectiveness of their travel policies.
Investing in travel management software equipped with real-time reporting and analytics tools can supercharge a company’s data-collection efforts. Platforms like Navan provide organizations with comprehensive dashboards that track expenses, highlight spending trends, and generate actionable insights. Additionally, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) improves the accuracy of forecasting models, helping businesses make proactive travel decisions.
Another crucial step is fostering a data-driven culture within the organization. Encouraging finance teams, travel managers, and employees to engage with travel data promotes accountability and improves compliance. By aligning travel policies with business objectives and leveraging cutting-edge analytics tools, companies can achieve long-term success in managing corporate travel.
Above: Navan's dashboard for analyzing travel spend.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Business Travel Data Analysis
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way organizations analyze and interpret travel data. By processing vast amounts of information in real time, AI-powered algorithms can identify spending patterns, detect anomalies, and offer personalized travel recommendations. These capabilities support decision-making by providing companies with predictive insights that optimize travel budgets and improve policy enforcement.
Machine learning models also play a vital role in fraud detection. By analyzing expense reports and booking histories, AI can flag out-of–policy expenses and mitigate financial risks. Additionally, AI-powered chatbots can streamline data analysis, by reviewing information quickly and presenting predictive analytics as well as current data.
As AI technology continues to evolve, businesses that adopt intelligent travel management solutions will gain a competitive edge. Automated processes reduce manual effort, improve efficiency, and drive significant cost savings, making AI an invaluable tool in corporate travel management.
FAQ
Meet Navan: Your Data-Powered Travel Management Solution
Navan empowers organizations with advanced data analytics solutions that optimize corporate travel management. Through real-time reporting, predictive analytics, and AI-powered insights, Navan helps businesses gain full visibility into travel spend, improve policy adherence, and enrich traveler experiences. With customizable dashboards and automated compliance tracking, companies can make informed decisions that drive efficiency and cost savings.
The Road Ahead: Using Data to Stay Competitive
Incorporating business travel data into corporate travel programs is essential for optimizing costs, promoting compliance, and improving traveler satisfaction. Organizations looking to adopt a data-driven approach can benefit from partnering with industry leaders like Navan, whose cutting-edge solutions provide the necessary tools for successful travel management.
As business travel continues to evolve, companies that prioritize data analytics will be better positioned to navigate emerging trends and achieve long-term success.
Ready to make the most out of your business travel data? Get started with Navan today.
This content is for informational purposes only. It doesn't necessarily reflect the views of Navan and should not be construed as legal, tax, benefits, financial, accounting, or other advice. If you need specific advice for your business, please consult with an expert, as rules and regulations change regularly.