Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Business Travel
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more prevalent in our daily lives.
For example, web-mapping apps have evolved to do more than simply give us directions. They now collect and analyse data on current traffic, road types, and other variables to predict the fastest route to our destinations.
These innovations are coming to business travel. Already we’ve seen booking tools that use traveller preferences to find personalised options that are also within company policies. Soon, we may see tools that can automatically suggest travel options when a potential trip is simply mentioned in an email. Or, intelligent services that consider cost increases, real-time weather conditions, or shifting schedules to automatically adapt itineraries if necessary.
These tools would make business travel smoother, but there are a few obstacles to jump over before they can become the norm within business travel programmes.
First, to gather the data needed for predictions, travellers must be willing to offer up personal preference, loyalty programme, passport, and credit card information.
Fortunately, according to IATA’s 2017 Global Passenger Survey, 85% of passengers are willing to provide personal data in exchange for a more customised travel experience.
Next, predicting disruptions that can influence itineraries requires visibility into so many different areas that no one organisation can handle this alone. Travel suppliers, weather forecasters, technology providers, and professional service firms must work together to deliver this experience. The SAP Concur App Centre is a continually-growing ecosystem that many of these organisations already connect within to make business travel smoother.
The question is, is your business ready to become part of the change today to streamline travel in the future?
Visit our website to learn more about the SAP Concur travel and expense ecosystem.