Rising airfares, securing better supplier value and improving travel policy compliance are the leading concerns for corporate travel buyers heading into 2027, according to new research released by Business Travel Show America.

The survey, involving 204 corporate travel buyers, asked respondents to identify up to three of their biggest expected challenges in managing corporate travel programmes next year. The findings were released as the event opened at the Javits Center in New York, running through October 15.

Airline costs have emerged as a growing concern, with the proportion of buyers identifying them as a major challenge doubling from 15% in 2025 to 30% this year. The increase comes amid volatile energy markets, with Brent crude oil prices recently exceeding $100 a barrel.

Securing better value from suppliers was also cited by 30% of respondents, while 29% identified improving policy compliance and reducing travel spending outside approved arrangements as key priorities.

Louis Magliaro, executive vice president of the BTN Group, said: “What's striking about these findings is, despite discussion around AI and emerging technologies, corporate travel buyers are heading into 2027 focused on some familiar challenges: cost, supplier value and compliance.”

He added: “The solutions to these challenges are evolving rapidly and it’s important for buyers to understand how new technologies, stronger supplier partnerships and smarter program strategies can help them deliver more value with the resources available and that’s where Business Travel Show America steps in. Over the next two days, we're bringing hundreds of buyers, suppliers and industry experts together to share practical solutions, discover innovations and gain fresh insights, and help shape stronger corporate travel programs for the year ahead.”

Technology and traveller experience remain priorities

Technology integration was identified as a major challenge by 28% of respondents, reflecting pressure on travel managers to adopt solutions that support increasingly complex programmes. Priorities include integrating artificial intelligence tools, improving traveller experiences, strengthening risk management and expanding data analytics capabilities.

Meanwhile, 22% of buyers cited balancing traveller expectations with budget constraints. Employees increasingly expect consumer-style booking experiences, greater flexibility and personalised options, requiring travel managers to reconcile satisfaction with corporate spending controls.

External uncertainty also continues to influence planning. Geopolitical uncertainty was identified by 21% of respondents, while 20% highlighted supporting business growth in new markets and regions. Economic uncertainty was cited by 17%.

Industry event focuses on practical solutions

Business Travel Show America brings together corporate travel and procurement professionals with more than 150 suppliers to explore solutions to these challenges.

The two-day programme includes independent education sessions organised by the BTN Group, buyer-only networking opportunities and the Business Travel Innovation Faceoff, where 12 innovators will present emerging solutions for corporate travel.

Participants can evaluate suppliers, strengthen partnerships, benchmark travel programmes and explore technologies designed to improve efficiency, compliance and traveller satisfaction.

The findings indicate that cost management and supplier relationships remain central to corporate travel strategies, even as technology adoption and changing employee expectations reshape the industry. -TradeArabia News Service