As AI becomes a universal reality, Pooja Patil and Hanish Vithal share insights on how it is influencing the design and optimisation of business travel programmes — and why travel managers must embrace this shift.
By MT Bureau
With macroeconomic shifts, evolving company objectives and changing traveller preferences influencing the business travel landscape, the expectation for travel managers to do more with less has become far more prevalent.
While technology has played a pivotal role in supporting business travel objectives, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a game-changer for travel managers seeking to elevate business travel programmes and deliver measurable value across the MICE industry.
AI works by using algorithms to process large volumes of data, identify patterns, and make informed decisions or predictions. AI models can be trained to follow detailed instructions, delivering outcomes aligned with clearly defined objectives in business travel and corporate event management.
“The use of AI in business travel is accelerating quickly,” said Pooja Patil, Head, Business Development, India, Synergy Global Housing. “At its most basic level, we can leverage AI to formulate customised travel recommendations, such as identifying the best and cheapest flights to Chennai. Where it gets really exciting is AI’s use in managing entire business travel programmes in adherence to travel policy.”
“AI is a force multiplier for travel teams,” said Hanish Vithal, Chief Technology Officer, SilverDoor. “We are becoming more efficient, tracking carbon footprints, improving traveller experiences, and turning scattered data into strategic insights — all while keeping teams lean. Companies can now scale faster without the traditional overhead.”
Redefining Business Travel In India
As long as an AI model has access to a meaningful volume of data, it holds the potential to redefine how business travel programmes are managed and optimised across corporate meetings, business events and MICE travel.
Key areas where AI is transforming business travel include:
Cost management: AI improves cost efficiency by analysing historical spend data, market trends and policy parameters. AI-driven booking tools can suggest accommodation or flight options that remain within pre-determined rate caps while meeting traveller comfort and convenience needs.
Data analytics: Intelligent and tailored Business Intelligence dashboards powered by AI can identify patterns of overspending, highlight opportunities to reduce carbon consumption, flag underperforming suppliers and forecast future travel budgets. This enables travel managers to take proactive decisions and demonstrate tangible fiscal savings to leadership.
Guest Safety And Risk Management
AI enhances guest safety and well-being at multiple touchpoints. By leveraging location safety scores, real-time travel advisories, historical incident reports and traveller demographics, AI can deliver personalised safety recommendations, including accommodation guidance for solo female travellers.
From a broader risk management perspective, Vithal added, “We can now monitor threats in real-time, 24/7, with fewer people and better results. When disruptions occur, predictive alerts and automated workflows help us respond in minutes rather than hours.”
Decarbonisation And Sustainability
By analysing supplier sustainability credentials, emissions data and travel patterns, AI tools can recommend lower-carbon travel options aligned with corporate ESG and decarbonisation targets.
“A common misconception is that eco-friendly travel options are more expensive,” Patil noted. “With AI, organisations can identify environmentally friendly options that sit within both fiscal and carbon budgets.”
Traveller Preferences And Inclusion
By understanding traveller demographics and psychographics, AI can deliver inclusive and personalised travel recommendations. For accommodation, this includes suggesting properties with halal dining or other culturally relevant amenities, without extensive manual research.
Adapting To Change
As AI continues to evolve, it is reshaping how business travel programmes are designed, managed and optimised. For travel managers, success will depend on adaptability, openness to experimentation and continuous process refinement.
The business travel industry remains people-driven. AI should complement — not replace — human service. The most effective programmes balance intelligent automation with human empathy, keeping traveller experience at the centre of every journey.
