BTS - Business Travel Suite Archives - DerbySoft - The Travel Commerce Accelerator https://www.derbysoft.com/resource-product/bts-business-travel-suite/ Our World-Class Services Accelerate the Pace that Travel Companies Can Connect, Grow, and Optimize Profits Mon, 06 Oct 2025 15:08:45 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://www.derbysoft.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/cropped-favicon-32x32.png BTS - Business Travel Suite Archives - DerbySoft - The Travel Commerce Accelerator https://www.derbysoft.com/resource-product/bts-business-travel-suite/ 32 32 DerbySoft Launches Global Data Network for Flights with AirAsia as its First Partner https://www.derbysoft.com/resources/blog/derbysoft-launches-global-data-network-for-flights-with-airasia-as-its-first-partner/ Mon, 06 Oct 2025 14:38:23 +0000 https://www.derbysoft.com/?post_type=resource&p=23953 The post DerbySoft Launches Global Data Network for Flights with AirAsia as its First Partner appeared first on DerbySoft - The Travel Commerce Accelerator.

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DerbySoft Launches Global Data Network for Flights with AirAsia as its First Partner

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DerbySoft Launches Global Data Network for Flights with AirAsia as its First Partner

At the World Aviation Festival 2025, DerbySoft, an innovative global technology company dedicated to accelerating travel commerce, introduced its Global Data Network (GDN) for Flights — a next-generation distribution model designed to move flight distribution from centralized systems to a decentralized, API-first network. AirAsia Group (AirAsia) was announced as the first airline group to join the GDN.

Unlike traditional “hub-and-spoke” models, the GDN for flights enables direct connections among all participants—airlines, OTAs, consolidators, travel agencies, TMCs, and more. This flexible architecture redefines how industry players interact, transact, and optimize their relationships, giving airlines greater control and offering sellers more competitive content.

Through DerbySoft’s GDN for flights, airlines such as AirAsia can connect directly with preferred partners, maintain ownership of distribution relationships, access complete traveler data, and in the future, leverage AI-driven traveler qualification to improve relevance, efficiency, and conversion.

Amanda Woo, AirAsia’s Group Chief Commercial Officer, said: “AirAsia has always been a first mover in using innovation to democratize travel, and distribution is a key enabler as we future proof our airline. This partnership with DerbySoft builds a smarter ecosystem that strengthens our direct channels, gives us deeper insights, and empowers stronger partnerships across the value chain. More importantly, this approach positions us well for future growth into Central Asia, the Middle East and Europe. It also gives us the flexibility to personalize ancillaries, bundles and experiences – delivering more choice and value for our guests as we advance towards becoming the world’s first low-cost network carrier.”

Jason Sui, Divisional CEO of DerbySoft Flight Services, added: Our network isn’t just about connection, our advantage lies in combining a true network architecture with an intelligence layer. Any participant—airlines, OTAs, TMCs, or consolidators—can connect directly, and as the network grows, it generates more data, enhancing its intelligence capabilities. This means each new participant adds value for everyone, creating a continuously expanding ecosystem that delivers significant benefits to all GDN members.” The GDN for flights delivers benefits across the travel ecosystem. Airlines gain direct distribution control and richer traveler insights, while sellers receive seamless access to complete and competitive airline content. Backed by DerbySoft’s proven connectivity infrastructure, the GDN for flights provides a scalable, reliable, and modern distribution model designed to drive efficiency and profitability for all stakeholders.

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Max Lobos at WTM 2024 https://www.derbysoft.com/resources/video/max-lobos-wtm-2024/ Tue, 30 Sep 2025 19:53:54 +0000 https://www.derbysoft.com/?post_type=resource&p=23926 The post Max Lobos at WTM 2024 appeared first on DerbySoft - The Travel Commerce Accelerator.

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Max Lobos at WTM 2024

Max Lobos, Head of SMB Connectivity at DerbySoft, was at WTM in London in November 2024, presenting DerbySoft’s full range of products. The portfolio is aimed at agencies, destinations, hotels, and technology companies. 

  • Full Team Representation: The entire sales team and part of the customer success team are present to engage with various companies and offer DerbySoft’s wide range of services. 
  • Distribution Growth: DerbySoft helps clients expand distribution through both online and direct channels.
  • Marketing Services: A Dull-Suite of Digital Marketing Offerings for Hotels and Digital Ad Agencies representing hotels.
  • Connectivity: This includes the Property Connector, a channel manager that enables seamless connectivity for properties.

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Duane Overgaard at WTM 2024 https://www.derbysoft.com/resources/video/duane-overgaard-wtm-2024/ Tue, 30 Sep 2025 19:45:37 +0000 https://www.derbysoft.com/?post_type=resource&p=23909 The post Duane Overgaard at WTM 2024 appeared first on DerbySoft - The Travel Commerce Accelerator.

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Duane Overgaard at WTM 2024

Duane Overgaard, Divisional CEO for Hospitality at DerbySoft, spoke with Belvera Partners at WTM London in November 2024, discussing DerbySoft and the company’s contributions to the Hospitality Industry.

  • Barcelona Office: A rapidly growing office in central Barcelona, opened a couple of years ago, is a key focus for European expansion. It currently has ~50 employees.

  • Location and Staff: The company is headquartered in Dallas and has offices in Shanghai, Tokyo, and Barcelona. It has employees in over 100 countries.

  • Customer Base: DerbySoft works with a range of customers, from large global hotel chains and Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) to small independent hotels and regional distributors.

  • Global Network: The company’s platform features over 500 distribution partners and more than 250,000 hotel partners.

  • Origins and Evolution: Though the company started by serving large global chains, it has evolved over time to serve businesses of all sizes and market segments.

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Breaking Barriers to Growth: How Can LCCs Truly Master Indirect Distribution? https://www.derbysoft.com/resources/blog/breaking-barriers-to-growth-how-can-lcc-truly-master-indirect-distribution/ Mon, 29 Sep 2025 15:07:13 +0000 https://www.derbysoft.com/?post_type=resource&p=23890 The post Breaking Barriers to Growth: How Can LCCs Truly Master Indirect Distribution? appeared first on DerbySoft - The Travel Commerce Accelerator.

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Breaking Barriers to Growth: How Can LCCs Truly Master Indirect Distribution?

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Breaking Barriers to Growth: How Can LCCs Truly Master Indirect Distribution?


Not long ago, if you wanted to fly on a low-cost carrier (LCC) airline like Southwest, Ryanair, or AirAsia, the only way to book was on their own brand’s sites or apps. However, that’s changing.

  • Southwest flights are now on Priceline and Expedia.
  • Ryanair has grown its network to 13 direct OTA partners and four aggregator partners globally.
  • AirAsia is teaming up with multiple travel platforms to reach new customers.

LCCs are opening the door to indirect distribution. Like any airline, LCCs are looking to expand their reach, and in many markets, customers rely heavily on OTAs or may not be familiar with the LCC’s brand. For LCCs hungry for growth, these partnerships promise access to untapped demand.

However, despite LCCs’ willingness to experiment with indirect channels, they continue to strongly prioritize direct channels.

Why?

The Pain Point: Invisibility and Low Control

Indirect bookings may fill more seats, but they don’t necessarily increase an airline’s bottom line the same way. Ancillary items have become a profit engine for LCCs – bags, seats, meals, upgrades. Yet, in indirect sales, much of that revenue potential slips away. In fact, on average, LCCs earn only 18% of ancillary revenues through indirect channels – far below the 30 to 50% share ancillaries contribute to their overall business. 

Why is there such a large ancillary revenue gap? Airlines rarely have access to the full spectrum of customer data in indirect distribution.

When connected through a GDS, LCCs typically see only PNR-level booking details (itinerary, passenger name, ticket info) – with no visibility into search behavior or traveler intent – and in some cases, even the contact information or passenger name may be incomplete or inaccurate.

When connected via aggregator APIs, airlines face another limitation: most aggregators do not provide airlines with a transparent interface to monitor distribution across their platforms and connected sellers. As a result, airlines must build their own reporting tools based only on the request and response traffic they see at their own API endpoints.

Even with direct API-based distribution, the data can remain incomplete. If the original search request doesn’t include information about the traveler making the query – which depends on what fields the aggregator exposes to the seller – the airline only sees that a search occurred, not who conducted it, leaving behavioral patterns invisible.

As a result, LCCs receive limited data, making loyalty programs less effective, personalization harder, and upsell opportunities scarce. In short, they lose visibility into traveler behavior, along with the control to drive loyalty and revenue.

The Moment of Change

The tide, however, is starting to turn. Next-generation distribution solutions are emerging, designed to give LCCs the transparency, control, and intelligence they crave to unlock greater revenue potential.

Imagine a cost-effective network where LCCs retain full ownership of their distribution relationships and have complete visibility into traveler data and sales analytics across all connected sellers. On top of this, advanced AI-powered features enable traveler qualification and flight offer optimization, allowing airlines to deliver more relevant offers and boost conversion rates.

For LCCs, this could be the breakthrough they’ve been waiting for. So, how can they finally overcome the bottlenecks of indirect distribution?

Stay tuned – DerbySoft will have the answer soon.

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AI Voice Agents: What they are and how they are fixing travel bottlenecks https://www.derbysoft.com/resources/blog/ai-voice-agents-what-they-are-and-how-they-are-fixing-travel-bottlenecks/ Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:28:06 +0000 https://www.derbysoft.com/?post_type=resource&p=22897 The post AI Voice Agents: What they are and how they are fixing travel bottlenecks appeared first on DerbySoft - The Travel Commerce Accelerator.

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AI Voice Agents: What they are and how they are fixing travel bottlenecks

3 min read

AI Voice Agent


It’s Monday morning, and your desk already tells a familiar story: unconfirmed hotel bookings piling up, payment issues needing urgent attention, and weekend requests spanning three time zones. Your phone won’t stop ringing, your team is buried in routine communications—and you haven’t even finished your first cup of coffee.

This scenario plays out in travel management companies (TMCs) worldwide, where operational bottlenecks have become the industry’s defining challenge. But a technological revolution is quietly transforming how forward-thinking TMCs approach these persistent pain points.

Now imagine handing over all of these routine communication tasks to an AI voice agent that can handle hotel calls in multiple languages, process booking confirmations around the clock, and provide real-time updates back to your systems—all while you drink that second cup of coffee and focus on your team’s long-term strategy.

The voice AI market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with speech recognition technology projected to reach $29.28 billion by 2026. AI voice agents are one sector driving this explosive growth as they evolve from basic command responders to advanced conversation partners capable of handling complex travel scenarios.

The $47.8 Billion TMC Market Faces a Scaling Crisis

The travel management industry is experiencing unprecedented growth pressures. The global TMC market is anticipated to grow to USD 47.8 billion by 2030, while the global Travel Management Company (TMC) market size is expected to reach $36.19 billion by 2030, rising at a market growth of 5.3% CAGR during the forecast period (2024-2030).

Yet beneath these impressive growth figures lies a troubling operational reality. Traditional operational models simply cannot keep pace with this explosive demand.

As TMCs grapple with scaling challenges, artificial intelligence has emerged as more than just a buzzword—it’s becoming an operational necessity. Sales and marketing are rapidly becoming a key source of AI value in sectors including software (31% of AI value generated), and travel and tourism (31%), according to recent BCG research.

Today’s AI voice agents represent a fundamental evolution from rigid, menu-driven systems. These sophisticated platforms combine real-time speech recognition, advanced natural language processing (NLP), and contextual understanding to handle the nuanced conversations that define travel operations.

Unlike the “Press 1 for reservations” systems of yesterday, modern AI voice agents bring contextual memory, multi-tasking capabilities, and human-like conversation flow to every interaction. They integrate seamlessly with existing technology stacks through APIs, working behind the scenes while delivering visible efficiency gains.

For TMCs, this translates into practical solutions for persistent operational challenges:

Automated Outbound Communications: AI voice agents can handle hotel confirmations, invoice requests, and payment follow-ups around the clock, in multiple languages, and across any time zone. This addresses the reality that manual outbound calls consume countless hours of valuable human resources.

Error Reduction Through Precision: Voice biometrics reduce authentication times by 40%, while automated data processing eliminates the human errors that lead to incorrect bookings and payment failures.

Scalability Without Compromise: During peak booking periods, call center automation software can automatically connect customers to the IVR menu or voice assistants. Specifically, conversational AI bots can understand simple customer issues and provide the required resolution. This means handling hundreds of simultaneous conversations without degrading service quality.

Pioneering AI Voice Solutions for TMCs

While the market has seen a proliferation of AI voice agents—both industry-agnostic platforms and travel-focused solutions—DerbySoft’s approach stands apart through its purpose-built design for TMC operations. Drawing from years of deep industry experience and an intimate understanding of B2B travel workflows, our advanced AI-powered voice agents combine multilingual support, direct API integration with existing TMC systems, and human-like conversational experiences that continuously learn and improve from every interaction.

Unlike generic voice solutions adapted for travel, DerbySoft’s AI Voice technology was architected from the ground up to address the unique complexities TMCs face—from multi-language hotel communications to complex booking modifications and payment reconciliations. This specialized foundation, built on decades of TMC partnership and workflow expertise, enables our systems to provide the scalability TMCs need while maintaining the accuracy and personal touch that travelers expect.

The integration process leverages our deep understanding of TMC operations, designed for minimal disruption and allowing travel management companies to gradually transition from manual to automated processes while maintaining full operational control. Complex scenarios are seamlessly escalated to human agents with comprehensive context summaries, ensuring no loss of service quality.

The Monday morning chaos described at the beginning of this article doesn’t have to be inevitable. AI voice agents represent more than incremental improvement—they offer a fundamental transformation of how TMCs operate.

For travel management companies ready to turn Monday morning chaos into operational excellence, the path forward is clear: embrace AI voice technology as a strategic enabler of scalable, efficient, and traveler-focused operations.

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Business Travel: Breaking Free from Outdated Hotel B2B Channels https://www.derbysoft.com/resources/blog/breaking-free-from-outdated-hotel-b2b-channels/ Tue, 03 Jun 2025 21:02:03 +0000 https://www.derbysoft.com/?post_type=resource&p=22178 The post Business Travel: Breaking Free from Outdated Hotel B2B Channels appeared first on DerbySoft - The Travel Commerce Accelerator.

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Business Travel: Breaking Free from Outdated Hotel B2B Channels

< 1 min read


The hotel industry is facing a tipping point. Traditional B2B booking channels like GDS (Global Distribution Systems) are no longer aligned with modern corporate travel expectations. Business travelers now want the same rich, transparent booking experience they get from consumer platforms, but GDS can’t keep up.

The result? Travelers go rogue, using consumer sites or booking outside of policy, leaving travel managers with fragmented data and frustrated guests missing out on loyalty perks.

This white paper explores:

  • Why outdated B2B systems fail modern travelers.
  • How TMCs’ multi-sourcing strategies introduce new challenges.
  • The friction created by OTA rates that lack loyalty benefits.
  • What a modern, efficient, and guest-centric solution looks like.

DerbySoft’s Business Travel Solutions offers a smarter, more flexible alternative—connecting TMCs directly with hotels for real-time access, automated processes, and full content visibility.

Download the white paper now and discover how to modernize your hotel’s corporate travel strategy before inefficiencies cost you your edge.

Download the Guide:

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Business Meets Pleasure: The New Travel Reality https://www.derbysoft.com/resources/blog/business-meets-pleasure-the-new-travel-reality/ Mon, 31 Mar 2025 16:36:06 +0000 https://www.derbysoft.com/?post_type=resource&p=20663 The post Business Meets Pleasure: The New Travel Reality appeared first on DerbySoft - The Travel Commerce Accelerator.

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Business Meets Pleasure: The New Travel Reality

5 min read

Bleisure, where Business Meets Pleasure


In a luxury suite overlooking Hong Kong’s vibrant skyline, a senior banking executive concludes her quarterly board meeting on Thursday afternoon. By Friday morning, she’s exploring local markets with her partner, who flew in specifically for the weekend. Once an exception, this scenario now represents a powerful trend reshaping the travel industry.

The distinction between business and leisure travel isn’t merely blurring—it’s fundamentally transforming. What began as tentative weekend extensions has evolved into strategic trip planning that maximizes both professional obligations and personal experiences.

Industry analysts project that global spending on blended travel will reach $360 billion by 2027, creating unprecedented challenges and opportunities for hotels, Travel Management Companies (TMCs), and corporate travel departments. This isn’t a passing trend but a structural shift in how business travel functions.

Why Bleisure Is Booming Now

The surge in bleisure travel stems from converging forces that make this moment particularly significant:

Demographic transformation is accelerating this shift. By 2030, Millennials and Gen Z will comprise 75% of the global workforce. These professionals approach travel differently than previous generations, viewing it as an opportunity for enrichment rather than simply a work requirement.

Remote work capabilities have permanently altered how professionals think about location and travel. When teams already collaborate across time zones, extending a business trip becomes logistically simpler and professionally justifiable.

For companies, the benefits extend far beyond employee satisfaction. Organizations embracing bleisure travel report measurable improvements in talent retention, productivity, and program compliance. Perhaps most surprisingly, well-structured bleisure programs often reduce overall travel costs as employees consolidate multiple business purposes into single trips and travel during optimal periods.

However, a critical consideration for multinational organizations: bleisure adoption varies dramatically by region, requiring nuanced approaches to program design and implementation.

Business travelers from India typically allocate 40% more time to leisure activities during trips than their counterparts from China. European travelers show strong preferences for extending weekend business trips but resist adding leisure days to midweek journeys. North American travelers prioritize destination experiences over accommodations, while Asian travelers place greater emphasis on hotel amenities during leisure extensions.

These regional variations necessitate culturally-attuned frameworks rather than standardized global policies. Organizations implementing regionally-customized bleisure programs consistently achieve adoption rates 30% higher than those applying uniform approaches across markets.

The Business Case for Bleisure

For hospitality providers, the bleisure revolution demands a strategic recalibration of spaces, services, and pricing models.

Forward-thinking hotels are redesigning properties to serve dual purposes. Lobbies transform from formal business centers during daytime hours into vibrant social hubs in the evening. Guest rooms increasingly feature adaptable furniture that transitions easily between workspace and relaxation zone. Fitness facilities offer both efficient workout options for time-pressed executives and immersive wellness experiences for leisure extensions. 

Properties that have embraced this flexible design philosophy report significantly higher occupancy rates and superior RevPAR performance compared to hotels maintaining rigid business/leisure distinctions.

The traditional resistance to extending corporate rates for leisure portions of trips creates unnecessary friction in the booking process. Innovative properties are implementing dynamic pricing models that consider total trip value rather than rigidly categorizing days as “business” or “leisure.” Hotels offering these flexible approaches report 23% higher conversion rates for extended stays and 18% increases in ancillary revenue. The competitive advantage is clear and measurable.

Bleisure travelers have distinct needs at different phases of their stay. Leading hospitality providers have developed modular service packages that seamlessly transition between high-touch business support and personalized leisure experiences. Properties offering these adaptable service models consistently outperform competitors on guest satisfaction metrics, with data showing significantly higher loyalty program engagement and repeat bookings among bleisure guests.

For Travel Management Companies, the bleisure revolution represents an opportunity to elevate their strategic importance to corporate clients while expanding service offerings.

The friction point that most frequently derails bleisure adoption is the complexity of separating business and personal expenses. Forward-thinking TMCs have developed sophisticated systems that automatically categorize expenses based on timing, location, and merchant type. These platforms eliminate the administrative burden that historically made bleisure travel impractical at scale, driving higher adoption rates and improved client satisfaction.

Leading TMCs have moved beyond basic booking tools to develop integrated platforms that manage the entire bleisure journey. These systems handle transitions between business and leisure segments while maintaining itinerary continuity, and proactively suggest extension opportunities based on meeting schedules and destination attributes. TMCs implementing these platforms report substantially higher attachment rates for leisure extensions and increased overall booking volumes.

The most effective TMCs have mastered the delicate balance between maintaining corporate policy compliance and accommodating bleisure flexibility. This often involves developing tiered policy frameworks specifically designed for blended travel, establishing clear boundaries while providing appropriate flexibility for leisure components. This structured approach significantly reduces policy exceptions while improving traveler satisfaction—a winning combination for corporate clients.

As trips become more complex, comprehensive support becomes increasingly critical. Progressive TMCs have expanded their service models to address the unique needs of bleisure travelers, offering specialized assistance for leisure components and ensuring seamless transitions between business and personal segments. This enhanced support drives measurable improvements in client retention and program adoption.

TMCs have developed specialized supplier agreements that address bleisure requirements. These partnerships secure preferential rates for extended stays while guaranteeing suppliers the longer average stays and increased ancillary revenue that bleisure travelers typically generate. These arrangements create sustainable value for all parties in the travel ecosystem.

Technology as the Great Enabler

ITechnology is transforming the way hotels and travel management companies facilitate bleisure travel, streamlining operations while enhancing the traveler experience. From automated expense tracking to AI-driven personalization, innovative digital solutions ensure seamless integration of business and leisure travel components.

Advanced expense management platforms simplify financial reporting by distinguishing between corporate and personal expenses, reducing manual errors and administrative overhead. Integrated split-payment solutions further enhance efficiency, allowing travelers to seamlessly manage business and leisure costs within a single transaction. Meanwhile, mobile apps provide real-time itinerary updates, safety alerts, and instant access to support services, ensuring a smooth and connected travel experience.

AI-powered analytics play a crucial role in tailoring bleisure travel offerings, using traveler data to deliver personalized recommendations and predictive insights. Machine learning models anticipate disruptions, optimize pricing strategies, and support dynamic policy adjustments to improve overall efficiency. Blockchain technology enhances security and transparency in transactions, with smart contracts automating payment reconciliation and policy compliance.

Comprehensive travel management systems unify booking, policy enforcement, and traveler support into a single platform, making it easier for travel companies to provide customized, compliant, and efficient bleisure travel solutions. With 24/7 virtual assistance, enhanced communication tools, and robust data protection measures, technology ensures that both travelers and organizations can maximize the benefits of blended business and leisure travel with confidence.

Hotels, TMCs, and corporate clients leveraging these technologies consistently achieve superior program performance compared to those relying on traditional systems and processes.

Takeaways

For executives across the travel ecosystem—whether in hospitality, travel management, or corporate travel programs—the bleisure revolution presents a fundamental choice: embrace this transformation as a strategic opportunity or risk becoming increasingly irrelevant as the market evolves.

The evidence overwhelmingly favors the former approach. Organizations that have strategically positioned for bleisure report stronger performance across all key metrics, from occupancy rates to client retention to traveler satisfaction scores.

The question isn’t whether your organization will adapt to the bleisure revolution—it’s how quickly you’ll recognize it as a strategic advantage rather than an operational challenge. The future belongs to organizations that don’t merely permit bleisure travel, but purposefully design for it—transforming what was once seen as a complex exception into a cornerstone of their business strategy.

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Business Travel in 2025: Embracing Optimism and Transformation https://www.derbysoft.com/resources/blog/business-travel-in-2025-embracing-optimism-and-transformation/ Tue, 21 Jan 2025 16:16:58 +0000 https://www.derbysoft.com/?post_type=resource&p=19835 The post Business Travel in 2025: Embracing Optimism and Transformation appeared first on DerbySoft - The Travel Commerce Accelerator.

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Business Travel in 2025: Embracing Optimism and Transformation

5 min read

Business Travel in 2025


The global business travel sector is entering a pivotal phase, poised for transformative growth that combines heightened demand, technological advancements, and a strategic focus on sustainability. Recent forecasts and industry surveys suggest that 2025 will mark not just a full recovery of pre-2019 levels but also a fundamental reshaping of how business travel operates, as budgets rise, travel patterns evolve, and companies prioritize innovative solutions. As a leader in travel technology, DerbySoft recognizes that this resurgence offers unparalleled opportunities. By leveraging advanced connectivity, data analytics, and sustainable practices, we help travel brands navigate this dynamic environment. Here’s an in-depth analysis of the trends shaping 2025, supported by statistics and insights from GBTA and other authoritative sources.

Global Business Travel Spending: A Surge in Growth

According to the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), global business travel spending is expected to reach $1.48 trillion by the end of 2024, exceeding the previous record of $1.43 trillion in 2019. This trajectory continues upward, with spending forecasted to hit $2 trillion by 2028. Deloitte’s Corporate Travel Outlook aligns with these figures, noting that 58% of travel managers expect budgets to increase in 2025, reflecting rising demand for face-to-face interactions in client meetings, conferences, and internal collaborations.

  • Regional Highlights:

    • Asia-Pacific: This region leads the resurgence, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6-7%. China and India are driving this growth, supported by expanding economies and increased corporate activities.
    • North America: Business travel spending in the United States is forecasted to hit $350 billion by 2025, driven by the return of large-scale events and domestic travel demand.
    • Europe: While rebounding at a slower pace, Europe’s business travel market is growing at a CAGR of 4-5%, with Germany, the UK, and France leading the recovery.

The Evolving Profile of Business Travelers

Business travel is no longer limited to executives or sales representatives. By 2025, the volume of trips taken by employees across all roles will rival 2019’s highs, driven by the growing need for company-wide retreats, team-building events, and in-person collaborations among distributed workforces. Skift’s 2025 Megatrends forecast notes that work trips for all employees, fueled by hybrid work models, will account for a significant portion of corporate travel. According to the AMEX GBTA forecast, meeting budgets are anticipated to increase by 1-5%, with 60% of meetings expected to be held in person—signaling a significant rise in travel for small group gatherings. When it comes to spending, the report reveals that 74% are optimistic about the health of the industry.

  • Gen Z and Millennial Travelers: Younger employees are shaping the future of business travel with their demand for flexibility, seamless digital experiences, and environmentally conscious options. This demographic is also more likely to blend business with leisure (“bleisure” travel), with GBTA reporting that 46% of travel buyers observed a rise in such trips in 2024.
  • Linked and Extended Trips: More than 53% of buyers noted an increase in “linked trips,” where multiple meetings or stops are combined into a single itinerary. Simultaneously, 36% reported that trip durations are getting longer, reflecting the need to maximize travel efficiency.

Technology: The Cornerstone of Growth and Efficiency

Technology is at the forefront of reshaping the business travel ecosystem. While GBTA reports that 88% of travel management companies (TMCs) and 74% of suppliers believe their organizations are performing well in terms of technology, significant opportunities remain to integrate advanced tools such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and real-time analytics.

  • AI in Business Travel: Adoption of AI is on the rise, with 44% of travel professionals expressing excitement about its potential, up from 32% the previous year. AI-powered tools offer personalized travel recommendations, automate booking processes, and provide real-time expense tracking. Yet, adoption remains limited, with only 14% of buyers actively using AI in their programs—a clear indicator of untapped potential.
  • Attribute Based Selling:   Data-driven Attribute-Based Selling (ABS) enhances this approach by dynamically pricing individual room attributes based on factors like availability, guest persona, and attribute combinations. This allows guests to select the features they value most, creating a personalized booking experience and a seamless journey from start to finish.
  • Real-Time Data Analytics: Companies are increasingly using analytics to identify cost-saving opportunities, optimize travel patterns, and enhance traveler satisfaction. This data-driven approach allows for dynamic policy adjustments based on real-time market conditions.

Sustainability: A Strategic Imperative for the Future

Sustainability has moved from a “nice-to-have” to a critical focus for the business travel industry. GBTA reports that 46% of travel programs prioritized sustainability in 2024, with 44% actively integrating green initiatives into their policies. However, obstacles such as higher costs, complexity, and inconsistent standards remain significant barriers.

  • Regional Leadership in Sustainability:

    • In Europe, 60% of travel buyers have integrated sustainability initiatives into their programs, compared to 36% in North America. European markets also lead in adopting multimodal travel options such as rail and public transport.
    • The Asia-Pacific region is increasingly incorporating sustainable practices, driven by government policies and corporate mandates.

  • Eco-Friendly Travel Choices: The shift toward lower-emission travel options is gaining momentum. GBTA found that 38% of buyers reported an increase in rail travel, while 33% observed more multimodal trips.

At DerbySoft, we are committed to enabling sustainability through tools that can help travel providers align with corporate social responsibility goals while maintaining operational efficiency.

Balancing Growth with Cost Efficiency

While the business travel market is poised for expansion, managing rising travel costs remains a top concern. GBTA’s survey reveals that 78% of travel buyers cite cost control as a strategic priority for 2025. Key strategies include:

  • Dynamic Travel Policies: Flexible policies allow employees to make cost-conscious decisions, such as choosing budget-friendly accommodations or off-peak travel times.
  • Partnerships with TMCs: By leveraging the expertise of TMCs, businesses can negotiate better rates, streamline itineraries, and gain valuable insights into travel trends.
  • Virtual Meetings as a Supplement: Companies continue to invest in hybrid meeting technologies, balancing the benefits of in-person interactions with the cost and sustainability advantages of virtual solutions.

2025: A Turning Point for Business Travel

As the business travel sector approaches the new year, it is clear that the industry is entering a new era—one defined by innovation, sustainability, and a deeper understanding of traveler needs. This transformation is not without its challenges, but it is precisely these challenges that present opportunities for companies willing to embrace change.

DerbySoft’s Business Travel Suite (BTS) simplifies collaboration between Travel Management Companies (TMCs) and suppliers, improving efficiency and reducing costs. With advanced features like dynamic pricing and real-time analytics, BTS streamlines workflows and ensures accurate booking and commission reconciliation through partnerships with providers like Arise.

A single connection to BTS gives TMCs direct access to a wide range of rates—corporate, rack, negotiated, and loyalty—without the hassle of managing multiple APIs. It connects suppliers of all sizes, from independent hotels to alternative accommodations, enabling unique product offerings and better service. BTS empowers hoteliers and travel companies to cut costs, expand market reach, and maintain a competitive edge in the evolving travel industry.

Together, let’s redefine the possibilities for 2025 and beyond.

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Redefining the Travel Distribution Landscape: Opportunities and Challenges for Business Travel https://www.derbysoft.com/resources/blog/redefining-the-travel-distribution-landscape/ Tue, 07 Jan 2025 17:35:06 +0000 https://www.derbysoft.com/?post_type=resource&p=19804 The post Redefining the Travel Distribution Landscape: Opportunities and Challenges for Business Travel appeared first on DerbySoft - The Travel Commerce Accelerator.

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Redefining the Travel Distribution Landscape: Opportunities and Challenges for Business Travel

3 min read

Redefining the Travel Distribution Landscape: Opportunities and Challenges for Business Travel


The business travel industry’s evolution demands more efficient, dynamic, and customer-focused travel distribution systems. Advanced distribution capabilities, often referred to as New Distribution Capability (NDC), present a transformative opportunity for stakeholders—from travel management companies (TMCs) to hoteliers—to address persistent challenges and unlock new potential. These innovations are reshaping the travel distribution landscape, enabling greater efficiency, personalization, and flexibility across the ecosystem.

The Demand for Seamless Travel Distribution

Corporate travelers today expect a frictionless booking experience, characterized by extensive inventory access, dynamic pricing options, and tailored customizations. Whether it’s loyalty-based promotions, specific room attributes, or diverse payment options, corporate buyers and travelers alike demand a comprehensive and intuitive platform.

For travel management companies, addressing these expectations is critical. Leakage—bookings made outside preferred channels—remains a significant issue, with some programs reporting rates as high as 50%. Common causes include insufficient inventory, poor booking experiences, and limited payment options. Reducing these friction points is essential for TMCs to enhance traveler trust and compliance with corporate policies.

The Role of Advanced Distribution Capabilities

Modern distribution capabilities redefine how inventory is accessed and utilized throughout the business travel ecosystem. Through direct connections to hotel central reservation systems (CRS) and enhanced content aggregation platforms, TMCs can now provide a streamlined shopping experience that overcomes traditional limitations.

1. Expanded Inventory Access

Advanced systems allow TMCs to display comprehensive inventory, from standard corporate rates to promotional and loyalty-based rates, all within a single platform. This ensures travelers can access the full range of options without resorting to external consumer platforms, reinforcing trust in preferred booking channels.

2. Enhanced Personalization

Travelers increasingly expect tailored booking options, such as preferred room types, add-ons like breakfast, and loyalty-based benefits. Attribute-based shopping empowers hoteliers to offer these personalized experiences at the booking stage, boosting satisfaction and revenue.

3. Seamless Payment Solutions

Payment remains a pain point in business travel. New distribution systems incorporate virtual payment options and global strategies, simplifying transactions and minimizing administrative burdens for travelers and TMCs alike.

4. Centralized Multi-Sourcing

By aggregating content from GDS, OTAs, and direct hotel connections, advanced systems provide corporate buyers with a single source of truth for rates and availability. This not only streamlines reporting and compliance but also reduces booking fragmentation.

Opportunities for Hoteliers

For hoteliers, these advancements create pathways to optimize revenue and enhance competitiveness.

Revenue Optimization Through Attribute-Based Selling

Dynamic pricing for room attributes and bundled services enables hotels to drive incremental revenue. Whether offering specific room types or loyalty-based promotions, these features create a more engaging booking experience while boosting profitability.

Reduced Distribution Costs

By connecting directly to intermediaries like DerbySoft, hotels can reduce reliance on costly third-party distribution channels, maintain control over inventory, and strategically manage rate strategies.

Loyalty Integration

Modern distribution tools allow hotels to engage travelers earlier in the booking process, extending loyalty benefits at the point of sale. This strengthens customer relationships and enhances loyalty program enrollment.

Challenges and Lessons from Other Industries

While the potential of advanced distribution capabilities is significant, the path to full adoption requires navigating industry-specific hurdles.

Fragmented Hotel Technology

The fragmented nature of the hotel industry’s technology stack poses challenges. Many property management systems (PMS) and CRSs lack the capabilities to support modern distribution requirements, leading to inconsistencies in the booking experience.

The Need for Standardization

Unlike the airline industry, where NDC has progressed through standardization, the hotel sector remains highly fragmented. Achieving consensus on implementation strategies and definitions will require industry-wide collaboration.

Insights from Airlines

The airline industry’s adoption of NDC highlights the importance of simplicity and partnership. Hotels can leverage these insights to prioritize streamlined technology solutions and partnerships that deliver clear benefits for all stakeholders.

Collaboration as the Path Forward

The future of business travel distribution lies in partnership. Stakeholders across the ecosystem—TMCs, hoteliers, and technology providers—must work together to prioritize traveler-centric experiences, optimize operations, and reduce costs.

Key Priorities for Success:

  1. Traveler-Centric Design: Deliver seamless booking experiences with dynamic pricing, personalization, and transparency.
  2. Technology Investments: Embrace platforms that support multi-sourcing, attribute-based selling, and robust data reporting.
  3. Collaborative Frameworks: Develop partnerships that align operational goals with traveler needs and streamline content delivery.
  4. Sustainability and Duty of Care: Integrate sustainability initiatives and ensure compliance with corporate safety standards and tracking needs.

Advanced distribution capabilities offer the business travel industry a unique opportunity to address long-standing inefficiencies and deliver unparalleled value. By adopting these innovations, stakeholders can redefine the traveler experience, optimize revenue, and navigate the challenges of an ever-evolving market.

DerbySoft is proud to support this evolution by providing cutting-edge solutions that empower travel brands to thrive. Together, we can shape the future of travel distribution and unlock its full potential.

The post Redefining the Travel Distribution Landscape: Opportunities and Challenges for Business Travel appeared first on DerbySoft - The Travel Commerce Accelerator.

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Premier Inn Partners with DerbySoft for Business Travel https://www.derbysoft.com/resources/blog/premier-inn-partners-with-derbysoft-for-business-travel/ Mon, 02 Dec 2024 16:53:25 +0000 https://www.derbysoft.com/?post_type=resource&p=19288 The post Premier Inn Partners with DerbySoft for Business Travel appeared first on DerbySoft - The Travel Commerce Accelerator.

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Premier Inn Partners with DerbySoft for Business Travel

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Premier Inn Partners with DerbySoft to Enhance TMC Collaboration

Premier Inn is now seamlessly connected via DerbySoft, offering TMCs the most efficient and powerful way to collaborate with the UK’s leading budget hotel chain, benefiting corporate clients and travelers. This integration streamlines processes like configuring electronic central payment (eCNP), managing central billing (with invoices automatically sent to the correct client email), and pre-setting travel allowances like dinner, drinks, premium WiFi, and parking—all personalized at the client level.

Advanced Features and Enhanced Billing Functions

TMCs can also benefit from advanced billing functions using level three folio data and a new API for invoice collection. Other enhancements include city tax management, corporate rate mapping, and DerbySoft’s Content Suite, which ensures up-to-date, high-quality content for a smoother booking experience.

Stephen Addison on Simplifying Corporate Travel Management

“Through our partnership with DerbySoft, we can significantly extend our reach and provide our TMC partners with a greater choice of booking options, helping them enhance traveler satisfaction while simplifying corporate travel management,” states Stephen Addison, Head of Sales and Distribution for Premier Inn. “Extending our availability will also enable more guests to experience the high standards of convenience, service, and affordability that Premier Inn is known for.”

With this connection, TMCs gain a competitive edge, offering better efficiency and a more tailored experience for corporate clients when booking with Premier Inn.

DerbySoft’s Business Travel Suite connects TMCs and hotel organizations directly, offering comprehensive rate options for business travelers.

Ready to explore how DerbySoft’s Business Travel Suite can transform your operations and elevate your success in the competitive landscape? Contact us today derbysoft.com.

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