AI driving the future of business travel: 95% of travelers see potential benefits

New Amex GBT research highlights optimism for AI in enhancing convenience, efficiency, and cost savings, while also acknowledging areas for improvement.

London, UK - 12 November 2024 -American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), a leading software and services company for travel and expense, has published new research showcasing a positive outlook on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to support business travel. According to the findings, 95% of frequent business travelers believe AI can enhance their travel experience, with added convenience (44%), cost efficiencies (43%), and streamlined expense management (41%) among the top benefits.

The survey of 2,260 professionals across the UK and US reveals that frequent business travelers see great potential for AI to handle functional tasks, such as booking business travel and amending travel arrangements. Respondents particularly valued AI's ability to simplify flight choices (37%) and hotel selection (35%).

David Thompson, Chief Technology Officer at Amex GBT, said: "AI can be a powerful tool in creating efficiencies and automating time-intensive tasks before and during business trips. We prioritize responsible innovation, applying stringent testing and partnering with best-in-class AI experts to ensure our solutions are reliable and secure. We see AI as an assistant, enhancing the expertise of our team, which is central to our success and that of our customers."

While the sentiment towards AI is largely positive, the research did identify areas where business travelers are more cautious. Only 29% trust AI to personalize onboard flight preferences such as seat allocation and meal selection, and 23% are confident in AI's ability to choose the right hotel room. Concerns around data security (46%), accuracy (44%), and reliability (37%) highlight the need for continuous improvements and transparency.

"To harness the full power of AI, businesses must address travelers' concerns and consider privacy and accuracy every step of the way," added Thompson. "By maintaining a secure environment and collaborating with trusted technology partners, we continue to innovate responsibly, ensuring our employees and customers feel confident in our AI advancements."

Earlier this year Amex GBT announced its new AI initiative that increases focus on existing AI projects to drive purposeful innovation and greater efficiencies for clients and the corporate travel management ecosystem. In Amex GBT's secure environment, the team continues to apply robust testing and is partnering with best-in-class AI experts, so our employees and customers can feel confident that we are progressing responsibly.

As the corporate travel management ecosystem evolves, Amex GBT remains dedicated to bringing travelers on the AI journey, driving greater efficiencies and enhancing the overall travel experience through thoughtful and responsible AI integration.

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Methodology

The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2,260 professionals (1,130 in both the US and UK) who travel for work at least three times a year. The data was collected between 16.08.2024 - 19.08.2024. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society (MRS), following both the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR (European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research) principles to ensure survey data is as representative and of the highest quality possible. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council, an association of polling organizations that encourages and promotes transparency in polling.

About American Express Global Business Travel

American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) is a leading software and services company for travel, expense, and meetings & events. We have built the most valuable marketplace in travel with the most comprehensive and competitive content. A choice of solutions brought to you through a strong combination of technology and people, delivering the best experiences, proven at scale. With travel professionals and business partners in more than 140 countries, our solutions deliver savings, flexibility, and service from a brand you can trust - Amex GBT.

Visit amexglobalbusinesstravel.com for more information about Amex GBT, and follow @amexgbt on X, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Media contacts:

Taylor Aaron, Global Communications, Amex GBT
[email protected]

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