74 per cent of Indian firms expect rise in business travel over next 12 months: Ebix report

NEW DELHI: Business travel in India is packing its bags for another strong year, with a growing number of organisations expecting more trips ahead while keeping a tight grip on costs. A new report from Ebix Travels shows that corporate travel is rising again, but with a sharper focus on efficiency, technology and control.

Based on travel patterns and booking data from June 2025 to May 2026, the findings reveal that 74 per cent of organisations expect business travel activity to increase over the next 12 months. At the same time, 68 per cent of companies have identified cost optimisation as their top priority, highlighting the balancing act between growth and financial discipline.

The report suggests that business travel continues to play a crucial role in driving customer engagement, market expansion, partnerships and revenue generation. Reflecting this, 52 per cent of organisations reported an increase in premium and business-critical travel, indicating a gradual return to higher-value trips. Meanwhile, 47 per cent saw a rise in last-minute bookings, underlining the need for flexibility in a fast-changing business environment.

However, rising travel activity is also bringing operational challenges. According to the findings, 71 per cent of organisations cited fluctuating airfares as a major concern, while 49 per cent are now exploring AI-powered tools to improve booking decisions, optimise budgets and enhance traveller experience.

Digital adoption is already reshaping how corporate travel is managed. Self-booking tools account for 58 per cent of bookings, reflecting demand for faster and more seamless digital processes. Yet 63 per cent of organisations continue to struggle with disconnected systems across travel, expenses, forex and payments, leading to fragmented data and reduced visibility.

Commenting on the findings, Ebix Group, chairman, Vikas Garg said, “Business travel remains a critical enabler of economic growth, business expansion and relationship building. As organisations navigate a dynamic operating environment, the focus is increasingly shifting towards creating greater value from every travel investment. Technology, data intelligence and integrated financial solutions are playing a pivotal role in helping enterprises achieve this balance. At Ebix Group, we are committed to building connected travel ecosystems that simplify operations, enhance visibility, strengthen compliance and empower businesses to make smarter, more informed decisions across the travel lifecycle. We believe the future of corporate travel will be defined by efficiency, agility and seamless digital experiences that support both organisational objectives and traveller needs.”

Adding further insight, Ebix Travels, chief business officer – corporate travel, Latika Bolar said, “The role of business travel is evolving. Organisations are no longer focused solely on facilitating travel; they are looking to optimise it. Every trip is being evaluated through the lens of business impact, cost efficiency and traveller experience. This is driving demand for integrated, technology-enabled solutions that provide greater visibility, smarter decision-making and better control across the travel lifecycle.”

The report also highlights a broader shift towards integrated travel ecosystems, where companies are combining travel management, forex, payments and expense tracking on a single platform. Organisations adopting such systems report improved compliance, stronger governance, better employee experience and tighter control over spending.

As Indian companies prepare for more travel in the year ahead, the message from the report is clear: it is not just about flying more, but about travelling smarter, leaner and with better control over every mile.