Talma Travel Solutions has identified five major trends shaping corporate travel in 2026, following discussions at its North American Client Advisory Board.
The trends include the evolution of NDC (New Distribution Capability), the practical application of AI, the growing power of data, the need for transparent and accessible content and the shifting purpose of travel. The insights reflect discussions from Talma’s North American Client Advisory Board, where corporate clients, suppliers and technology partners gathered to examine the future of business travel.
According to the findings, New Distribution Capability (NDC) continues to replace traditional systems, phasing out static fare filings for dynamic, real-time connections. Unlike traditional Global Distribution System (GDS) formats, NDC allows for instant deployment of new bundles, dynamic pricing and personalized offers. Its two-way data flow enables full visibility between airlines, buyers and intermediaries, offering a higher level of transparency for flight bookings.
Another force shaping the corporate travel space is AI, which is now shifting from experimentation to practical use. While AI tools do not replace the value of human expertise, they can be used to automate processes, direct emails to the correct teams and handle basic tasks. AI can also identify patterns in traveler behaviors, anticipate preferences and recommend relevant options automatically.
Real-time measurement of travel data is often fragmented or incomplete, and systems that connect booking, payment and traveler behavior into one cohesive view are an emerging trend. Talma has developed proprietary technology that consolidates this data into a single actionable view and features dashboards that display metrics such as traveler booking habits, preferred suppliers, advance purchase behavior and unused tickets. This level of insight helps clients to understand how changes in traveler behavior could impact total program cost.
Transparent access to accurate content, whether through NDC feeds, GDS integrations or direct APIs, is also becoming the foundation of traveler confidence and program efficiency. By making information clear and comparable, travel management companies (TMCs) can empower clients to make smarter, faster decisions by providing a clear view of fares, ancillaries, flexibility and cost, all in one place.
“Advances in content distribution and access, such as NDC and platforms like Spotnana, have the potential to transform corporate travel at every level. Content is the key to enabling travel departments to operate efficiently, intelligently and effectively,” said Talma CEO Iya Magen, in a press release statement. “Our role is both provider and advisor, leveraging technology to deliver intelligence, information and choice to our global clients.”
Beyond technology and distribution, a broader behavioral shift is also seen as influencing how companies think about travel. As distributed teams and hybrid work models become the norm, business travel is increasingly driven by connection, culture and creativity. Organizations are using travel to bring teams together, spark innovation and strengthen culture in ways that cannot be replicated virtually. This shift is reshaping travel patterns, meeting design and the frequency of in-person gatherings in a way that emphasizes intentional, meaningful travel experiences.
For more information, visit talma.com.
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