Latika Bolar, chief business officer – corporate travel, Ebix Travels shares her insights on evolving corporate travel trends, growing importance of technology and travel risk management and rise of non-metro cities as business hubs
Kindly share your perspective on the status of corporate travel demand in India. How do you see the segment evolving in the future?
Corporate travel demand in India continues to demonstrate strong momentum driven by sustained economic growth, expanding business activity and increasing investments across sectors. Over the past few years, we have seen organisations reaffirm the value of face-to-face interactions for sales, client engagement, project execution and strategic decision-making. While virtual meetings remain an important collaboration tool, they have not replaced the need for business travel.
For the remainder of this year, I expect corporate travel demand to remain robust, supported by strong domestic business activity and continued international engagement. India is poised to become one of the world’s most significant corporate travel markets supported by its growing economy, expanding corporate sector and increasing global business integration.
As corporate travel requirements continue to evolve, how is Ebix Travels addressing changing client expectations?
At Ebix Travels, we have witnessed a significant shift in client expectations over the past few years. Organisations are looking beyond traditional travel management and expect solutions that deliver convenience, visibility, cost efficiency, policy compliance and enhanced traveller experience. They are also seeking greater agility to adapt to dynamic business needs while maintaining control over travel expenses.
To address these evolving requirements, we have focused on strengthening our technology-led approach to corporate travel management. A key area of focus has been enhancing content access and fare competitiveness, enabling clients to access a wider range of fares and travel options. This supports organisations in optimising their travel budgets.
On the service front, we continue to invest in personalised account management, traveller support and data-driven insights. Clients increasingly value consultative partnerships and our teams work closely with them to identify savings opportunities, improve programme adoption and enhance overall travel efficiency. We are leveraging automation and digital tools to streamline operational processes, reduce turnaround times and improve service consistency.
What are the key differences you observe between pre-pandemic corporate travel behaviour and current demand patterns?
The corporate travel landscape has undergone a significant transformation since the pandemic with both traveller behaviour and corporate priorities evolving considerably. Before the pandemic, business travel was often viewed as a routine activity, travel policies tended to be more standardised and organisations measured success primarily through savings and operational efficiency.
Today, we are seeing a more purposeful approach to travel. Companies are increasingly evaluating the necessity and value of each trip, prioritising travel that directly supports revenue generation, client engagement, strategic initiatives or critical collaboration. Traveller expectations have also changed significantly. Employees now seek greater flexibility, seamless digital experiences, personalised services and enhanced support throughout their journey. Another notable shift is the growing reliance on technology and data. Organisations today expect real-time visibility into travel expenses, traveller locations, policy compliance and supplier performance. Digital self-booking tools, automated approvals, AI-enabled recommendations and advanced analytics are increasingly becoming standard requirements.
Tier II and Tier III cities are increasingly emerging as economic growth centres. Are these markets becoming meaningful contributors to business travel demand?
Tier II and Tier III cities are increasingly becoming important contributors to India’s corporate travel growth story. As economic activity expands beyond the major metropolitan centres, we are witnessing a significant rise in business travel originating from and directed towards these emerging markets.
Several factors are driving this trend. Government-led infrastructure development, improved air connectivity, industrial corridor projects, digital adoption and the decentralisation of business operations have encouraged companies to establish manufacturing units, service centres and regional offices across these cities. Sectors such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, automotive, renewable energy, technology services, logistics and consumer goods are particularly fuelling travel demand in these regions.
Beyond air ticketing, what are the major revenue drivers in corporate travel today? Additionally, which customer segments are currently driving growth for Ebix Travels?
The corporate travel industry has evolved significantly from being predominantly air-ticketing driven to offering a comprehensive suite of travel management solutions. While air travel continues to remain a core component, revenue streams today are increasingly diversified across multiple services and value-added offerings. Key revenue drivers include hotel bookings, airport transfers, travel insurance, foreign exchange solutions and ancillary travel services. Additionally, technology-led services such as online booking tools, travel analytics, expense management integrations and programme management solutions create value and foster long-term client engagement.
At Ebix Travels, growth is being driven by a healthy mix of customer segments. Large enterprises continue to contribute due to their structured travel programmes and higher travel volumes. However, one of the most exciting developments has been the strong growth emerging from the SME and mid-market segments. These businesses are expanding rapidly, increasing their travel footprint and actively seeking technology-enabled solutions that provide greater control, visibility and cost efficiency. We also witnessed increasing demand from high-growth sectors such as consulting, manufacturing, financial services and emerging digital businesses. Many of these entities are scaling operations across multiple geographies, creating sustained demand for managed travel services.
Considering recent geopolitical developments and operational disruptions globally, how important has travel risk management become for corporate clients? How is Ebix Travels helping organisations navigate these challenges?
In today’s increasingly complex and interconnected world, travel risk management has become a critical component of every corporate travel programme. Recent geopolitical tensions, airspace restrictions, extreme weather events, regulatory changes and operational disruptions across global travel networks have reinforced the need for companies to have robust risk management and duty-of-care frameworks in place.
Corporate clients are no longer evaluating travel programmes solely on the basis of cost and convenience. There is a growing emphasis on traveller safety, business continuity, real-time visibility and the ability to respond quickly to unforeseen events. Organisations want assurance that they can locate and support their employees, communicate effectively during disruptions and make informed decisions when travel conditions change.
At Ebix Travels, travel risk management is integrated into our overall travel management approach. We help clients navigate disruptions through proactive monitoring, real-time traveller tracking, timely travel advisories and dedicated support teams that assist them before, during and after their journeys. Our focus is on ensuring that travellers remain informed, supported and connected throughout their trip.
