Corporate travel management in Europe is more mature than the global average, according to new research from Corporate Travel Management (CTM), with UK buyers showing a stronger focus on strategic planning and optimisation.
The CTM Travel Programme Maturity Index, based on survey responses from 274 travel managers worldwide and supported by qualitative interviews, found European programmes scored an average of 45.6 out of 100, compared with the overall benchmark score of 43.7.
The research, based on independent insights from temoji Consulting, also indicates that UK travel buyers are spending more time on strategy, optimisation and planning than their global counterparts, with 38.9% focusing on these activities compared with 22.7% across the wider sample.
Cost optimisation remains the leading priority for respondents, cited by 62.1%, although traveller experience follows closely at 59.3%. Technology integration, automation and artificial intelligence, and data analytics also rank among the top priorities.
The study suggests the next stage of programme development will depend less on tighter controls and more on organisations’ ability to connect systems, use data effectively and align travel with wider business objectives.
Eleanor Noonan, Global COO and UK interim CEO, CTM, said: “The CTM Travel Programme Maturity Index shows corporate travel programmes are evolving from operational management toward strategic business enablement. The industry has built strong foundations around policy, supplier strategy, compliance and cost control. The next opportunity is to build the intelligent capabilities that allow travel programmes to create greater value for the business and the traveller.”
Additional findings show technology limitations, budget constraints, resource shortages and organisational silos remain the biggest barriers preventing programmes from advancing.
The report identifies five stages of programme maturity, ranging from ‘Reactive’ and ‘Controlled’ through to ‘Strategic’ and ‘Intelligent’, where programmes operate through connected systems, integrated data, automation and predictive insights.
The index is being launched at Business Travel Show Europe, taking place at ExCeL London on 24-25 June, where attendees can download the report and complete a free maturity assessment at CTM’s stand K21 ahead of its wider release in July.
