A study by Navan and temoji has found 42% of corporate travel managers struggle to access data and only 16% use the data “extremely well.”
The study “5 Ways to Uplevel Travel Management” found 60% are prioritising simplification in 2026 to combat clunky workflows, with 44% referencing inefficient processes in their programmes.
Based on a survey of 120 corporate travel managers across the UK and Europe, the study found 66% of travel managers say they must defend travel management company (TMC) fees to finance teams, but 42% find pricing models too opaque to explain.
Just over a third (36%) of off-platform bookings are driven by lower prices. Limited access to travel inventory and competitive rates drops traveller confidence in TMC bookings by 15%.
“This research points to a clear desire from travel managers: they want simplified processes and clearer fee models to help them better position their travel programme within their business.” said Ian Jones, Consultant at temoji.
The study identifies key areas where businesses can unlock value by shifting from complex legacy setups to intuitive, integrated platforms.
To address the obstacles highlighted by the survey, the report outlines a roadmap for building successful, high-adoption travel programmes:
- Move from opaque fee models to simple, transparent fee structures to enhance visibility over costs.
- Improve the booking experience with access to robust inventory to create high-adoption programmes.
- Replace manual approvals with automated workflows to free up time for strategic initiatives.
- Unify travel and expense and enable real-time forecasting and sharper decision-making.
- Create a seat at the table and make sure the travel team is recognised as a vital part of the success of the organisation.
The survey was conducted in October and November 2025, alongside in-depth interviews and a design thinking workshop with industry leaders in London.
