Business travel remains a major lever for companies.
According to the Global Business Travel Survey 2026 by SAP Concur, 97% of CFOs consider business travel important in achieving their organization’s objectives.
At the same time, 82% plan to increase their travel budget in 2026.
This momentum, however, takes place in a context of price pressure. Rising jet fuel costs, geopolitical tensions and higher aviation taxes complicate corporate budgeting decisions.
According to SAP Concur, 45% of CFOs and 40% of travel managers name inflation as one of the main threats to their travel program.
According to the Global Business Travel Survey 2026 by SAP Concur, 97% of CFOs consider business travel important in achieving their organization’s objectives.
At the same time, 82% plan to increase their travel budget in 2026.
This momentum, however, takes place in a context of price pressure. Rising jet fuel costs, geopolitical tensions and higher aviation taxes complicate corporate budgeting decisions.
According to SAP Concur, 45% of CFOs and 40% of travel managers name inflation as one of the main threats to their travel program.
Total cost becomes a decision criterion
For travel managers, the challenge now is to go beyond simply comparing the ticket price.
The total cost of the trip includes ancillary charges, transfers, door-to-door duration, change conditions, and the actual time available for the employee.
This approach can notably shift the trade-off between train and plane. TGV INOUI fares rose by about 1% on average in 2026, according to data cited by SAP Concur.
On routes such as Paris–Lyon or Paris–Bordeaux, the choice of transport mode can thus be evaluated based on the full costs and the time involved.
This shift directly concerns corporate travel agencies and booking solution providers, who must be able to present comparable options to companies.
The total cost of the trip includes ancillary charges, transfers, door-to-door duration, change conditions, and the actual time available for the employee.
This approach can notably shift the trade-off between train and plane. TGV INOUI fares rose by about 1% on average in 2026, according to data cited by SAP Concur.
On routes such as Paris–Lyon or Paris–Bordeaux, the choice of transport mode can thus be evaluated based on the full costs and the time involved.
This shift directly concerns corporate travel agencies and booking solution providers, who must be able to present comparable options to companies.
Travel policies are becoming increasingly structured
Travel policies are also evolving. 91% of travel managers report that their company’s approach has changed in the last twelve months, aiming to balance cost control, compliance, traveler experience, and sustainability objectives.
For business travel professionals, this evolution means offering an option that goes beyond price alone. The ability to present multiple transport options and integrate the constraints specific to each company becomes a central element of the booking journey.
Beyond expense control, companies also seek to better measure the value of their trips. 89% of CFOs believe travel managers should demonstrate more clearly how travel contributes to company objectives, while 44% report a lack of data to measure this contribution.
“The challenge for travel managers is no longer just to master the price of the ticket. They must demonstrate the value created by every trip while ensuring compliance with the travel policy and a satisfactory experience for employees,” notes Sylvain Muller, mobility expert at SAP Concur.
For business travel professionals, this evolution means offering an option that goes beyond price alone. The ability to present multiple transport options and integrate the constraints specific to each company becomes a central element of the booking journey.
Beyond expense control, companies also seek to better measure the value of their trips. 89% of CFOs believe travel managers should demonstrate more clearly how travel contributes to company objectives, while 44% report a lack of data to measure this contribution.
“The challenge for travel managers is no longer just to master the price of the ticket. They must demonstrate the value created by every trip while ensuring compliance with the travel policy and a satisfactory experience for employees,” notes Sylvain Muller, mobility expert at SAP Concur.
SAP Concur expands the multimodal comparison
To support this evolution, SAP Concur enriches Concur Travel with a multimodal display that enables comparing rail and air solutions based on the parameters defined by each company.
The platform notably offers rail content in five European markets: France, Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland, including SNCF, Eurostar, and TGV Lyria.
The platform notably offers rail content in five European markets: France, Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland, including SNCF, Eurostar, and TGV Lyria.
Published by Amelia Brille TourMaG.com writer See all articles by Amelia Brille
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