TMCs prioritise programme simplification, research reveals

42% of travel managers cannot easily access the data they need

Corporate Travel Managers Prioritise Programme Simplification, New Research Shows

42% of travel managers cannot easily access the data they need,

with 60% prioritising programme simplification in 2026

Navan, popular travel and expense platform, has released a new study finding that 42% of European travel managers cannot easily access the data they need. 

Produced with temoji, the report called 5 Ways to Uplevel Travel Management, revealed that while data is plentiful, only 16% of managers feel they are using it "extremely well" to drive results.

The report surveyed 120 corporate travel managers across the UK and Europe, found 2% of corporate travel managers struggle to access data and only 16% use the data “extremely well" while 60% are prioritising simplification in 2026 to combat clunky workflows, with 44% referencing inefficient processes in their programmes.

66% must defend TMC fees to Finance teams, but 42% find pricing models too opaque to explain and 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.

“We can see a clear path forward for travel managers who want to uplevel their programmes,” said Kim Hamer, chief travel advisory officer at Navan. 

“By embracing AI, demanding transparent pricing, and choosing tools that offer a consumer-grade booking experience, travel managers can transition from being bogged down in the administrative weeds to driving strategic advice and value for their businesses.”

To address the obstacles outlined in the survey data, the report also outlined a roadmap. 

It suggests to move from opaque fee models to simple, transparent fee structures to enhance visibility over costs and mprove the booking experience with access to robust inventory to create high-adoption programmes.

It details companies to replace manual approvals with automated workflows to free up time for strategic initiatives and finally, unify travel and expense and enable real-time forecasting and sharper decision-making.