Corporate Travel Companies: How Adelman Stands Apart from the Industry Giants

The corporate travel industry is dominated by a handful of major players, including American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) and CWT (formerly Carlson Wagonlit Travel). As of September 2025, Amex GBT has acquired CWT. Both companies manage millions of bookings annually and serve clients worldwide.

However, size alone doesn’t determine success. Many organizations seek more personalized travel services, deeper flexibility, and advanced technology tailored to their needs.

Competing in a Global Industry: The Big Players (CWT and American Express GBT)

CWT

• Global presence in over 140 countries.
• Focus on technology platforms for booking, reporting, and traveler tracking.
• Strong supplier relationships for competitive rates.
• Serves large multinational corporations.

Strengths: Scale, extensive travel inventory, corporate travel expertise.
Limitations: Less flexibility for mid-sized companies; standardized processes may not fit every client’s culture.

American Express Global Business Travel (GBT)

• Backed by the American Express brand and global reach.
• Offers comprehensive travel and expense management tools.
• Strong emphasis on data analytics and corporate compliance.
• Known for its extensive reporting capabilities.

Strengths: Brand trust, financial services integration, and high-level analytics.
Limitations: Does not offer the same high-touch, personalized service that smaller companies require.

Important note: Because Amex GBT’s acquisition of CWT is so recent, the merger’s impacts have yet to be realized. 

Adelman Travel: A Corporate Travel Company with a Different Approach

Adelman blends the best aspects of large-scale TMCs, such as global reach and cutting-edge travel tech, with the flexibility and customization many corporations prefer.

Unique Selling Points of Adelman Travel

Personalized Service Model
Every client is matched with a dedicated account team that understands their culture, policies, and travelers’ preferences.

Advanced Technology Integration
Booking tools, approval workflows, expense management, and duty of care tracking are all in one platform.

Scalability
Adelman works with both mid-sized organizations and multinational enterprises, adapting services to fit the client’s size.

Strategic Consultation
Beyond bookings, Adelman provides ongoing optimization, KPI tracking, and travel policy refinement.

Comparative Snapshot

Q&A: Choosing Between Corporate Travel Companies

Question: Should a mid-sized company choose a giant like CWT or a more flexible provider like Adelman?
Answer: Larger providers can be powerful for global corporations with huge volumes. Mid-sized companies may find better alignment and more hands-on support with Adelman.

Question: How does Adelman compete on price with industry giants?
Answer: Through strong supplier partnerships, policy-compliant travel booking tools, and negotiated rates accessible to clients of all sizes.

Question: What about technology differences?
Answer: Adelman’s tech is comparable to the largest TMCs but can be more easily adapted to client workflows.

5 Key Takeaways About Corporate Travel Companies

1. Big TMCs offer scale and brand recognition, but smaller, agile providers like Adelman often deliver better personalization.
2. Technology is essential, but it must be adaptable to the client’s processes.
3. Supplier relationships drive savings — and Adelman’s network competes with industry giants.
4. Dedicated account management improves compliance and traveler satisfaction.
5. Adelman delivers the balance of global capability and personalized service that many businesses seek.

Just like with many other things, bigger isn’t always better. Working with a small corporate travel management company creates a close, bonded partnership. Count on our team of corporate travel experts and booking tools to fix whatever is wrong and elevate whatever is right.

Get in touch with Adelman today to discuss a business travel program or travel management.