Rethink Your Business Travel Management Strategy Ahead of 2026

TL;DR:

• Waiting for “market clarity” is risky—companies that delay refreshing their business travel management strategy may miss out on agile, innovative TMCs that can deliver stronger value in 2026 and beyond.
• Traditional big-name TMCs aren’t always the best fit; emerging and boutique providers often offer advanced tech, personalized service, and sustainability-focused solutions that align better with evolving priorities.
• Now is the time to reassess your TMC long list by revisiting priorities, benchmarking current providers, scanning for innovation, and starting early conversations to secure strategic partnerships ahead of the next RFP cycle.

Wild Cards and Front Runners: Why waiting for market clarity might be the riskiest move of all.

Does your business travel management strategy need a refresh? As corporate travel rebounds and reshapes in real time, many travel buyers are in a holding pattern waiting for market clarity before launching an RFP (request for proposal). While that might feel prudent, it could ultimately cost organizations their competitive edge in travel procurement for 2026 and beyond.

Now is the time to rethink your corporate travel management strategy, and more importantly, your long list for your TMC (travel management company).

The Case for Acting Early with a Business Travel Management Strategy

The travel landscape has always been dynamic, but the pace of change post-2020 has been unprecedented. Technology-led innovation, shifts in traveler behavior, sustainability mandates, and the rise of specialized service models mean that the “safe bet” may no longer be the best strategic fit.

In this environment, holding off on supplier evaluations until “more clarity” risks missing the window to partner with agile, emerging players who are already redefining what excellent corporate travel management looks like.

Why Your Business Travel Management Strategy Long List Deserves a Refresh

Traditionally, long lists for TMC RFPs default to the most prominent players, global reach, brand familiarity, and perceived stability often take precedence. However, the rise of niche and emerging TMCs means buyers now have better options than ever.

Forward-thinking organizations are already asking:

• Is our current TMC still aligned with our evolving travel priorities?
• Do we need a partner that excels in digital innovation, traveler experience, or sustainable travel strategies?
• Could a regional or boutique TMC provide more strategic value than a one-size-fits-all solution?

Strategic Fit Over Familiar Names

It’s time to stop equating “big” with “best.” Many emerging TMCs offer cutting-edge tech stacks, personalized service models, and a willingness to tailor their offerings—increasingly essential qualities in the age of agile procurement and business traveler-centric programs.

Adelman Travel’s insights into the global TMC landscape show a growing number of players punching well above their weight—especially in regions like APAC, LATAM, and EMEA. These providers often fly under the radar during traditional RFP cycles, but could deliver the edge your program needs in 2026.

A Practical Framework to Reassess Your Business Travel Management Strategy

Here’s how to get started on reshaping your long list—before the RFP clock starts ticking:

1. Revisit Your Strategic Priorities: Sustainability? Traveler well-being? Automation? Define what matters most in your next TMC partnership.
2. Benchmark Your Current Provider: Use Adelman’s TMC assessment tools to evaluate service levels, tech integration, and strategic alignment.
3. Scan for Innovation: Identify TMCs—large or small—that solve problems differently. Look for new entrants, digital-first players, and regional specialists.
4. Start Conversations Early: Don’t wait for an RFP to engage. Informal discussions now can reveal unexpected strengths and partnerships worth exploring.
5. Think Beyond Traditional Metrics: Cost savings matter, but so do adaptability, data transparency, and cultural fit.

RFP Readiness Starts Now

Travel procurement in 2026 won’t be about returning to the status quo—but about reshaping travel programs to meet a new world of business priorities. Refreshing your TMC long list now, rather than later, puts you ahead of that curve.

Don’t just wait for the future to arrive. Start building a strategic travel partnership and business travel management strategy with the right TMC.

Ready to explore your long-list options or benchmark your current TMC?

Connect with Adelman Travel’s strategic sourcing experts now.