The majority of regular business travellers (95%) believe AI can enhance their travel experience, new research suggests.
They cited added convenience (44%), cost efficiencies (43%), and streamlined expense management (41%) as being among the top benefits.
The survey of 2,260 people across the UK and US by American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) found that frequent business travellers see great potential for AI to handle functional tasks, such as booking travel and amending travel arrangements.
Respondents particularly valued AI’s ability to simplify flight choices (37%) and hotel selection (35%).
While the sentiment towards AI was largely positive, the research identified areas where business travellers are more cautious.
Only 29% trust AI to personalise onboard flight preferences such as seat allocation and meal selection, and less than a quarter (23%) are confident in AI’s ability to choose the right hotel room.
Concerns around data security (46%), accuracy (44%), and reliability (37%) highlight the need for continuous improvements and transparency, according to the travel management company.
Amex GBT chief technology officer David Thompson said: “AI can be a powerful tool in creating efficiencies and automating time-intensive tasks before and during business trips.
“We prioritise responsible innovation, applying stringent testing and partnering with best-in-class AI experts to ensure our solutions are reliable and secure.
“We see AI as an assistant, enhancing the expertise of our team, which is central to our success and that of our customers.”
He added: “To harness the full power of AI, businesses must address travellers’ concerns and consider privacy and accuracy every step of the way.
“By maintaining a secure environment and collaborating with trusted technology partners, we continue to innovate responsibly, ensuring our employees and customers feel confident in our AI advancements.”
An AI initiative announced earlier this year will see Amex GBT increase focus on existing projects to drive “purposeful innovation and greater efficiencies”.
“In Amex GBT’s secure environment, the team continues to apply robust testing and is partnering with best-in-class AI experts, so our employees and customers can feel confident that we are progressing responsibly,” the company said.