Business travel in a state of flux: AI, globalisation and new partnerships

Anyone working in business travel management currently has to deal with many uncertainties. This was precisely the focus of the Business Travel Day, hosted by Worms University of Applied Sciences on 29 October 2026. Students, corporate experts and representatives from travel management companies spent a day discussing the theme ‘Business Travel in a State of Flux’. The event was organised by the Institute of Business Travel Studies e.V. and the Faculty of Tourism and Transport, in collaboration with the VDR – Verband Deutsches Reisemanagement e.V. and fvw Travel Talk.

In his welcoming address, the Vice-President of Worms University of Applied Sciences, Prof. Dr Hans Rück, emphasised how important the practical application of what has been learnt is for all parties. Dean Prof. Dr Tobias Ehlen recalled that Business Travel Day was launched four years ago to familiarise students with the topic of business travel. Networking was added as a second objective and is particularly important in times like these. Moderator Oliver Graue from fvw Travel Talk then gave an overview of the programme. Afterwards, the sponsors – Atlatos, BCD Travel, Enterprise Mobility and Lufthansa City Center – introduced themselves in an ‘elevator pitch’. Using figures, data and facts, they also presented themselves as potential employers.

Volatility as the new normal

Jens Schließmann, Chief Executive of the VDR, set the tone for the discussion. He noted that fluctuating market conditions are no longer an exceptional situation, but the new normal. He cited limited budgets and cost-cutting targets, high travel and mobility costs, and geopolitical uncertainties as the biggest obstacles. He called for business travel not to be viewed solely in terms of costs, as it represents an investment in companies’ innovative capacity. After all, he noted, business is done neither at head office nor on a screen.

AI with a sense of proportion

Esther Stehning from Atlatos and Christian Rosenbaum from Amadeus discussed the extent to which machines can take on responsibility in a conversation with Dr Oliver Rengelshausen. Both see AI as a tool that can improve processes. However, control must remain within the company, and the final decision must always rest with a human. The extent to which it is used, and in what form, varies from company to company. Both also emphasised the importance of data protection and IT security in warding off attacks. They advised students to remain optimistic, to be passionate about a subject and to network.

Mentoring opens doors

Master’s student Kerem Ay demonstrated how to successfully break into the industry. Together with Marijke Werschnik from the VDR, he spoke about the association’s mentoring programme. It had given him direction, provided him with many contacts and also opened doors with potential employers. His advice is to remain open-minded and actively pursue opportunities. A degree, practical experience and a network are the formula for success.

Centralised or local

The afternoon session focused on the question of how much centralisation makes sense. Wolfgang Strasser from BCD Travel and Verena Funke from Lufthansa City Center made it clear that the right structure depends on the client base. Celine Lara Beier from the Eberspächer Group and Sandra Warneke from Adesso, both VDR Young Professionals, shared insights from their own experience. Centralised management creates transparency and procurement advantages, whilst regional solutions are better suited to local conditions. What is therefore needed are approaches that allow sufficient scope for flexibility. Everyone agreed that cross-border collaboration thrives on trust and that it helps to meet colleagues in person on the ground.

Careers in SMEs

To round off the event, Markus Sahner and Alexander Schütt presented career paths at Enterprise Mobility by sharing their own career journeys and experiences with the students. 

The day concluded with a prize draw, with Amadeus sponsoring the prizes. We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the sponsors Atlatos, BCD Travel, Enterprise Mobility and Lufthansa City Center, who supported the Business Travel Day.

The fvw reported on the event in the article “The most exciting insights from Business Travel Day”