The Corporate Suitcase Redefined: Thomas Cook & SOTC Unveil the 2026 Business Travel Blueprint

Published on February 27, 2026

By: Tuhin Sarkar

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In the boardrooms of India’s top conglomerates, the conversation around travel has undergone a seismic shift. No longer viewed as a mere line-item expense to be slashed, business travel in 2026 has emerged as a high-stakes strategic lever. According to the newly released Business Travel Report 2026 by Thomas Cook (India) Limited and SOTC Travel, the “road warrior” is back—but they are smarter, more tech-dependent, and increasingly partial to a side of leisure.

The report, which synthesises data from over 25 leading enterprises across sectors like BFSI, manufacturing, and healthcare, paints a picture of an industry that is simultaneously expanding and tightening its grip on governance.

The Volume Surge: 95% Project Stability or Growth

Perhaps the most startling revelation is the sheer resilience of the sector. Despite the ubiquity of high-definition virtual meetings, 65% of Indian corporates expect their business travel volumes to rise in the next 12 months. When combined with those expecting stability, a staggering 95% of the market is looking at a “stable-to-growth” trajectory.

What is driving this? It appears that the “human element” still reigns supreme. Client acquisitions, high-stakes sales meetings, and business-critical internal reviews are being prioritised as essential face-to-face activities. In short, while you can sign a contract on Zoom, you build a partnership in person.

The Rise of the “Value-Driven” Decision

For years, the mandate for travel managers was simple: find the cheapest flight. In 2026, that mantra is officially obsolete. 62% of corporates have transitioned to “value-driven” decision-making. This nuanced approach balances cost-efficiency with three critical pillars: Safety, Compliance, and Traveller Well-being.

Companies are realising that a fatigued employee on a three-stop budget flight is less effective than one who arrives refreshed on a direct route. This shift has elevated the role of strategic travel partners who can provide “managed travel programs” that look beyond the price tag to the total cost of the trip, including the “human cost.”

Bleisure: The New Corporate Perk

One of the most significant cultural shifts highlighted in the report is the explosion of “Bleisure”—the blending of business and leisure travel. 68% of corporates now report that employees are extending their work trips to include personal downtime.

This trend is forcing a total rewrite of corporate travel policies. Organisations are now having to clarify cost-sharing norms: Who pays for the hotel on Saturday night? How does insurance cover the personal leg of the trip? Far from banning the practice, forward-thinking companies are embracing it as a tool for talent retention and mental health.

The Digital Revolution: AI and Automated Controls

If value is the heart of the new travel landscape, technology is its nervous system. Over 70% of organisations are now leaning heavily on digital tools for the entire travel lifecycle—from AI-led bookings to automated expense management.

Indiver Rastogi, President & Group Head of Global Business Travel at Thomas Cook (India) and SOTC Travel, pointed to innovations like Dhruv.ai, a voice-enabled AI advisor, as the future of the industry. These tools aren’t just about convenience; they are about “tighter controls.” By using AI, firms can ensure that every booking is “policy-aligned” before the “buy” button is even clicked.

The “GST Headache” and Rising Costs

It isn’t all smooth sailing, however. The report highlights a sharp pain point: Rising costs. 80% of respondents noted an increase in Average Ticket Prices (ATP), with a third seeing hikes of over 15%.

Adding to this pressure is the labyrinthine nature of GST compliance. Close to 55% of corporates struggle with Input Tax Credit (ITC) optimisation. For a large firm, “leaking” tax credits on airfare and hotels can result in millions of rupees in lost savings. This has led to a surge in demand for structured invoicing and “compliant supplier ecosystems”—essentially, corporates only want to stay at hotels and fly with airlines that can provide a “clean” GST trail.

Where is India Flying?

While domestic travel remains the powerhouse—accounting for 72% of the pie and led by hubs like Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, and Bengaluru—the international map is expanding.

• Established Hubs: Singapore, Dubai, the UK, and the USA remain the “Big Four” for leadership meetings and strategic expansion.
• Emerging Frontiers: China and Japan have surged onto the radar for 2026, reflecting the deepening manufacturing and tech ties between India and the Far East.

Conclusion: The Future is Policy-Aligned

The Thomas Cook and SOTC report concludes that the future of business travel is one of “disciplined growth.” Close to 60% of firms are currently revisiting their travel policies to introduce stricter approval workflows and renegotiate supplier contracts.

The message is clear: Business travel in 2026 is no longer a “perk” or a “hassle”—it is a sophisticated, data-backed operation where the goal is to get the best out of people while keeping a hawk-like eye on the bottom line.