Business Travel Gets Smarter While Loyalty Gets Tested: What Hosts and Hoteliers Need to Know
In the ever-evolving world of travel, business trips are no longer about quantity—they’re about purpose. At Phocuswright Europe 2025, industry leaders revealed how corporate travel is becoming more intentional, digital, and strategic. With remote and hybrid work now standard across many industries, travel decisions are shifting toward quality interactions over routine movement.
Companies are becoming more selective with trip approvals, focusing on ROI, duration, and sustainability. TravelPerk’s Jean-Christophe Taunay-Bucalo summed it up perfectly: front-end AI is inevitable, but the real opportunity lies in optimising the back end. Booking systems are moving away from rigid filters and toward natural language prompts, which means more intuitive, efficient travel planning powered by AI. For STR hosts and operators, this could translate to a new kind of business traveller—one looking for seamless, flexible accommodations with built-in functionality.
A New Loyalty Landscape and the Rise of Social Travel Commerce
Zooming out, Skift’s State of Travel 2025 report paints a picture of an industry under transformation. Loyalty as we know it is under pressure—today’s travellers are placing convenience, pricing, and personalisation ahead of long-term brand commitment. Social media is no longer just a place for inspiration; it’s fast becoming a key booking channel. Skift projects social commerce travel bookings will reach $7 billion in the near future.
AI continues to shake up search, but instead of creating equal opportunity, it’s reinforcing the dominance of major players through zero-click results and curated answer engines. And now, financial institutions are getting in on the game—launching their own travel platforms to compete with OTAs. For smaller hosts and hospitality brands, this signals the need to stand out through hyper-targeted content, direct booking strategies, and personalised guest experiences.
Takeaway for Hosts
The STR landscape is shifting with corporate behaviour, AI adoption, and the social commerce wave. If you’re a host, this is your moment to:
Reevaluate your pricing and value proposition for business travellers
Optimise your listings for visibility across search, AI tools, and social platforms
Double down on seamless booking flows and personalised service
As digital transformation accelerates, those who adapt quickly—and smartly—will be the ones who thrive.
Ready to elevate your direct booking game? Visit the Boostly website for the tools, strategies, and support you need to succeed in 2025 and beyond. And remember: Book Direct