We explore two headline stories: the shake-up in corporate travel management and the surge of political interest in travel industry stocks. Both point to deeper shifts in how travel is booked, managed, and influenced from the top down.
A new report from Direct Travel, Spotnana, Troop, and the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) reveals what many in the industry suspected: corporate travel is overdue for disruption.
In the survey of U.S. and Canadian travel managers:
28% said they’re considering switching TMCs (Travel Management Companies)
89% cited rising costs as a top concern
57% pointed to booking friction
41% complained about inconsistent service
36% noted poor tech infrastructure
The biggest complaint? A lack of modern, user-friendly tools and poor support for airline NDC (New Distribution Capability) bookings, with only 13% of TMCs offering self-service functionality in this space.
Corporate travel managers increasingly want:
Seamless automation
Real-time AI-powered search
Integrated platforms for booking, meetings, and expense management
And global support with intuitive UX
Emerging platforms like Avenir, built on Spotnana Cloud, are answering the call. With smarter automation, global content, live support, and robust integrations, these solutions are putting serious pressure on legacy providers. If traditional TMCs don’t evolve fast, they may quickly find themselves obsolete in a market that demands speed, transparency, and control.
Meanwhile, a very different story is unfolding in Washington, D.C.—one that reveals how deeply intertwined travel policy and personal profit can be.
A Skift analysis shows that more than 36 U.S. lawmakers and their spouses have traded millions in travel and tourism-related stocks since 2021. These include shares in:
Airbnb
Marriott
Booking Holdings
Hilton
What’s troubling? Many of these same lawmakers are directly involved in legislation and oversight affecting the travel and hospitality sectors. While such trading is currently legal under the STOCK Act, provided it is disclosed, the ethical implications are raising alarms.
High-profile figures like Rep. Dan Goldman and Sen. Elizabeth Warren are pushing for a ban on stock trading by elected officials, citing concerns over transparency and conflicts of interest. With travel stocks surging—Booking Holdings, for example, has tripled in value over five years—the financial incentives remain strong.
It’s a reminder that while industry regulations may seem bureaucratic on the surface, the motivations behind them aren’t always purely policy-driven. As STR operators, staying informed about the forces shaping our industry—from tech disruption to political influence—is vital.
Corporate travel is evolving fast. Even if you don’t host business travellers, you can expect ripple effects—from changing guest expectations to rising competition from B2B-ready accommodations.
Tech-first platforms are winning. Whether it’s AI booking tools or integrated services, the future of travel is frictionless. Make sure your own STR business is modern, responsive, and direct-booking ready.
Stay politically aware. From zoning laws to investment trends, the policies affecting your business may be shaped by those with vested interests. Keep your ear to the ground and your listings compliant.
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.
