What we learned, and what’s next for AI in business travel.

 

Artificial intelligence (AI) was everywhere in 2025. Travel included. But did it live up to the hype? And what’s next as we head into 2026? Daniel Senyard, SVP of Commercial Platforms and Innovation, and Rey Garcia, VP of AI Strategy, chat about where AI delivered, where it didn’t, and where it’s genuinely changing corporate travel.

AI in 2025

What became reality  

Approx. 1 minute 

Daniel talks about how AI began operating beyond simple prompts, with access to tools and workflows that enabled more meaningful support. 

  • 00:26 – How access to tools allowed AI to assist with planning 

What didn't happen 

Approx. 2 minutes 

Not every prediction landed, but that’s not a failure. It’s how new technology matures. Daniel and Rey unpack the ideas that were overcooked, misunderstood, or simply too early. 

  • 01:00 – Why artificial general intelligence (AGI) did not develop as expected 

Lessons learnt

Approx. 5 minutes

There’s no single AI model that “won”. Value came from how AI was applied, not which logo sat in the corner. Daniel and Rey dig into what organisations learned once AI met real-world workflows. 

  • 04:52 – Why learning to use AI requires practice and context 

Common misconceptions

Approx. 3 minutes

Data became the elephant in the room. How it’s accessed and used, and what happens to it once it gets inside AI systems. Daniel and Rey clarify where concerns are valid, and where they might be misunderstood. 

01:40 – How FCM applies AI through Sam  

AI in 2026

What to expect

Approx. 9 minutes 

Business travel is primed for AI use. In 2026, the focus will move from reacting to problems to preventing them altogether. Daniel and Rey share where AI has the most potential to genuinely improve travel programs. 

  • 01:54 – Value of a travel management company 
  • 03:53 – How AI ecosystems can support different travel personas 
  • 04:13 – Building trust, especially in the booking process  

AI at FCM Travel

What we’re most proud of  

Approx. 4.5 minutes  

Where idea met execution. Daniel and Rey walk through how FCM approached AI with purpose, security, and scale in mind. 

  • 02:33 – Benefits of building a horizontal, universal AI layer 
  • 03:08 – Practical applications of personalisation 
  • 03:30 – Supporting internal teams through tools and workflows 

Why Sam is built the way it is  

Approx. 1 minute 

Sam isn’t a chatbot bolted onto a booking tool. It’s the ecosystem that connects FCM’s technology and people. 

Daniel shares why this is important in a world where travel managers are fed up with fragmented systems, duplicated tasks, and disconnected data.  

Check out Sam

More AI-related resources from FCM