Insights from Th!nk New Zealand 2025
Th!nk Series returned to Auckland and Wellington this September, bringing together a mix of industry leaders, clients, and partners to explore the future of corporate travel. Across both events, attendees heard the latest market insights, explored how technology and people work best together, and wrapped up with a keynote on reframing challenges as opportunities. There was knowledge sharing, a healthy dose of inspiration, and plenty of catch-ups over coffee (or wine).
If you joined us, thanks for being part of it. If you missed out, below is your cheat sheet to what was discussed and the main takeaways.
Market update from FCM Consulting
Emma Duff, FCM Consulting APAC Leader, opened with an update on the state of corporate travel across this region and the globe.
On the ground, hotel demand is steady, but supply is tight in hotspots like Auckland, Wellington, Sydney, and Singapore, which is causing room rates to be higher than most would like. Emma also explained how hotels are changing their approach by moving towards dynamic pricing models, making life trickier for procurement teams. Meanwhile, the old-school annual request for proposal (RFP) is slowly being phased out by continuous sourcing models. Where corporates and suppliers negotiate more regularly to secure better deals and more favourable terms. Although success here depends on having accurate, reliable data at hand.
In the air, capacity in Australia and New Zealand continues to climb, although competition isn’t strong enough to bring large discounts. Which means travel professionals need to get creative with their policy to see how they can save on each ticket.
Despite all these cost pressures, traveller experience is still a high priority. Wellness, sustainability, and flexibility remain key drivers in how organisations choose suppliers and design their programs.
For business travel professionals:
• Take a fresh look at your RFP process, is it working for you, or time for a change?
• Use your corporate travel data to stay nimble and negotiate better returns.
• Keep traveller wellbeing and sustainability at the centre of decision-making.
• Don’t lose sight of the global travel industry and the trends within it.
Merging tech, analytics, and human connection
Next up, Katy Byrne, Head of Product Development Corporate Technology, FCM Travel, Tim Swan, GM Global Distribution, Air New Zealand, and David Craig, Business Development Manager, TEM, spoke about how technology and analytics are transforming travel programs while keeping people at the centre.
In the past 18 months, artificial intelligence (AI) has moved from theory to practice, with measurable productivity gains. Organisations are using automation for faster data processing, improved reporting, and streamlined servicing.
Tim Swan discussed Air New Zealand’s innovations in distribution, making content more accessible and customisable for corporate buyers. David Craig outlined how TEM is using technology to deliver measurable sustainability outcomes, helping corporates track and offset emissions easier. On the travel management side, Katy Byrne highlighted how FCM is embedding AI and automation directly into travel program management, helping clients optimise compliance, self-service reporting, manage safety and risk, and provide personalised recommendations to travellers and bookers.
The general consensus across the board was similar though. Tech enhances human capability, but it doesn’t replace it. Automation reduces manual tasks, while people remain essential for creativity, empathy, and strategic problem-solving.
Key takeaways:
- Pair data insights with human judgement for the best results. Humans and tech are a package deal.
- Lean into AI tools that improve traveller experiences and handle the tedious tasks.
Reframing challenges as opportunities
Jehan Casinader: Tell Me the Good News closed both events with a keynote that encouraged attendees to look at the stories they tell. Instead of getting stuck on challenges, start reframing them as possibilities. By shifting the focus from problems to possibilities, leaders and teams can foster resilience and optimism, valuable qualities for navigating travel, business, and personal life.
Catch more insights, updates, and future Th!nk Series news here.
