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AI drives Flight Centre Travel Group’s $117m underlying profit for 1H25

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5 months ago

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Flight Centre Travel Group has reported a 7 per cent year-on-year growth in the first half of the 2025 financial year.

The group posted a $117 million underlying profit before tax for the first half highlighting a strong second-quarter rebound and an UPBT surge of 14 per cent. Statutory profit before tax came in at $88.2 million, down from $120.2 million in FY24 1H, largely due to higher gains from convertible notes in the prior year.

Despite this, FLT maintained growth, investing in AI-driven innovations to boost customer experience and efficiency. Corporate AI initiatives are expected to drive a 15-20 per cent productivity increase by FY26, while leisure AI tools streamline online enquiries and bookings.

Lower volume-based supplier payments, a $4 million investment in global cruises and an $8 million downturn in Asia were all noted key influences on results. However, total transaction value (TTV) jumped $365 million to $11.7 billion, with corporate contributing $6 billion and leisure $5.5 billion. TTV growth picked up in 2Q, rising seven per cent after a slow 1Q, impacted by airfare deflation in Australia and Asia.

Australian international ticket sales jumped 12 per cent, though average fares fell 6.5 per cent YoY. UPBT margin saw a modest lift and is expected to rise further with seasonal trends, super over-ride recovery, and efficiency gains. January’s UPBT margin in Australia exceeded 2.3 per cent, with further improvement anticipated.

FLT continues restructuring, closing a division of its Infinity wholesale business after $2.5 million in losses, following prior closures of Discova Americas and GoGo in FY24. The board declared an 11 cents per share fully franked interim dividend, payable 17 April, bringing total post-pandemic returns to over $150 million. FLT also bought back $200 million in convertible notes and acquired Cruise Club UK and Dubai’s TP Connects.

Graham ‘Skroo’ Turner Photo: Kat Stanley.

“The 1H was a tale of two quarters in that 2Q TTV and profit growth rebounded after a challenging 1Q,” Flight Centre Travel Group CEO Graham ‘Skroo’ Turner said.

“In fact, our 2Q profit growth rate more than doubled our 2Q TTV growth rate providing good operating leverage and momentum ahead of our key trading months.

“Our corporate business – now a materially larger business than pre-COVID – again delivered record 1H TTV and increased profit during a period of consolidation that should ultimately lead to more rapid earnings growth.

“Leisure TTV also increased and has subsequently reached record levels in various locations and brands in January, but profit was in line with the strong FY24 1H result, partly because of investments in the high growth cruise sector.

“The leisure business of today is significantly more productive, more efficient and more profitable and has a clear future growth blueprint across its diverse brand stable.

With strong momentum into 2H, FLT said it is set to capitalise on peak trading while advancing AI and efficiency strategies.



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Transforming Corporate Travel: BCD’s Yannis Karmis on AI and SkyLink’s Innovations

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10 hours ago

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July 17, 2025

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Home » INTERVIEWS » Transforming Corporate Travel: BCD’s Yannis Karmis on AI and SkyLink’s Innovations

Friday, July 18, 2025

In an insightful interview, Mr. Yannis Karmis, Senior Vice President of Product Planning & Development at BCD Travel, explores how AI-powered solutions, specifically SkyLink, are revolutionizing the corporate travel landscape within the broader hospitality and tourism industry. Mr. Karmis highlights SkyLink’s capacity to deliver smoother, smarter, and more personalized travel experiences by automating bookings, streamlining complex itineraries, and providing instant multilingual support directly within popular collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Slack.

Emphasizing the solution’s user-centric design, he discusses how SkyLink optimizes travel program compliance, balances cost efficiencies, and enhances traveler productivity through intuitive conversational interactions.

Moreover, Mr. Karmis addresses how SkyLink navigates regional challenges related to data privacy and compliance, particularly in European and Asian markets, ensuring global deployment aligns with local expectations and builds trust.

Looking ahead, he envisions AI playing an increasingly pivotal role in shaping corporate hospitality and travel management, combining automation with essential human oversight to deliver exceptional travel experiences and robust data intelligence.

How do you see AI-powered solutions like SkyLink transforming the corporate travel experience within the broader hospitality and tourism industry?
AI-powered solutions like SkyLink are making corporate travel smarter and smoother. By automating bookings, personalizing itineraries, and providing real-time support, they help companies save time and money while giving travelers a more seamless and stress-free experience.
SkyLink stands out by integrating directly into tools employees already use such as Microsoft Teams and Slack, offering a fully touchless experience that’s up to 10 times faster than traditional booking methods. It also boosts program compliance with real-time, dynamic recommendations based on company policy and market conditions.

In what ways does SkyLink enhance traveler productivity and satisfaction, especially for frequent business travelers navigating complex itineraries or last-minute changes?
SkyLink transforms the business travel experience by making it as easy as having a conversation. Travelers can describe what they need in plain language via chat or voice and book within seconds, even for complex, multi-city trips or repeat itineraries. It works right inside Microsoft Teams and Slack, so there’s no need to switch platforms. The traveler can @tag an assistant or travel arranger to join the conversation, and SkyLink will prompt hotel bookings at the right time, improving both attachment and advance booking rates.
SkyLink also flags major events, offering curated information on weather and policy, and responding instantly in multiple global languages. Whether the traveler is on his desktop or mobile, SkyLink remembers the conversation, so the traveler can pick up where he left off anytime without having to wait for an agent. And if plans change, the traveler can cancel or rebook trips, even those made outside SkyLink. It’s a flexible, intuitive solution that keeps frequent travelers productive, informed, and in control.

Can you elaborate on how SkyLink ensures travel policy compliance and cost optimization without compromising traveler comfort and personalization?
SkyLink offers the right balance between policy compliance, cost control, and traveler comfort. It uses smart nudges and real-time reminders to guide travelers toward in-policy choices, without disrupting their planning flow. By prompting hotel bookings at the right time, it improves attachment and advance booking rates, helping companies maximise their spend while making it extremely easy for the traveller. SkyLink also personalised recommendations to each traveler’s preferences, company policy, and trip context, so every option feels personal, yet compliant.

How does integrating SkyLink into platforms like Microsoft Teams and Slack reflect changing trends in digital engagement within the hospitality sector?
Integrating SkyLink into Microsoft Teams and Slack reflects a major shift in how travellers want to engage with travel tools – seamlessly and right where they already work. We’ve seen an increased appetite from our customers to try new travel technologies, whether our own internal solutions or third party partner solutions and AI has accelerated that interest. By meeting users in familiar platforms, SkyLink removes friction and makes adoption easy.

With the rise of autonomous booking tools, how does BCD Travel maintain the balance between human service excellence and automation in business travel?
Travel is deeply human and personal. While technology advancements help in reducing traveler friction, the human touch cannot never be replaced, especially in times of emergency. As a TMC, we’ll never lose sight of the importance of human connection. We see AI as an opportunity to help our people work smarter and faster, focusing on high-impact tasks that drive traveler (and client) satisfaction. Further, our technologies will always have the human oversight of technologists and business analysts to monitor and measure precision.

What unique challenges and opportunities does BCD face when introducing AI-powered travel assistants into different global markets, particularly in Europe and Asia?
Introducing AI-powered travel assistants like SkyLink into global markets brings both exciting opportunities and unique challenges. In regions like Europe and Asia, there’s strong interest in AI but also a heightened focus on data privacy, security, and compliance. While the technical onboarding is relatively straightforward, the review process can take longer due to thorough evaluations by clients’ security and compliance teams. That said, once we engage directly with these teams, progress tends to accelerate. The opportunity lies in meeting this demand with transparency, flexibility, and local sensitivity, ensuring we deliver innovation that aligns with regional expectations and builds trust.

Looking ahead, how does BCD Travel envision the role of AI in shaping the future of corporate hospitality and travel management over the next 3 to 5 years?
In the next 3 to 5 years, AI will play a key role in transforming corporate travel and hospitality. It’s moving beyond basic automation to deliver smarter, more personalized experiences, helping travelers get what they need faster, while helping companies manage costs and stay within policy. With real-time guidance, predictive insights, and easy integration into everyday tools, AI will help strike the right balance between traveler satisfaction and business goals. At BCD, we’re focused on building AI solutions that focus on agent efficiency, traveler satisfaction and data intelligence.

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Accel Powers New Wave of AI and LeapTech Startups, Igniting Travel Industry Innovation and Global Tourism Growth

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7 days ago

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July 11, 2025

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Home » India Travel News » Accel Powers New Wave of AI and LeapTech Startups, Igniting Travel Industry Innovation and Global Tourism Growth

Friday, July 11, 2025

The travel industry is standing at the brink of a radical transformation, and the engines of that change are roaring louder than ever. Accel, a global powerhouse in venture capital, has announced a bold expansion of its pre-seed scaling program, unveiling Accel Atoms AI and Accel Atoms X.

This move is set to fuel the next generation of travel tech startups. These innovators could redefine how people explore the world, how airlines optimize operations, and how hotels deliver unforgettable guest experiences.

Startups Fuel AI Boom in Travel

AI is no longer just a buzzword. It’s becoming the core driver reshaping the tourism and travel landscape. With Accel Atoms AI, the VC firm is focusing on Indian and Indian-origin founders poised to build AI solutions with global impact.

These founders are stepping into a unique opportunity. Travel is inherently global, and solutions that enhance real-time decision-making, predictive analytics, and customer personalization can ripple across borders.

From AI agents handling complex itinerary changes for travelers to systems analyzing demand patterns across continents, the potential for AI in tourism is explosive.

Moreover, Accel’s decision to back startups from day zero ensures that founders can test, iterate, and launch transformative products without being bogged down by geographical limits.

Travel and Cross-Border AI Ambition

In the past, travel tech startups often started locally, refining solutions for one market before scaling. That model is fading fast.

Indian-origin founders are now moving into global markets earlier than ever, aiming to serve travelers in New York, London, Dubai, and Singapore—all at once.

Travel businesses, especially airlines and hotel groups, want partners who can operate on a global scale. They seek technology providers who understand regulatory nuances in the US, consumer behavior in Europe, and emerging market dynamics in Asia.

AI plays a crucial role in this shift. Whether it’s dynamic pricing for flights, predictive maintenance for aircraft, or hyper-personalized travel offers, AI is enabling the travel industry to operate with a precision once unimaginable.

Accel’s support for Indian-origin founders globally could unlock solutions that help airlines reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, and deliver better traveler experiences.

LeapTech Set to Redefine Travel Experiences

Meanwhile, Accel’s Atoms X program is opening doors for innovations that feel like science fiction today but could become everyday reality tomorrow.

LeapTech focuses on breakthrough products, technologies, or business models that can radically improve human experiences—including travel.

For tourism and hospitality, this could mean:

  • Advanced robotics managing hotel operations seamlessly.
  • Next-generation aircraft designs reducing flight times dramatically.
  • Sustainable tourism solutions built around new materials or energy systems.
  • Virtual reality travel experiences so immersive they redefine destination marketing.

These ideas often need longer development timelines. Traditional venture capital models hesitate at such horizons. Yet Accel’s willingness to back these founders right from inception shows deep conviction in reshaping industries—including how people move and explore the world.

Travel Professionals Must Watch AI Trends Closely

For travel professionals, these developments can’t be ignored. The companies emerging from programs like Accel Atoms AI and Atoms X could soon be the partners airlines, hotel chains, and tour operators rely on to stay competitive.

The future of travel booking might be determined by a startup’s AI agent that can plan multi-country itineraries, navigate visa regulations, and optimize costs instantly.

Meanwhile, LeapTech startups could design entirely new categories of travel products—from aircraft that consume half the fuel to biodegradable hotel materials that delight eco-conscious travelers.

The competitive advantage for travel companies will hinge on identifying and integrating these innovations faster than rivals.

Tourism Faces Fresh Opportunities and Challenges

While AI brings opportunities, it also raises questions about privacy, data security, and fairness in pricing. Personalized offers can delight travelers, but hyper-dynamic pricing could spark backlash if consumers feel manipulated.

Moreover, LeapTech may raise regulatory hurdles. Innovations like urban air mobility or AI-driven border control systems require governments and travel operators to align faster than ever before.

For tourism boards and travel policymakers, the stakes are high. Embracing these technologies could position regions as leaders in sustainable and smart tourism. Ignoring them could leave destinations behind in a hyper-connected world.

Funding Fuels Ambition

Startups joining Accel’s programs can receive up to $1 million in funding alongside access to over $5 million in perks and infrastructure support from Accel’s partners.

This funding power ensures that travel-focused AI or LeapTech startups can build robust solutions without compromising on speed or scale.

Founders also benefit from mentorship by global industry leaders, helping them navigate not just technical challenges but the unique dynamics of the travel market—from regulatory issues to seasonal demand swings.

India at the Heart of Global Travel Innovation

India is emerging as a pivotal player in global travel tech innovation. With its massive engineering talent pool and increasingly sophisticated startup ecosystem, Indian-origin founders are uniquely positioned to solve travel problems at global scale.

Accel’s programs recognize this potential, offering a bridge between India’s deep tech expertise and the world’s largest tourism markets.

As travel recovers and evolves post-pandemic, new demands are surfacing. Travelers want seamless digital experiences, hyper-personalized service, and sustainable practices. Airlines and hospitality brands are under pressure to transform.

Indian-origin founders, backed by programs like Accel Atoms AI and Atoms X, could deliver the solutions that define the travel industry’s next decade.

The Road Ahead for Travel Tech

Accel’s expanded programs represent more than investment—they’re signals of where the travel industry is heading.

AI and LeapTech will reshape how airlines price seats, how hotels delight guests, and how entire cities market themselves to visitors. For travel professionals, staying ahead means keeping a close eye on the innovations emerging from startup ecosystems like Accel’s.

Change is arriving faster than ever. The winners in the travel industry will be those who see it coming—and seize it with both hands.



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Emerging Business Travel Startups To Compete At Business Travel Show America 2025: Key Innovations In AI, Expense Management And More To Watch There

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7 days ago

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July 11, 2025

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Home » Travel Events in America » Emerging Business Travel Startups To Compete At Business Travel Show America 2025: Key Innovations In AI, Expense Management And More To Watch There

Friday, July 11, 2025

The business travel landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by a combination of emerging technologies and innovative solutions that aim to make corporate travel smoother, more cost-effective, and more efficient. The upcoming Business Travel Show America 2025, scheduled to take place in New York on October 15-16, promises to showcase some of the most groundbreaking advancements in this space, with 12 dynamic startups and scale-ups competing to demonstrate their unique approaches to reshaping the industry.

This highly anticipated faceoff, sponsored by American Express Global Business Travel, will see these companies battle for attention from industry leaders, decision-makers, and potential investors.The competition provides a platform for these companies to showcase cutting-edge technologies in various sectors of corporate travel, including artificial intelligence (AI), expense management, hotel booking, and event planning.

It is designed not only to highlight the importance of innovation in corporate travel but also to allow these emerging businesses to pitch their solutions to an audience that includes the industry’s top decision-makers. In an era where businesses are constantly searching for ways to streamline operations, save on costs, and improve employee travel experiences, the solutions presented at the Business Travel Show America could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the industry.

The Finalists: A Glimpse into the Future of Corporate Travel

The competition will feature a diverse range of finalists, each presenting a distinct approach to solving the pain points of corporate travel. The 12 finalists include companies focused on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and real-time data solutions, all aimed at improving various facets of the travel experience for business professionals. Here’s a closer look at the finalists:

  1. Altour – Leveraging AI-powered communication tools to improve traveler experience by automating responses and streamlining the booking process.
  2. EmPath and Juno – Platforms designed to enhance the traveler experience, focusing on personalization and real-time updates to ensure employees have the best possible trip experience.
  3. Engine – A platform that simplifies group planning with live hotel pricing, allowing companies to easily manage corporate events and large-scale bookings.
  4. FareAudit – A real-time fare auditing solution that ensures companies are paying the best rates for air travel and that no overpayments are made on tickets.
  5. Groupize and Nowadays – Focused on AI-driven event management, these platforms aim to streamline the planning process, reducing the time and resources needed to organize successful corporate events.
  6. HRS – A hotel platform that provides a wide range of services for corporate travel, including booking, expense tracking, and managing accommodations for business travelers.
  7. Roamr – A unique cultural travel network that aims to integrate cultural experiences into business travel, offering employees opportunities for local engagement during business trips.
  8. SeatCash – Specializing in airfare prediction, this platform uses data analytics to forecast future flight prices, helping companies save money by booking at the most opportune times.
  9. Traxo – Providing data insights, this tool helps companies track and manage business travel data, providing actionable intelligence to optimize travel policies and reduce costs.
  10. Versa – A platform that automates the expense receipt process, allowing travelers and companies to streamline the reimbursement process and avoid manual data entry.

These companies represent the cutting edge of corporate travel, utilizing technology to address long-standing challenges in the industry. With innovations that touch on everything from AI-enhanced communication tools to AI-powered event management, these startups are paving the way for smarter, more efficient corporate travel solutions.

Innovation Driving Change in the Corporate Travel Industry

As corporate travel continues to rebound from the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for smarter, more efficient travel management tools has never been higher. According to recent research by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the business travel industry is expected to see substantial growth over the next few years, with companies focusing on improving the traveler experience and cutting costs.

Startups like those competing at the Business Travel Show America are addressing key pain points that have plagued businesses for years. With the implementation of AI and machine learning, companies can automate manual tasks, manage budgets more effectively, and improve the overall travel experience for employees. From automating expense receipts to predicting the best airfare rates, the future of corporate travel will be powered by these advanced technologies.

In fact, AI is expected to play a major role in the future of business travel. AI-powered communication tools, like those offered by Altour, can significantly improve the booking experience, allowing employees to interact with virtual assistants to answer questions and make changes to their travel plans in real-time. Similarly, AI-driven expense management tools such as Versa are helping businesses simplify their financial processes, automating expense report creation and reimbursement approvals.

The Role of Travel Tech in Shaping Corporate Travel

Travel technology has evolved from simple booking systems to complex platforms that integrate AI, data analytics, and real-time feedback to optimize every aspect of business travel. The trend toward more automated, personalized travel experiences is clear, and it’s only expected to accelerate in the coming years. As businesses become more focused on optimizing their travel budgets and improving employee satisfaction, the role of innovative startups in the corporate travel space will continue to grow.

The competition at the Business Travel Show America underscores the importance of collaboration between startups, established industry players, and corporate travel decision-makers. It’s an exciting time for the business travel industry as new technologies promise to transform how companies manage their travel programs, creating more streamlined, efficient, and cost-effective solutions.

The Future of Corporate Travel

The Business Travel Show America 2025 is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of the transformative power of technology in the corporate travel sector. As AI, machine learning, and data-driven solutions continue to reshape how business travel is managed, the tools and solutions presented at the event will undoubtedly influence how companies approach corporate travel in the years to come.

For those attending, the opportunity to see these innovative startups pitch their solutions offers a glimpse into the future of business travel. Whether it’s improving traveler experience, enhancing expense management, or optimizing hotel bookings, the finalists at the Business Travel Show America represent the best and brightest of the future of corporate travel.

Conclusion

As the corporate travel space evolves ever further, technology breakthroughs like those exhibited by the Business Travel Show America startups are building the road to the next evolution of business travel. Through the implementation of these new wave technologies, organisations are able to streamline, save, and provide a seamless employee travel experience. Whether through comms platforms powered by AI, real-time expense reconciliation, or smarter event management systems, the corporate travel future is bright—and the Business Travel Show America competition will unveil the best offerings to help organisations navigate the new space.



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