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Exploring your options: The benefits of procuring corporate travel solutions directly

March 5, 2026
4 Min read
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Mark Cullen
Mark Cullen
Chief Commercial Officer - Amadeus Cytric Solutions
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Corporate travel platforms have been something of a hot topic in the travel industry over the past few months, with a wave of consolidation leaving many corporations reevaluating their procurement strategies and relationships with suppliers. Here at Amadeus Cytric, we’ve pointed to the value of open platforms in this evolving landscape — an ecosystem approach that empowers corporations with flexibility.


In that spirit, it’s important to recognize that corporations can procure their corporate travel technology platform in different ways. Some prefer to work through a travel management company (TMC), others choose to work with all in one ITMC that provides the travel technology coupled with services, and many others take a hybrid-sourcing approach, partnering directly with the travel technology solution - such as Amadeus Cytric- while outsourcing travel consulting, services, and fulfillment support to the company’s preferred TMC. All models are valid. What matters most is selecting a model that best aligns with business goals, objectives, culture, operational structure, and travel program maturity.


Here I will take a closer look at the potential benefits of engaging directly with the travel technology supplier to help add clarity for corporations exploring the full range of options available to them.

What are the advantages of working directly with a corporate travel technology provider?

Corporations exploring a direct relationship with their travel technology provider often highlight three areas where they may see added value: 

  • strengthen program governance,  

  • provide full access to innovation,  

  • and enable a transparent and efficient working relationship.  

 Let’s take a look at each in turn.  

Strengthening program governance

 A direct relationship can help corporations simplify how their travel program is governed, particularly when paired with continued collaboration with their TMC. Rather than adding complexity, this model can clarify responsibilities, streamline processes, and support more informed decision‑making. Key advantages may include: 
 

  • Clear ownership, alignment, and decision‑making efficiency: With clearer roles across the corporation, TMC, and travel management solution provider, prioritization, review cycles, and escalations can progress smoothly and efficiently. 

  • Consistent, data‑driven performance monitoring: Direct access to expertise supports setting KPIs/OKRs, tracking program outcomes, and implementing improvements. 

  • Closer alignment with corporate strategy: Technology choices can be tightly connected to organizational goals and stakeholder needs. 

  • Enhanced oversight of risk, compliance, and security: Direct engagement helps ensure adherence to internal policies and regulatory requirements. 

Providing full access to innovation

Working directly with a travel technology provider may help corporations stay closer to product evolution and market developments. For the corporations what choose to go direct, the relationship can offer:


  • Greater influence on the product roadmap: Direct feedback can inform feature development, prioritization, and customization.

  • Closer collaboration with experts: Corporate travel managers can work directly with product and engineering teams to support program digitalization. 

  • Fast access to updates and insights: New capabilities, upcoming releases, and best practices may be communicated more quickly when the corporation is an active participant rather than a downstream recipient.

Enable a transparent and efficient working relationship

For corporations with complex travel needs, the visibility and control gained through direct engagement may offer additional clarity. This model—used alongside TMC services—can support:


  • Transparency over costs and configuration: Licensing, implementation, services, and support may be easier to understand and manage.

  • Efficient collaboration: When conversations between the corporation, TMC, andtravel technology provider are fully transparent, decision‑making becomes more balanced and efficient.

  • Specialized support: Teams focused exclusively on theirown travel managementplatform can often offer deepexpertiseand faster escalation.

  • Flexibility in fulfillment partners: Corporations can work with the TMC of their choice and change providers with minimal disruption.

Building a travel management solution that works for your corporation

In today’s evolving travel landscape, corporations have more choice than ever in how they structure and manage travel programs. Some may value the traditional approach of working exclusively through a TMC. Some may prefer an all-in-one package from an ITMC. Still others find value in what can be considered a hybrid model maintaining a direct relationship with both a travel technology provider and a TMC optimizing for a balance of service, control, and flexibility.


There is no single "best" approach - only the best approach for your organization.


At Amadeus Cytric, our goal is to support corporations however they choose to procure their travel management technology.


Whether working through a trusted TMC partner, engaging with us directly, or leveraging a blended approach, we aim to offer a seamless, intuitive, and reliable experience for business travelers and travel managers alike.

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