Travelport Flights API release notes include updates such as requesting ATPCO Cat 31/33 penalties, Premium Flex Search with additional origins/destinations, NDC bundled offers, and NDC disruption handling. These affect GDS and NDC distribution.
Chad Lemon, Director of Product Marketing at BCD Travel, reflects on ProcureCon Travel 2026, noting that high-performing travel programs are being rethought from the ground up rather than incrementally improved. Key themes include integrating policy with traveler experience, building trust in AI, managing multi-source NDC distribution, rising hotel costs, and the importance of open ecosystems. Leading programs connect data, policy, and behavior, offer choice within guardrails, and shift from lowest logical fare to overall value.
BCD Travel success story: A top 10 global pharmaceutical company deployed the Tripsource platform to achieve a unified booking experience for 35,000+ users across 60 markets in a strictly regulated environment. Online adoption increased from 65% to 77%, rail bookings online rose from about 60% to 83%, and average booking time fell below five minutes. The platform integrates GDS, NDC, low-cost carriers, rail, and hotel content, while supporting compliance tracking and transfer-of-value reporting.
SAP Concur blog explains how to calculate business cash flow, emphasizing its importance for financial health. It highlights that travel and expense (T&E) directly impacts cash flow, and lack of compliance controls can lead to fraud and leakage. Spend management automation improves compliance, simplifies taxes, and enhances invoicing, thereby improving cash flow visibility.
UK FCDO updated travel advice for Western Sahara, warning against all travel to areas within 40km north and west of the Berm, including Es Semara, and territory south and east of the Berm. The area is disputed with risk of cross-border rocket fire. Travel insurance may be invalidated if traveling against advice.
The U.S. State Department issued a Level 3 advisory for Venezuela, recommending reconsideration of travel due to crime, kidnapping, terrorism, poor health infrastructure, and natural disasters. A June 24, 2026 earthquake caused extensive damage; embassy provides emergency services only. Some areas have increased risk, including border regions and several states.
SAP Concur blog cites IFOL report showing 77% of organizations still manually enter invoices, only 7% fully automated. AI adoption is accelerating with 19% using and 30% planning within a year. Embedded AI reduces manual work, improves efficiency, and allows finance teams to focus on strategic tasks.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) updated its Vietnam travel advice on 21 September 2026, adding information on the tropical storm season. Vietnam's tropical storm season runs from May to November and can cause serious travel disruption; travellers are advised to monitor weather updates from the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting and the Japan Meteorological Agency and to follow local authority guidance. The advice also notes that escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures and delayed or cancelled flights, and that travel plans may be affected even when the destination is not in the Middle East.
Travelport has introduced Air Canada Flight Pass capability within TripServices API and Smartpoint, enabling agencies to shop and book eligible Air Canada NDC offers using Flight Pass credits directly within the Travelport+ platform. Travelport says it is the first NDC GDS aggregator to implement Air Canada's Flight Pass credits. The capability removes the need to leave Smartpoint or rely on airline-direct channels to manage eligible Flight Pass bookings, and supports the associated payment and booking requirements.
Travelport's TripServices Flights API release AirReservation 26.11.26W adds departure time range support in Reshop requests for NDC. DepartureTimeRange is supported in both the origin and destination; if both DepartureTime and DepartureTimeRange are sent, DepartureTimeRange is used. This feature applies to NDC.
Travelport released Flights API 25.11.x release notes covering NDC features like Air Canada Flight Pass, bundled offers, disruption handling, and GDS features like penalty requests, flex search, mixed cabins. Also includes Exchange Air Order support for waiver codes and schedule change warnings.
The U.S. State Department issued a Level 1 advisory for El Salvador, recommending normal precautions. Gang activity has decreased dramatically since 2022, reducing violent crime. However, exceptions exist: U.S. government employees are prohibited from night travel between cities and using public buses. The State of Exception remains in effect, allowing arrests without warrants.
The U.S. State Department updated the El Salvador travel advisory, maintaining Level 1. Gang activity has decreased, but the State of Exception remains, allowing warrantless arrests. U.S. government employees are prohibited from night intercity travel and public buses. Travelers are advised to stay alert, avoid night travel, and follow local laws.
The U.S. Department of State updated its travel advisory for Vietnam, maintaining Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions). Vietnam is generally safe, but petty crime is common in tourist areas. Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist, with highest risk at construction sites; risk is low in urban and populated areas. Travelers are advised not to pick up or approach unknown metal objects.
The U.S. State Department issued a Level 1 advisory for Vietnam, recommending normal precautions. Vietnam is generally safe, but petty crime is common in tourist areas. Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist, mainly at construction sites; risk is low in urban areas. Advises not to pick up or approach unknown metal objects.
Amadeus released a new report, Orchestrating Success, revealing that transformative AI tools are ready, but their successful adoption depends on strong foundations of trust, security, and governance. The report finds AI is poised to fundamentally transform the role of travel managers by automating repetitive tasks such as policy queries, approvals, and disruption management, freeing them to focus on forecasting, risk management, and wellbeing. It highlights AI use cases already taking shape in Amadeus Cytric, including trip intent detection, zero-touch trips, and dynamic policy.
New research from GBTA and Radisson Hotel Group reveals corporate travel managers are adapting hotel sourcing strategies amid market changes. Key findings: 54% of organizations partially outsource RFP activities, dynamic discounts are growing (49% of programs saw increases), and AI usage is expected to rise from 32% to 69% in upcoming RFP cycles. Travel managers balance costs, risk, and traveler experience while leveraging AI.
BCD Travel has been selected as the global travel partner for GE Vernova, managing corporate and crew travel across 106 countries. The move consolidates previously fragmented operations with multiple TMCs under an integrated solution powered by BCD technology, marking a major shift after more than 30 years with its incumbent provider. BCD will use its Tripsource platform to improve traveler engagement, simplify booking, and strengthen compliance, and TripPlanner technology for rotational workforce travel.
Expedia Group released research based on a survey of 1,500 hotel decision makers across six markets, finding that full connectivity, not just basic connectivity, drives stronger revenue performance, less manual work, and lower operational risk. 81% of fully connected properties say connectivity improved occupancy, ADR, or RevPAR, compared to 52% with basic connectivity.
The U.S. Department of State issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Jamaica due to crime and health risks. Violent crime is widespread, with one of the highest homicide rates in the Western Hemisphere. U.S. government employees are restricted from using public buses or driving at night, and travel to certain areas requires authorization. Medical care is limited, and private hospitals require upfront payment. Travelers are advised to avoid night travel and purchase travel insurance.
The U.S. Department of State updated its travel advisory for Jamaica, maintaining Level 2 and removing the 'natural disaster' indicator. Increased caution is advised due to crime and health risks. Violent crime is widespread with high homicide rates. Reconsider travel to specific parishes such as St. Ann's Parish (Steer Town) and others. Medical care is limited; travel insurance is recommended.
The UK FCDO updated its travel advice for Peru, maintaining advice against all but essential travel to areas within 20km south of the Peru-Colombia border (Loreto region) and the VRAEM region. The update removed information about Colombia's temporary border closures. Travel insurance may be invalidated if traveling against FCDO advice.
Air India and Booking.com announced a strategic partnership to deliver a co-branded platform on Air India's website and app, offering access to Booking.com's global accommodation inventory. Maharaja Club members earn 5 points per INR 100 spent, with exclusive discounts up to 15% for a limited period. The partnership aims to provide a seamless, end-to-end travel booking experience.
Ctrip Corporate Travel attended the third 66 Finance Festival and co-founded the Tongfan Alliance with Golden Finance and others to provide one-stop finance and tax solutions. CMO Zong Huiwen stated they will integrate the entire travel consumption chain, embedding invoice settlement and expense control. CIO Wang Zheng shared AI applications in cross-border travel risk control and compliance, with cross-border travel orders growing over 30% for three consecutive years.
The UK FCDO has updated its travel advice for Sierra Leone, adding information about completing a health travel declaration. The advice emphasizes that no travel can be guaranteed safe, reminds travelers to purchase appropriate travel insurance, and to read all advice. Updated on 19 June 2026, still current.
Research by Booking.com and Oxford Economics shows that travel booked through Booking.com supported €691 billion in economic activity across Europe in 2025, comparable to Belgium's GDP. Visitor spending of €291 billion supported 4.7 million jobs and €175 billion in wages. Launched at VivaTech 2026, the study highlights the importance of digital platforms for SMEs.
The FAA and EASA reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation at the 2026 International Safety Conference, focusing on information sharing, Safety Management Systems, automated flightdeck technologies, cybersecurity, and more. They will meet regularly to review progress, supporting innovation while maintaining public confidence.
LOT Polish Airlines' NDC content is now live on Travelport+, making it available to agencies across all of the airline's markets. The go-live fulfils commitments made when the two companies renewed their distribution agreement, extending a partnership dating back to 1993. Agencies can now access LOT's NDC content, including unsurcharged fares, domestic Polish itineraries and ancillaries previously unavailable through traditional distribution channels. The content is accessible through Smartpoint and the TripServices cloud-native API platform.
The 3rd Urumqi International Aviation Hub Construction Conference was held with over 400 guests. The 'New Kazakhstan Express' was launched, a northwest regional aviation initiative was released, and multilateral cooperation agreements were signed. Discussions focused on transforming from a traffic hub to a value hub, covering route expansion, transit efficiency, and sixth freedom rights.
Travelport's TripServices Flights API release Ancillaries 26.11.25W supports sending frequent flyer (loyalty) information for all passengers in the Standalone Seat Map request. This feature applies to GDS only.
Sabre announced a deployment with Ultra Group (now Linex Travel) using its MCP server and agentic AI to manage complex post-booking processes like ticket reissues and dynamic exchanges. Linex Travel, acquired by Linex Capital, will use Sabre Mosaic to expand its global loyalty redemption marketplace.
The UK FCDO updated its travel advice for El Salvador, with the latest update removing information about Tropical Storm Cristina. The advice still emphasizes that no travel is guaranteed safe, reminds travelers to purchase insurance and read all advice. Updated on 17 June 2026, still current.
Perk research shows 20% of employees regularly misrepresent expenses, and 56% have done so at least once. 31% still submit manually via email or spreadsheet, with manual processes more prone to misrepresentation. AI-generated receipts account for 8%, highest in Germany. Perk suggests expanding corporate card access, reducing friction, and implementing proactive guardrails.
Expedia TAAP introduces a new back-office API and internal reference code feature to help travel agencies streamline back-office operations and reduce manual work. The API provides real-time push notifications, automatically updating booking and earnings data, and supports integration with existing systems. This move aims to evolve TAAP from a booking platform to an integration-first ecosystem.
Amadeus released 'The New Rules of Travel Protection' report, surveying 3,000 travelers. 74% of global travelers purchase protection at least once a year, and 58% consider it essential for all trips. Bundling increases purchase rates from 43% to 58%. Travelers prefer coverage tailored to specific trips, such as medical, cancellation, luggage delay.
The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 2 advisory for Lesotho due to crime and health concerns. Crime, including armed robberies and carjackings, is common, and the health infrastructure is inadequate. Travelers are advised to enroll in STEP, avoid walking or driving at night, purchase travel insurance with medical evacuation, and bring sufficient prescription medications.
The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 2 "Exercise Increased Caution" advisory for Lesotho, citing crime and health. Crime is common in Lesotho, with armed robberies and carjackings occurring from time to time, and local police may not have enough resources to respond quickly. Lesotho's health infrastructure is inadequate; health facilities, services, hygiene, and quality control do not meet U.S. standards of care, and pharmacies are neither well-regulated nor well stocked, with locally available medications potentially unsafe. Travelers have the option to enter South Africa for health services.
The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Botswana, urging increased caution due to crime. Petty crime and crimes of opportunity, such as theft, home invasions, break-ins, muggings, and smash-and-grab incidents, are common. Travelers are advised to enroll in STEP, stay aware of surroundings, avoid walking or driving at night, and purchase travel insurance.
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) welcomes the political agreement on EU air passenger rights reform, which preserves compensation rights of €250-€600 for delays over three hours and strengthens airlines' obligations to inform and assist passengers. GBTA urges EU member states to implement the rules clearly and consistently to boost business traveler confidence.
SAP Concur published a blog post offering five steps for SMBs to cut employee expense costs, including moving away from spreadsheets, eliminating paper receipts, embracing AI and automation, improving visibility, and building a partner ecosystem. It cites data showing integrated solutions can reduce travel and expense costs by up to 21%.