On Connections with BCD Travel, Jorge Cruz, BCD’s Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing, joined co-hosts Chad Lemon and Miriam Moscovici for what has become one of our most anticipated episodes on the state of the business travel industry and what’s coming next.
Jorge shares an executive‑level look at everything from economic turbulence to traveler confidence, industry mergers, competitive shifts, and the rapid acceleration of AI. And, he also reveals which page of BCD’s 2026 Travel Market Outlook report you should flip to first. (Hint: page 9 is where the real action is.)
In this episode:
1. Why 2025 ended stronger than expected
Despite early economic headwinds, travel held firm, and traveler confidence surged. Find out what those turning points mean for 2026.
2. Three trends every travel manager needs to know – and how to prepare now
Straight from the Travel Market Outlook:
- Reduced value in airline contracts
- New distribution capabilities reshaping pricing
- The rising risk of travel program leakage
3. What buyers really want going into 2026
Choices. Flexibility. Openness. Jorge unpacks what he’s hearing from customers and prospects worldwide, and why the buyers of 2026 won’t accept one‑size‑fits‑all solutions.
4. The AI conversations that are redefining travel
From traveler experience to operational efficiency, AI is everywhere. Jorge shares what clients are asking for and how BCD is responding.
5. Why 2026 will be the year of execution
Think bigger. Move faster. Deliver more. Jorge outlines how BCD is gearing up for a year of major service enhancements and technology advancements.
And don’t miss Miriam’s prediction for 2026. It involves a wave of “bot looky‑loos” and a new era of travel tech experimentation.