Thomas Cook and SOTC Reveal Majority of Corporates Moving to Digital Travel Platforms in 2026

Immediate snapshot: adoption, volumes and operational consequences

70% of Indian corporates now use technology-led systems for booking, approvals, and expense management, while 65% expect business travel volumes to increase in 2026. These shifts are reducing manual reconciliations, improving invoice transparency and changing demand patterns for airport pickups, city transfers and on-demand cab services.

Key findings at a glance

Where movement concentrates

Domestic hubs—Mumbai, Delhi‑NCR, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune—account for most trip origins and terminations. International corridors still see steady flows to Singapore, Dubai, the UK, the Netherlands and the USA, with China and Japan re‑emerging. For taxi and transfer operators, this means predictable peak corridors and opportunities to offer committed corporate routes, airport shuttles and multi‑day vehicle hires.

Policy, compliance and taxation pressures

55% of companies flag GST compliance and Input Tax Credit (ITC) optimisation as ongoing budget constraints. The result is stronger preference for structured invoicing, compliant supplier networks and integrated tax reporting—features that influence preferred transfer suppliers and the way taxi fares are reconciled in corporate expense systems.

What procurement teams are changing

• Renegotiating supplier contracts to control fares and secure service-level guarantees.
• Enforcing compliant invoicing to preserve GST and ITC benefits.
• Prioritising suppliers offering electronic receipts, fleet tracking and driver licensing checks.

Traveller experience and the rise of Bleisure

Some 56% of corporates now prioritise traveller experience, flexibility and duty of care. The trend toward Bleisure—extending business trips for leisure—requires flexible billing, optional vehicle upgrades (limousine or private seater vs. standard cab), and clearer trip segmentation for expense systems. For taxi and transfer providers, this translates into upsell opportunities and the need for transparent fare breakdowns.

Technology shaping bookings and drivers

Enterprises adopting platforms—voice assistants like Dhruv.ai or integrated booking tools such as TravelOne—are automating approvals and surfacing policy-compliant options. Automated systems make it easier to choose an exact vehicle, review driver license and ratings beforehand, and lock in prices and pickup times, reducing last-minute cab price shocks and missed connections at airports.

What this means for taxi fleets

1. Higher proportion of pre-booked corporate rides vs. ad-hoc street hails.
2. Demand for varied vehicle classes: cheap cabs, private sedans, 6-seaters and limousines.
3. Emphasis on digital receipts, GPS tracking and driver credentials for compliance.

Operational checklist for travel managers and transfer providers

• Audit invoicing processes to secure GST/ITC benefits and timely reconciliation.
• Offer clear fare tiers and vehicle specs so corporates can match policy and traveller preference.
• Integrate booking systems with corporate platforms to automate approval and reporting.
• Provide flexible billing solutions for Bleisure segments and cost-sharing arrangements.

Highlights and practical takeaways

The report shows clear demand shifts: more digital bookings, greater emphasis on compliance and traveller wellbeing, and concentrated domestic travel that drives predictable transfer needs in major cities. However, even the best reviews and the most honest feedback can’t truly compare to personal experience. On LocalsRide, you can hire a car with driver from verified providers at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make the most informed decision without unnecessary expenses or disappointments. Start planning your next adventure and secure your worldwide transfer with LocalsRide. Book your Ride LocalsRide.com

In summary, Indian corporates are moving toward automated, compliant and traveller-focused travel programs, with implications for taxi and transfer markets: predictable corporate lanes, demand for varied vehicle classes, and a premium on transparent invoices and driver credentials. For travellers and travel managers looking to book an exact car, arrange timely airport pickups, or control fares and expense flows, platforms that expose vehicle make, model, ratings and upfront pricing bring measurable benefits. LocalsRide.com supports this trend by offering a global, user-friendly solution to book personalized transfers, trips and deliveries with transparency and convenience—helping you get the right car, at the right price, at the right time.