Festive Road Pulse 2025

Better Begins Here: Navigating the Next Wave of T&E Innovation

Discover 6 data-backed insights T&E leaders need to navigate.

Today’s Travel and Expense (T&E) Leaders are juggling broader responsibilities, evolving tech, and rising expectations, from travellers, suppliers, and stakeholders alike.

Below are findings from 50+ travel buyers, across $10bn of programme spend, summarised as 6 critical insights, highlighting where programmes are under pressure, and where forward-thinking teams are focusing their efforts.

Hover/Click each stat to reveal Why This Matters, and where T&E Leaders are finding opportunities to drive progress.

Only 10% of programmes have a fully defined purpose aligned with organisational strategy

Without a Clear Purpose, a Travel and Expense Programme Lacks Direction

Why This Matters?

Programmes that are strategically aligned with business objectives tend to secure stronger executive sponsorship, funding, and cross-functional support. Without that alignment, T&E Leaders may struggle to gain traction, user friction can be an issue, and suppliers may miss the mark on what matters most.

View Blog: Governance: The Inside Track

Over 50% say they need more time for stakeholder engagement, tech, and demand management

No Time Left for Strategy

Why This Matters?

Strategic efforts like transformation, supplier collaboration, and change management require headspace. When day-to-day demands dominate, programmes risk stalling — not because of a lack of vision, but because there’s simply no time to move it forward.

Discover how Bayer redefined meetings management through a global review to align with strategic business priorities View Case Study

42% of respondents spend almost two thirds of their time on operational activities

Drowning in Operational Tasks

Why This Matters?

Being reactive is often unavoidable, but when operational firefighting takes over, the bigger picture suffers. Restructuring tasks or processes can help carve out time for more value-adding, strategic work.

Discover how S&P Global created space for strategic work View Case Study

94% value their partners, but almost two thirds say partner performance falls short in some areas

Suppliers Aren’t Always Meeting Expectations

Why This Matters?

Suppliers play a critical role in delivering the programme, but without clear expectations and shared priorities, outcomes can fall short. Strengthening supplier governance and aligning on goals can turn vendors into true partners.

See how Cisco achieved this View Case Study

88% say tech is crucial; the majority at almost three quarters say it’s underperforming

Technology Is Essential - But Falling Short

Why This Matters?

Having the right tech is no longer optional — but simply having tools in place doesn’t mean they’re working effectively. To truly unlock value, T&E Leaders need a clear tech strategy aligned to programme goals, with expert input where needed.

Explore how Scania brought in expert support to build a focused, future-ready travel tech strategy View Case Study

76% say using data to show value will significantly impact their programme

Data Is the Missing Link to Proving Value

Why This Matters?

More than ever, organisations want to see the return on investment for T&E categories.

Leveraging data helps T&E Leaders tell that story, whether it’s cost reduction, wellbeing, or sustainability data always makes a recommendation more credible.

What’s Next for Your T&E Programme?

If any of these insights struck a chord, you’re not alone. Many T&E Managers are already taking steps to assess and realign strategy, modernise tools, and determine how to transform their programme.

Complete the survey today to receive your individual benchmarking report.

Take the survey

Festive Road is an independent company providing consulting and outsourcing services globally to buyers across travel and expense.

Better Begins Here

Contact us

Better Begins Here
for Travel and Expense

Get In Touch