How to use this index
It is possible to have a positive variance and negative trend (and vice versa).
For example, if the variance is +6% and but trend arrow is pointing down, it means that prices are 6% more expensive than they were during the same period in the previous year, but they are less expensive than they were the previous quarter.
VARIANCE
The variance, represented by the percentages, is measuring year-over-year increase (or decrease) in air ticket price or hotel rate.
TREND
The trend, represented by the colored circles, shows the change in price quarter-over-quarter. If the circle is red, prices are going up, if it’s teal they’re going down, and if it’s yellow the trend is flat.
Explore our breakdown by region
Air recommendations heading into Q1
Here’s what you should be considering in your air program.
Cost & Program Optimization
- Heading into 2026, focus on value-driven travel management. Use advanced analytics to benchmark fares, monitor market trends, and forecast pricing to identify savings opportunities proactively.
- Beyond pricing, program optimization requires strong supplier relationships and governance. Negotiating NDC-enabled content and ancillary bundles provides access to richer fare options and added value. Regular audits of supplier performance and policy compliance help maintain competitiveness and transparency.
- This holistic approach ensures sustainable savings and a resilient travel program.
NDC & Compliance
- In Q1 2026, NDC is moving beyond fare savings to personalized bundles that improve traveler experience and support sustainability goals, including SAF options.
- While direct channels may seem cheaper, they often lack negotiated perks, compliance, and carbon tracking.
- Booking through approved online tools remains the best choice, offering integrated benefits, risk management, and ESG alignment for a smoother, cost-effective journey.
Sustainability & Travel Experience
- Sustainability is now a business priority.
- Include carbon tracking in your program KPIs and collaborate with airlines that actively invest in reducing emissions and improving environmental performance, including SAF credits.
- Report progress toward ESG goals to demonstrate accountability. Give travelers visibility into both cost and carbon impact so they can make informed choices.
- Redesign policies that support comfort and productivity while staying environmentally responsible.
Hotel recommendations heading into Q1
How can you keep your hotel program performing at its best?
Don’t stop at sourcing: Keep your program alive
- Sourcing is the starting line—not the finish. Once negotiations wrap up, the real work begins; ensuring your program delivers on its promise all year long.
- Rate audits, traveler adoption, and supplier performance checks should be part of your ongoing strategy. Advito recommends quarterly health checks to validate that negotiated rates are being booked and preferred properties are visible across all channels. This proactive approach helps you catch gaps early, protect savings, and maintain traveler confidence.
Cleanup and optimize OBT visibility
- Your Online Booking Tool (OBT) is the gateway to your hotel program, so make sure it’s working for you. Outdated properties, mapping errors, and hidden rates can erode compliance and drive leakage.
- Start Q1 with an OBT audit: confirm preferred hotels are easy to find, rates are accurate, and unnecessary clutter is removed. A clean, intuitive booking experience boosts adoption and keeps travelers within policy, ensuring your negotiated value translates into real-world savings.
Turn data into actionable insights
- Data isn’t just for reporting; it’s your strongest strategic lever. Use booking and spend data to spot trends and apply insights to continuously optimize your program and close gaps. Your business needs evolve as the year progresses, which means your hotel program does too. Don’t “set it and forget it”. Use data to make informed and strategic decisions that support your travelers and business objectives.
- Now’s also the time to review data quality: identify collection gaps and update minimum reporting requirements to strengthen your knowledge for the year ahead.
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