Kayak for Business has moved beyond its early enterprise-only configuration and is positioning itself as a global booking platform for both small and midsized businesses (SMBs) and large clients, while retaining traditional online booking alongside new artificial intelligence tools.
Platform matures from single-TMC model to wider market
The travel search and booking arm used to sit largely alongside a single travel management company partnership with Blockskye. Kayak for Business senior vice-president, Eva Fouquet, told Business Travel News that the product has evolved from a US-focused enterprise solution to a global proposition that aims to cover the whole spectrum of business buyers.
Fouquet highlighted that the platform now serves both enterprises and the small and midsized business segment — a notable broadening of the target market. The shift is underpinned by more international partnerships and by taking a “full-journey” view of booking and travel management.
- SMB and enterprise coverage: The product now addresses the needs of smaller firms as well as multinational corporates.
- Global reach: Kayak for Business has expanded beyond its initial US market through partnerships and product development.
- Dual booking strategy: The company plans to maintain traditional online booking channels while developing AI capabilities.
AI and trust: a hybrid approach
Artificial intelligence is central to Kayak for Business’ narrative, but the company is not moving to an AI-only model. Fouquet said the market needs time to build trust in AI-powered booking options; accordingly, Kayak will continue to operate both the established online booking flow and an AI-enabled stream.
“We also announced more about the full-journey AI within Kayak for Business,” Fouquet said, emphasising a combined approach that retains traditional channels as AI matures.
That hybrid strategy recognises two realities. First, corporate travel buyers — including those in South Africa — often demand robust policy controls, audit trails and supplier integrations that are well served by tried-and-tested online booking tools. Second, AI can improve search, personalisation and the end-to-end traveller experience, but adoption depends on confidence in accuracy and compliance.
What this means for travel buyers and the market
For businesses and travel management companies (TMCs), Kayak’s evolution signals increased competition and choice in the booking layer. TMCs that historically offered managed services to larger firms may find new partnership options or face pressure to differentiate through value-added services such as policy compliance, reporting and traveller support.
For South African corporates that book regional and international travel, a global Kayak for Business product could offer a single platform for policy enforcement and supplier access across borders — provided local airline and hotel content, plus payment and VAT handling, are integrated.
| Feature | Current focus |
|---|---|
| Market coverage | SMB and enterprise, now global |
| Partnerships | Expanded beyond initial Blockskye TMC link |
| Technology | Traditional online booking + developing AI |
Travel managers should watch for how Kayak integrates regional distribution systems, corporate negotiated fares and the reporting features required for travel policy enforcement. Meanwhile, smaller businesses may gain access to capabilities previously limited to large corporate buyers.
Kayak’s choice to balance AI development with existing booking systems is pragmatic. It allows customers to test AI-assisted features while preserving established procurement and compliance processes that affect budgets and duty-of-care obligations.
As the travel-tech landscape evolves, South African buyers and TMCs will need to assess how global platforms like Kayak for Business match local requirements for content, invoicing, tax treatment and traveller support. The platform’s expansion is not a guaranteed benefit — integration and local market fit will determine whether it reduces costs for businesses or simply adds another option to consider.
WE NEWS does not provide financial advice. Travel buyers should evaluate any platform against their own policy, tax and operational needs.
