The increase in operational complexity, pressure for efficiency, and the need for real-time integration have changed how TMCs need to operate.
Today, the concept of Travel as a Service (TaaS) emerges not only as a technological evolution, but as a structural shift in how corporate travel operations are built.
According to Rogério Silva, Head of Technology at Argo, the main differentiator of TaaS is precisely the abandonment of the traditional logic of monolithic software.
Keep reading to understand this evolution.
The challenge of traditional corporate travel software
For many years, OBTs (Online Booking Tools) served as the main technological structure for TMCs. The problem, according to Rogério, is that these systems were built within a rigid logic.
“You buy it, install it, and use whatever is available. Traditional software was not designed for the operational diversity of companies.”
This becomes a major issue because every corporation has very different needs.
Some require strict policy control, while others need specific integrations with ERPs, financial systems, or customized approval workflows.
In addition, many TMCs still operate on highly fragmented structures, with separate tools for bookings, expenses, reports, and compliance.
What changes with the TaaS model
Instead of depending on a single closed software solution, operations begin functioning on a service-oriented architecture, where each component works in a modular and integrated way.
Rogério uses a very clear example to explain this model: if a TMC wants to incorporate features related to carbon management in corporate travel, it no longer needs to wait years for a traditional software provider update.
With modular services, all it takes is connecting a new functional block through APIs, which reduces innovation time and increases operational flexibility for TMCs.
Integration stops being a differentiator and becomes infrastructure
Another central point of the as a Service model is system integration.
Rogério is very direct when he says:
“Without real integration, TaaS does not exist.”
According to him, integration functions as the backbone of this model. In Argo’s vision, this flow happens at three levels:
- between content suppliers and the platform;
- between the platform and corporate systems;
- between the platform’s own internal modules.
He also gives a practical example by explaining that a booking made by a traveler can automatically appear categorized in the correct cost center within the company’s ERP without any manual intervention.
Operational efficiency without proportional team growth
One of the biggest challenges for TMCs has always been scaling operations without proportionally increasing operational structure. According to Rogério, TaaS solves exactly this issue by automating repetitive activities and reducing operational friction.
He uses the traditional airline ticket exchange process as an example, which usually involves multiple manual steps: traveler contact, policy validation, GDS modification, and confirmation delivery.
Under the TaaS model, much of this flow happens automatically.
“The system verifies eligibility for the change in real time according to company policy, automatically processes the rebooking — and the human agent is only activated when there is an exception.”
Real-time data changes the role of the TMC
Another key element in the evolution of TaaS is the use of real-time data. Rogério explains that many companies still operate with monthly or quarterly corporate travel expense reports, which limits response capacity.
In the Travel as a Service model, decision-making happens during the operation itself. According to him, a well-built platform can immediately identify:
- policy compliance;
- budget impact;
- lower-cost alternatives;
- operational deviations.
“Instead of being an intermediary that processes transactions, you become a strategic partner that helps clients make better decisions based on data.”
AI and automation as the next layer of TaaS
Another aspect Rogério highlights is artificial intelligence, which represents the next stage in the evolution of the model. However, he makes a point of emphasizing that he is not talking only about chatbots.
“AI is what transforms TaaS from efficient into truly intelligent.”
This includes everything from automated fare recommendations to anomaly detection in expenses and predictive alerts related to the traveler journey.
The evolution of the autonomous travel agent concept — capable of searching, booking, changing, and canceling trips within corporate policy limits — may also become a key differentiator.
“AI does not replace the TMC; it enhances what the TMC can do with less operational effort and greater precision.”
The risk for TMCs that fail to evolve
The specialist is also very direct when discussing the future of operations that remain stuck in rigid technological models.
“The risk is very simple to describe, but very hard to face: irrelevance.”
According to him, corporate clients are becoming increasingly demanding regarding integration, automation, flexibility, and analytical capabilities.
In this scenario, TMCs operating on fragmented structures tend to lose competitiveness quickly.
On the other hand, companies evolving toward TaaS-based models have the opportunity to position themselves as strategic travel management infrastructure within corporations.
Now, how about evolving your operation? Discover Argo’s solutions and learn how the Travel as a Service model can transform your corporate travel management through greater integration, automation, and operational intelligence.