At the Swiss Travel Management Forum (STMF) on February 27, 2025, more than 150 industry experts, providers, and decision-makers from the travel industry gathered at the Dolder Grand Hotel in Zurich to discuss the future of business travel. TravelBrain was also involved in organizing the event and was onsite – with Adrian Matt moderating various keynotes and panels.
The “Travel Manager only” lunch before the official start of the STMF has become a tradition. This year, the acting president of the German VDR, Christoph Carnier, addressed the numerous travel managers in attendance with some introductory words. In a brief conversation with moderator Adrian Matt, he discussed several pressing issues currently affecting the business travel industry.
The travel managers used the time to exchange ideas with each other and to discuss current challenges in the German and Swiss travel industry with Christoph Carnier.
A central topic of the forum was the digital transformation of the travel industry. Web3 technologies and their impact on travel management were particularly emphasized. Experts Pablo Castillo, CEO of Chain4Travel and blockchain pioneer, and Mikael Woelcke, Business Analyst at Swiss International Air Lines, explored how blockchain and decentralized platforms can enable new business models and revolutionize existing processes. Although not quite “ready for take-off,” the LH Group is on the verge of adopting blockchain technology on a large scale.
Pablo Castillo’s presentation can be found here.
Another key topic was the reduction of CO₂ emissions in business travel. Companies are increasingly required to integrate sustainable travel options. New technologies offer solutions to measure and specifically reduce emissions. Philipp von Lamezan, founder and CEO of Squake, highlighted in his short presentation that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Philipp von Lamezan’s presentation can be found here.
In a second short presentation on total mobility for corporate clients, Gregor Koncilja, Head of Business Customers B2B at SBB, showcased how smart combinations of various transport options can enable more efficient and sustainable business travel. Using innovative concepts, he demonstrated the path to seamless integration of flights, trains, and alternative mobility solutions.
Over the past years, it has become a routine for us to give two to three young companies in the business travel field the opportunity to present their startups to an interested audience through short elevator pitches.
Vamoz: Legally compliant remote-work solutions
Daniel Dietrich, co-founder and COO of Vamoz, presented under the title “Work from Anywhere – legally compliant and automated for Swiss companies” their business solution. He highlighted that 80% of new talents inquire about remote-work options during job interviews, while many Swiss companies are still looking for legally compliant solutions. In times of talent shortages, remote work becomes a decisive competitive factor. Vamoz offers an end-to-end platform that assists companies such as Swiss Post, Hotelplan, and Helvetia in enabling remote work safely and compliantly. The platform manages residence permits, tax regulations, and ensures transparent compliance, thereby making companies more flexible and reducing risks.
1-CP: Optimization of procurement and improved compliance
Eric-Jan Krausch, founder and CEO of 1-CP, presented under the title “Managing The Unmanaged” innovative solutions for business travel management. His platform optimizes procurement across all channels and adapts to individual purchasing policies and accounting requirements. By improving compliance and optimizing the procurement process, companies can work more efficiently and save costs.
After the two presentations, the entrepreneurs answered several interesting questions from the moderator. Both presentations illustrated how technological innovations can help address current challenges in business travel management and improve companies’ competitiveness.
Carlos Jodar, VP of Airport & Airline Operations EMEA at Amadeus, explained in his presentation how biometrics and digital identities can enhance the travel experience. By utilizing facial recognition and digital IDs, airport processes are streamlined, resulting in faster check-ins, more efficient security checks, and overall greater convenience for travelers. At the same time, security is improved. Successful implementation of these technologies requires close collaboration among all stakeholders – from airports and airlines to authorities – to avoid disruptions and ensure data protection.
The introduction of biometric technologies in travel thus offers significant advantages for travelers and the industry overall. By optimizing operations and enhancing security, travelers can benefit from a more efficient and pleasant travel experience.
Carlos Jodar’s presentation can be found here.
In the subsequent discussion moderated by Hans-Peter Brasser, risks were also addressed. Matthias Glatthaar, data protection expert at Migros Group, raised the concern: “What if biometric solutions are hacked? Passwords can be changed, but your face can’t. Therefore, this issue is extremely security-relevant.”
Jodar replied that initially, only limited datasets would likely be used – e.g., basic yes/no queries about possession of a driver’s license. Overall, the discussion highlighted the enormous potential of biometric solutions but also that their success depends on cross-industry collaboration and strict data protection.
Pablo Castillo demonstrated where blockchain complements digital and biometric identity solutions. He also mentioned the “European Digital Identity” project of the EU. In the coming years, all EU countries are expected to enable their citizens to create a digital ID.
Almost directly from a leadership meeting in Mexico, Stephan Baars, the Global CEO of BCD Travel, traveled to Zurich as the “star guest” for the STMF. In his keynote, Stephan Baars highlighted the developments expected in travel management over the next months and years. Using figures from the BCD Travel Market Report, he explained the projected travel volumes in 2025 and how rates for flights, hotels, and rental cars may evolve.
He discussed innovative approaches to process optimization, digitization, and the use of artificial intelligence to improve efficiency. Companies face the challenge of flexibly adapting to new market conditions while simultaneously meeting travelers’ needs effectively.
Baars didn’t shy away from making ironic comments about competitors and proudly stated that he is honored to work for by far the best travel management company.
Finally, he stood for some engaging questions from Adrian Matt.
Stephan Baars’ presentation can be found here.
The Swiss Travel Management Forum 2025 impressively demonstrated that the travel industry, and especially the business travel sector, is facing significant changes – and that the right strategies and innovations will be critical. Moderators Adrian Matt, Hans-Peter Brasser, and Angelo Heuberger played a significant role in ensuring that the discussions were lively, informative, and forward-thinking.
Further information about the event can be found at www.businesstraveltip.ch and www.stmf.ch.
TravelBrain remains curious to see how the discussed topics will evolve and continues to stay committed to supporting the industry. We look forward to exchanging ideas with our clients and helping to make the right decisions.
And we already have some ideas in mind for the 18th Swiss Travel Management Forum next year!
Adrian Matt for TravelBrain
All photos courtesy of Primus Publishing & Armin Grässl.
