Corporate-travel giant BCD Travel announced on 12 June that it has integrated the emerging Model Context Protocol (MCP) into its TripSource platform. As reported by industry outlet L’Echo Touristique, MCP acts like a ‘USB-C for AI’, allowing large-language-model agents to plug into external tools and data lakes securely. For French multinationals using BCD’s services, the upgrade promises smoother end-to-end workflows: travellers will be able to book, change and expense trips through natural-language chat, while programme managers receive predictive insights on carbon impact and visa lead-times. BCD says early pilots cut booking-administration time by 27 %. The development comes as French corporates accelerate adoption of AI to manage soaring compliance complexity, from Schengen EES registration to duty-of-care alerts. Competitors such as Amex GBT and Navan have unveiled similar agents, but BCD is the first major TMC to embrace the open MCP standard rather than a proprietary interface. Travel-policy experts caution that AI agents still depend on high-quality input data; employers must ensure HR mobility feeds (passport expiry, work-permit status) are synced to avoid “garbage in, garbage out”. Nevertheless, the move signals a new phase where AI could dynamically reroute travellers around events such as the G7 border closures or strikes, reducing hidden costs. French buyers will gain access in Q3 2026, with global roll-out slated for year-end. BCD is offering complimentary sandbox trials to clients headquartered in France that spend over €2 million annually on travel.
Source: L’Echo Touristique
