Amsterdam and New York crowned top business travel destinations of 2023

Thursday, March 14, 2024

BCD Travel’s 2023 edition of Cities & Trends Europe indicates that Amsterdam and New York rank as the top destinations for European business travelers, with Germany and the United States emerging as the most favored countries. This analysis is grounded in the collection of flight and car rental data from various European markets in 2023.

Regarding business travel cities, 2023 saw European business travel expenditure nearing its pre-pandemic (2019) levels at 96%. The pace of recovery has been uneven across different regions and countries, influenced by factors such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain dynamics, among others. Western Europe is at the forefront of this resurgence, thanks to a revival in in-person meetings and events, alongside an increase in international business travel capabilities and activities, as corroborated by the GBTA’s 2023 insights. The momentum is slower in other parts of Europe, with the conflict in Ukraine posing significant challenges.

The international cities list is predominantly led by the United States, which claims seven spots in the top 10. Meanwhile, Dubai secures an impressive third position, underscoring its ambitious growth strategies aimed at becoming the most visited global destination. The list is rounded off with Singapore and Shanghai making it to the top 10, highlighting their significant roles in global business travel.

“While global business travel rebounds, the pace of recovery in China has been more gradual,” said Jonathan Kao, managing director of North Asia. “Beijing has dropped off the list from its 2019 position as the eighth most visited intercontinental city for European business travelers, and Shanghai has fallen from second to 10th place. Despite this, we’re encouraged by the recent visa exemptions for travelers from certain European countries, and overall, more lenient visa procedures. We anticipate a significant resurgence in business travel to China in 2024, evidenced by the early increase in travel volumes we’ve seen in the first two months of 2024.”

The leading destinations for business travel are outlined with Germany taking the premier spot as the most frequented European country. The United Kingdom, which was at the top in 2019, has now shifted to second place in 2023. The change in travel regulations post-Brexit, requiring EU and Swiss citizens to use a valid passport for entry and disallowing the use of national ID cards from October 2021, has not deterred its status as a prime location for business travelers. Following closely are the Netherlands, France, and Italy, ranked third, fourth, and fifth respectively in terms of popularity.

On the international front, the United States occupies the leading position, with the United Arab Emirates, India, and China following suit. This lineup reflects the robust trade links between Europe and Asia. Canada rounds out the list in fifth place, completing the top global destinations for business travel.

“Risks like geopolitics and rising crime, new sustainability legislation and remote work continue to impact business travel volumes and where travel budgets are directed to,” said Michèle Lawley, BCD’s president of Europe. “Airline capacities once sufficient might become scarce. A destination once safe might have become dangerous for travelers. These are some examples of why travel programs quickly need to adjust to new circumstances. We support our corporate clients by keeping them abreast of any developments, advising them on supplier negotiations, managing risks, and providing travelers with tools they like to use.” 

The leading business travel pathways highlight that the majority of the busiest intercontinental flight routes originating from Europe are predominantly served by London and Frankfurt, which combined, claim eight of the top 10 spots. Amsterdam and Paris round off this list, securing the ninth and tenth positions as the initial points of departure.

For the destinations of these intercontinental journeys, the United States holds a significant presence, with New York City being the premier arrival hub. Shanghai stands out as the sole APAC city featured in the top 10 arrival destinations.

In examining the preferences for cabin classes among European passengers on intercontinental flights in 2023, business class was the most popular choice at 47%, closely followed by economy at 42%. Premium economy was chosen by 10% of travelers, while first class was selected by just 1%. This distribution shows a contrast to forthcoming insights on U.S. travelers, where business and economy classes account for 53% and 36%, respectively, on similar flights.

Regarding the nature of flights booked for business travel within Europe, a significant 84% are direct flights, with the remaining 16% requiring connections. This contrasts with the pattern seen in intercontinental travel, where the split between direct and connecting flights is nearly even, at 51% and 49%, respectively.

Lawley points out the impact of these travel choices on carbon dioxide emissions, noting that direct flights, by virtue of their shorter routes and reduced fuel usage during landing and takeoffs compared to connecting flights, can significantly lower emissions. He emphasizes that through analyzing emissions data, businesses can identify which travel behaviors or policies might be adjusted to promote more responsible and intentional travel practices.

In the realm of car rentals, 21% of air bookings in Europe include a car rental, with an average rental period of four days. Germany is at the forefront in terms of car rentals, with Munich, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Hamburg, and Berlin making up half of the top 10 cities. The list is completed by Paris, London, Amsterdam, Milan, and Barcelona.

A BCD survey involving over 900 business travelers worldwide reveals that the primary reasons for renting cars include visiting company offices, client meetings, or performing onsite services. The preference for renting a car over other transport options is influenced by factors such as convenience, speed, the absence of alternatives, and cost-effectiveness. The most frequently rented vehicle categories are intermediate/standard and compact/economy cars.

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