BCD Travel’s Data Highlights Atlanta as Premier Destination for Domestic Business Travel in 2023

Thursday, April 4, 2024

In BCD Travel’s Cities & Trends 2023 United States edition, it is noted that Europe dominates seven out of the top 10 intercontinental destinations for American business travelers, with London reigning as the most frequented city. This insight is drawn from BCD’s analysis of flight and car rental data from 2023 in the U.S.

Regarding domestic business travel, Atlanta emerges as the top destination, boasting a rich landscape of Fortune 500 giants like Delta Air Lines and Coca-Cola. Atlanta also stands out for its rapid growth in new business ventures. Dallas-Fort Worth and Chicago trail closely behind, renowned for their concentrations of major corporations and burgeoning tech scenes, respectively.

Europe’s prominence in the top 10 intercontinental destinations is further emphasized, aligning with the European Commission’s acknowledgment of the EU and U.S. holding the world’s largest trade and investment relationship. Together, these economic powerhouses contribute significantly to global trade in goods and services. Alongside London, other European hubs making the list include Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Paris, Munich, Zurich, and Dublin. Notably, the ranking also features three Asian cities: Tokyo, Seoul, and Dubai.

2023 Airport Rankings

Sure, here’s the table:

Here are the top five states and countries for business travel:

Leading the domestic states for business travel is Texas. With its attractive absence of corporate or personal income tax, Texas appeals to both companies and employees alike. In recent times, the state has seen an influx of corporate relocations from Silicon Valley, with notable names like Tesla and Hewlett Packard making the move. Despite this, California retains its position as a top state for business, coming in second place.

On the international front, the ranking features the U.K., Germany, Netherlands, and France, highlighting the robust trade relationships with Europe.

“On a global level, business travel has recovered to 90% of pre-pandemic (2019) levels,” said Craig Bailey, BCD’s president, Americas. “Factors like economic conditions, remote work and sustainability developments will continue to have an impact on business travel. For example, in 2024, a fifth of offices in the U.S. will be empty, as 60% of firms allow remote working. But anyone in a team made up of remote workers will need to meet face-to-face occasionally. Companies are responding to this development, encouraging remote teams to meet at head offices or other convenient meeting locations. As the commuter of yesterday becomes the business traveler of tomorrow, remote work could potentially lead to more travel.”

Here’s a rephrased version:

Among intercontinental routes, New York City stands out as the primary departure point, particularly for flights bound for London, Frankfurt, and Paris.

Meanwhile, the top 10 destinations for intercontinental flights are predominantly located in Europe, with London and Frankfurt taking the lead by securing eight out of the top 10 spots. Amsterdam and Paris round off the list.

Sure, here’s the table for the Intercontinental routes ranking in 2023:

Cabin Class Preferences

In 2023, American business travelers predominantly favored business class (53%) and economy class (36%) when booking intercontinental flights. Premium economy (10%) and first class (1%) were the less preferred options.

Flight Preferences

When it comes to domestic business travel in the U.S., 80% of booked flights were direct, with only 20% involving connecting flights. However, for intercontinental travel, the distribution was almost even, with 47% of flights being direct and 53% involving connections.

Factors influencing travelers’ choices include company policies, scheduling constraints, and personal preferences. Direct flights are often chosen for quicker arrival times, while connecting flights may be favored for cost savings and flexibility. Availability of direct flights significantly influences decisions for intercontinental travel.

Car Rentals

Among U.S. business travelers, 44% included a car rental in their air bookings, typically for a four-day duration. Dallas-Fort Worth emerged as the top city for car rentals, followed by Chicago and Atlanta.

Renting a car offers convenience and flexibility, particularly in sprawling cities like Dallas-Fort Worth, enabling travelers to set their own schedules without reliance on public transportation or ride-sharing services.

According to a recent global survey by BCD on car rentals, 83% of U.S. business travelers indicated that they never rent electric cars during business trips. Challenges such as logistical complexities, limited availability, and short driving range deter most travelers, although some are motivated by sustainability or a desire to experience electric vehicles.

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