Top 10 Cities Uncovered for European Business Travelers in Latest Trends Report

In the dynamic landscape of business travel, Amsterdam and New York emerged as the prime destinations for European business travelers in the past year, as per the latest insights derived from BCD flight and car rental data for 2023 across various markets. These findings have been meticulously compiled into the BCD’s Cities & Trends Europe 2023 Edition, shedding light on the preferred destinations and travel patterns of European business travelers.

Europe witnessed a commendable recovery in business travel spending, reaching up to 96% of pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Notably, Western Europe emerged as a prominent choice, with eight out of the top 10 cities being intra-European destinations. The resurgence of face-to-face meetings and events, coupled with the revival of international business travel capacity and volumes, contributed to the appeal of these destinations. However, the recovery in the rest of Europe has been relatively slower, attributed to various factors including the conflict in Ukraine.

The United States dominated the intercontinental travel segment, claiming seven out of the top 10 spots. Noteworthy inclusions were Dubai, ranking third, and Singapore and Shanghai securing ninth and tenth positions, respectively. This trend indicates a burgeoning activity in the Asia-Pacific region, promising new opportunities for business interactions.

Jonathan Kao, managing director of North Asia, highlighted the gradual recovery of business travel in China, despite a drop in rankings for cities like Beijing and Shanghai. However, recent visa exemptions and more lenient procedures hint at a potential resurgence in business travel to China in 2024.

Germany retained its position as the most visited European country for business, closely followed by the United Kingdom. Despite Brexit implications, the U.K. remains a top choice for business travel, emphasizing the enduring significance of the trade relationship between Europe and the U.K.

The analysis of intercontinental travel routes revealed London and Frankfurt as the primary departure hubs, with Amsterdam and Paris also featuring in the list. On the other hand, New York City emerged as the foremost arrival hub for intercontinental routes, with Shanghai being the sole representative from the Asia-Pacific region.

Business travelers exhibited a preference for business class on intercontinental flights, comprising 47% of bookings, followed by economy class at 42%. The distribution of flights between direct and connecting flights varied significantly based on the nature of travel, with direct flights being favored for European travel, whereas intercontinental routes saw a more balanced distribution.

Moreover, Germany emerged as the leading market for car rentals, indicating a preference for mobility and flexibility among business travelers. Convenience, speed, and lack of alternatives were cited as primary reasons for opting for rental cars over other modes of transportation.

In conclusion, the trends report offers invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of business travel, guiding corporate clients in adapting to changing circumstances, managing risks, and optimizing travel programs for maximum efficiency and sustainability.