The United States edition of BCD Travel's Cities & Trends Report unveils that Europe is the leading choice for intercontinental business travel destinations among US travelers, with London spearheading the list of seven European cities in the top 10. Analysis based on comprehensive data on flights and car rentals contributes to these findings. In the domestic scene, Atlanta secures the top position as the prime city for business travel within the US, thanks to its status as home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and its emerging role as a vibrant startup ecosystem. It is followed by Dallas-Fort Worth and Chicago in terms of popularity.
The report also underscores the crucial role of the trade and investment ties between the EU and the US in making Europe a favorite for American business travelers. Additionally, Texas is highlighted as the leading state for domestic business travel in the US, attributed to its attractive tax policies and being the new home for major corporations such as Tesla and Hewlett Packard.
According to BCD's analysis, business travel has rebounded to its pre-pandemic volume, influenced by economic conditions, the surge in remote work, and growing concerns for sustainability. Craig Bailey, President for the Americas at BCD, comments on the changing dynamics, pointing out the expected vacancy of one-fifth of US offices by 2024 due to the rise of remote work, potentially leading to increased travel as remote teams look for in-person engagements.
Furthermore, the report highlights New York City as the foremost hub for US travelers embarking on intercontinental journeys. Preferences in flight and cabin class are also explored, with a noticeable preference for Business and Economy classes. The trend in car rentals is addressed too, with Dallas-Fort Worth being the most popular city for car rental reservations, showcasing the evolving preferences and trends in business travel for 2023.