April 30, 2025 
Business travel is an opportunity to build relationships, explore new markets and seize opportunities in an international environment.
In recent years, business travel has undergone a significant evolution: according to statistics from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), business travel accounted for nearly 20% of global tourism expenditure in 2023.
In the same year, it was estimated that business travellers spent more than $1.4 trillion worldwide, with Chinese tourists topping the list.
When it comes to the most visited cities for business purposes, the classic routes remain strong, but several emerging destinations have become increasingly popular thanks to global events, fast-growing tech hubs and major infrastructure investments.
Here are the top destinations for business travellers.
Top cities for business travellers
Let’s start with the classics.
Some cities remain absolute reference points for business travellers because of their vocation and history. Here’s a selection of destinations that should never be left off any business agenda.
New York
New York has always been the beating heart of the global economy. Beyond Wall Street, home to the world’s leading financial institutions, the city boasts a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
New York is also a global hub for innovation, technology and entrepreneurship. Neighbourhoods such as Manhattan and Brooklyn are home to a growing number of incubators, start-ups and coworking spaces.
The city hosts many high-profile events, from financial conferences to tech innovation summits such as the New York Tech Summit, which attracts professionals and investors from around the world. There are also events such as the NRF Retail’s Big Show and the New York Venture Summit.
To meet the high demand from business travellers, New York offers a wide range of services: upscale hotels with meeting and conference facilities, an efficient mobility system and a network of airports connecting the city to every corner of the world.
London
London is one of the world’s most influential business capitals, a true strategic hub between Europe, the United States and Asia.
Its central role in global financial dynamics is reinforced by the presence of the London Stock Exchange and institutions such as the Bank of England, making it a key destination for investors, executives and decision-makers.
The city hosts major industry events such as London Tech Week and the World Travel Market, attracting thousands of professionals from around the world and providing endless opportunities for high-level networking.
What also makes London attractive and convenient for business travellers is its excellent infrastructure, extensive transport network and wide range of hotel options.
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Singapore
Another popular city for business travel is Singapore, recognised as one of the most advanced economic hubs in Asia and the world.
Singapore is particularly strategic for those looking at the emerging markets of Southeast Asia, offering privileged access to fast-growing economies. The city hosts world-class events such as the Singapore FinTech Festival and the World Economic Forum on ASEAN, reinforcing its role as a global connectivity platform.
What makes Singapore even more competitive is its high-level service offering: luxury hotels with state-of-the-art conference facilities, one of the world’s most awarded airports, and exceptional logistical efficiency that ensures smooth and speedy travel.
Paris
Paris has always been one of the most sought-after destinations for business travellers.
The European capital of elegance and savoir-faire, it is also home to major international institutions such as UNESCO and the OECD, as well as global events such as Viva Technology and the Paris Air Show.
Business travellers will appreciate the presence of several convention centres such as Paris Expo Porte de Versailles and the Palais des Congrès, with modern venues for events of all sizes, perfectly connected to the rest of the city.
Paris also offers an excellent “bleisure” experience, combining business meetings with cultural and gastronomic discoveries that enrich any business trip.
Frankfurt
Frankfurt is Germany’s economic powerhouse and one of Europe’s most important financial centres.
The city is home to the European Central Bank and many of the continent’s major financial and insurance institutions.
Frankfurt is also a hub for international trade fairs, with Messe Frankfurt organising world-leading events in a wide range of sectors, from automotive to technology.
Frankfurt International Airport, one of Europe’s busiest, offers quick connections to all major global destinations, making the city easily accessible for business travellers.
Emerging business destinations
While historic business capitals remain a cornerstone, new cities are rapidly emerging on the international stage thanks to strong infrastructure investment, open market policies and growing entrepreneurial dynamism.
Here are the most visited emerging cities for business.
Dubai
In just a few decades, Dubai has become one of the world’s leading hubs for business and innovation. The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is now one of the world’s most dynamic economic zones, attracting companies from all sectors: technology, finance, energy and luxury hospitality.
Dubai hosts world-class events such as GITEX Global and Arab Health, attracting investors and professionals from around the world.
Doha
Qatar’s capital, Doha, is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Thanks to investment linked to the Qatar National Vision 2030 plan, the city is establishing itself as an economic and cultural hub in the Gulf.
With Qatar Airways offering one of the world’s most extensive and award-winning networks, Doha serves as a strategic base for business travel between Europe, Asia and Africa.
Johannesburg
Another popular business destination is Johannesburg, the economic heart of sub-Saharan Africa.
The city is home to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, one of the continent’s leading stock markets, as well as numerous international events such as the Africa Tech Festival.
Johannesburg’s strategic location makes it an ideal base for companies looking to explore emerging African markets, with easy access to all major capitals across the continent.
Bangkok
Bangkok has long been a major commercial hub in Southeast Asia, but in recent years it has successfully raised its profile as a top destination for business travellers.
The expansion of its infrastructure and commitment to developing the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) sector are making it increasingly competitive on the international stage.
The recently renovated Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre is just one of many venues that host global events and trade shows. In addition, the city offers an excellent blend of quality hospitality, excellent connectivity and a vibrant cultural backdrop, making it ideal for blending business and leisure.
Abu Dhabi
Finally, we have Abu Dhabi, which is rapidly establishing itself as one of the Middle East’s leading business hubs.
The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) is one of the largest convention centres in the region, hosting world-class events in the energy, aerospace and financial sectors.
All of this is set against a backdrop of world-class hospitality and business-focused services.
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