For the first time, American Express also identified three international destinations on the rise for business travel: Kumamoto, Japan; Cork, Ireland; and Malmö, Sweden; as well as five domestic U.S. destinations: Richmond, Virginia; Columbus, Ohio; Charleston, South Carolina; Boise, Idaho; and New Orleans, Louisiana.
“Business travel remains a proven growth driver. More than ever, companies must effectively manage costs and compliance while also meeting employee expectations for a smooth travel experience,” said Fernando Iraola, Executive Vice President & General Manager, Global & U.S. Large Enterprises, American Express. “With travel as a continued priority, we are seeing ongoing travel and business expansion in cities in the U.S. and around the world, bringing business travel to these destinations and helping their communities flourish.”
American Express identified eight trending destinations for business travel based on year-over-year growth in commercial customer hotel or airline transactions:
International Destinations:
- Kumamoto, Japan: An International Business Powerhouse, Fueled by Semiconductor Manufacturing
- Cork, Ireland: Innovation, Investment, and Irish Appeal
- Malmö, Sweden: A Nordic Hub with a Startup Mentality
U.S. Destinations:
- Richmond, Va.: A Developing Economic Center in a Business-Supporting State
- Charleston, S.C.: A Southern Star in Economic Expansion
- Columbus, Ohio: Capital City Becoming Known for More than Meetings
- Boise, Idaho: The Rocky Mountain West’s Emerging Talent Magnet
- New Orleans, La.: “Built to Host” in the Big Easy
Based on a survey of 1000 U.S. business travelers and 500 U.S. business travel decision-makers, American Express also found:
Face time drives growth, keeping travelers out on the road
Business travelers and companies surveyed indicated that growth opportunities are driving business travel, stating that maintaining or getting more time with clients (64%) and new or more business (59%) were the top reasons for business travel to increase or stay the same over the next 12 months.
This stands true even with external forces at play, with nine-in-ten senior business leaders across decision-makers (92%) and travelers (88%) noting it’s still worth traveling for in-person meetings despite the evolving business environment.
Measuring travel return on investment
This commitment to business travel is based on its proven value: 93% of companies agree they can attribute business growth to in-person meetings and events, and 87% of travelers say their client relationships benefit more from in-person interactions than virtual meetings. But this is not just anecdotal, as companies track sales (66%) and client feedback (60%) stemming from business travel to measure return on investment.
Even still, nine-in-ten (90%) companies agree that having greater control over travel spending is increasingly important amid today’s evolving business landscape, with 60% expecting their company’s focus on optimizing budget to intensify further in the next 12 months.
Companies and travelers agree that travel is a perk, but younger generations struggle more with wellness and productivity
Travel is not only a business driver, but companies use it to attract and retain talent (80%). Amidst a hybrid work environment, this strategy seems to be working: more than eight-in-ten (84%) travelers consider business travel a perk, with more Gen-Z and Millennials in agreement (88%) than older generations (Gen-X and Boomers: 78%).
Gen-Z and Millennials are also more satisfied with their business travel experience, with 80% rating it four or five stars compared to 64% of Gen-X and Boomers. This enthusiasm comes in spite of discomfort: interestingly, younger generations are more likely to struggle with productivity (46% Gen-Z/Millennials vs. 33% Gen-X/Boomers) and wellness (50% Gen-Z/Millennials vs. 40% Gen-X/Boomers) when they travel for work.
More on trending busines stravel destinations:
International Destinations:
- Kumamoto, Japan – Located in Kyushu, known as “Silicon Island,” Kumamoto has historically been a center for Japan’s semiconductor industry, with 200 leading companies present in the city. The explosive growth of the semiconductor industry has attracted numerous related industries, such as equipment manufacturers, material suppliers, and R&D facilities, as well as food production and medical care, opening doors for cross-industry collaboration and increased business travel.
- Cork, Ireland – The city of Cork is reinforcing its status as a business and innovation hub with its thriving tech and life sciences sectors, business-friendly policies, and strong international connectivity via its award-winning airport. With its walkable city center, celebrated culinary scene, and recent recognition as a top global destination, Cork is capturing the attention of business and leisure travelers worldwide.
- Malmö, Sweden – The coastal city has developed a thriving startup ecosystem, with growth in the tech and gaming industries especially, thanks to city-sponsored initiatives that provide funding and foster a collaborative environment for entrepreneurs. Malmö’s proximity to Copenhagen, located just across the Öresund Bridge, provides access to international air travel, a broader investor base, and a wider talent pool, enhancing Malmö’s appeal and capacity to host a rising influx of business travelers.
U.S. Destinations:
- Richmond, Viriginia – Already business-friendly and home to several Fortune 500 companies, Richmond is emerging as a major business travel hub thanks to incentive-based business expansion legislation, workforce development programs, and a breadth of companies selecting the state for relocation and expansion. Significant economic developments are also underway in the Richmond Diamond District and City Center Innovation District, helping to make Richmond an ideal location for businesses to grow their footprint.
- Charleston, South Carolina – Charleston is a tourism hotspot with southern charm and a distinct culture, which has created a robust economy and flourishing environment for businesses. The recent growth of key industries like aerospace, automotive, and tech, and the “Charleston Inspired” economic development strategy’s investment in technology and entrepreneurship are driving even greater business expansion in Charleston, bringing more business travel with it.
- Columbus, Ohio – A fast-growing city, Columbus has established itself as a major meeting and convention site. The city is home to over 240 startups and becoming increasingly attractive to the technology and biotech industries, with several research and academic institutions in the area, such as the Ohio Supercomputer Center, helping to drive innovation through AI research.
- Boise, Idaho – Boise’s population has grown consistently since the COVID-19 pandemic, attracting talent with its relative affordability compared to major tech hubs and easy access to the Rocky Mountain West’s beautiful outdoors. This rise in talent has prompted a growing number of businesses in the software, cleantech, and outdoor lifestyle industries to expand their presence in Boise, increasingly drawing business travel to the “City of Trees.”
- New Orleans, Louisiana – The Big Easy is experiencing a big business travel boost, becoming an increasingly popular convention destination because of its “Built to Host” qualities like walkability, a compact layout, and unique culture. The city’s event appeal is backed by ongoing infrastructure enhancements at local venues, which are anticipated to attract more conventions, create jobs, and boost the local economy.
Methodology: The business traveler survey was conducted among a sample of 1,005 respondents in the U.S. who are employed full time, traveled by air for work 2 or more times in the past 12 months and submit their own travel expenses. The business travel decision-maker survey was conducted among a sample of 502 respondents in the U.S. who are employed full-time as business travel decision-makers for companies with 50 or more employees. Both online surveys were live on May 15-23, 2025. The International Trending Business Travel Destinations were selected based on American Express commercial customer transactions on airlines, looking at growth over a 12-month period between 2023 and 2024. The U.S. Trending Business Travel Destinations were selected based on American Express commercial customer transactions at U.S. hotels, looking at growth over a 12-month period
Tags: Fernando Iraola, American Express Amex Trendex: Business Travel Edition
