BCD Travel’s 2024 flight and car rental data revealed that Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Chicago were the top U.S. destinations for our clients’ travelers. The “fan favorite” cities are known for some of the largest airlines in the country, conventions, and a broad range of industries and business headquarters.
“Business travel not only serves as an indicator of economic health but also reflects a region’s growth and stability,” said Jorge Cruz, executive vice president of Global Sales and Marketing at BCD. “It shows the evolving dynamics of domestic and global trade, investment trends, and corporate confidence. The growth in business travel exceeded expectations in 2024, setting the stage for more momentum in 2025.”
The findings are part of our annual Cities & Trends series that show business hotspots, growing markets and traveler behavior insights. The new domestic rankings are much the same as our previous Cities & Trends report.
The top 10 U.S. business travel cities
- Atlanta: Home to 71 different streets that bear the name “Peachtree,” Atlanta, Georgia, is a bustling city and premier destination for business travelers. The home base for Delta Air Lines, Coca-Cola and The Home Depot, as well as Tyler Perry Studios and Trilith Studios, the city is known for its deep and complex history, diverse culture, and vibrant economy.
- Dallas-Fort Worth: Iconic cowboy culture and a modern skyline are beloved hallmarks of this dynamic metropolis and top destination. As the headquarters for American Airlines, AT&T, and ExxonMobil, the region boasts a robust economy and a thriving business environment. With its rich history, diverse cultural scene, and world-class dining and entertainment options, Dallas-Fort Worth offers a unique blend of Southern charm and urban sophistication for both business and leisure travelers.
- Chicago: The “Windy City” is home to the headquarters of United Airlines, Boeing, and McDonald’s. Perched on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, the city boasts stunning waterfront views, dazzling architecture, world-class museums, and world-class dining options.
- New York City: As the headquarters for major corporations like JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Verizon, New York City is a global epicenter for finance, media, and technology. The city’s iconic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and unparalleled cultural attractions make it an exciting place for both work and play.
- Washington, D.C.: The nation’s capital is a key destination for business travelers, especially those in government and international relations. Home to numerous federal agencies, international organizations, and think tanks, Washington, D.C. offers a unique blend of political and business opportunities. The city’s historic landmarks, museums, and vibrant neighborhoods provide ample options for leisure activities.
- Seattle-Tacoma, Washington: Home to tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft, as well as Boeing, the region boasts a thriving economy and a strong entrepreneurial culture. With its scenic landscapes, vibrant arts scene, and excellent dining options, Seattle-Tacoma offers a perfect mix of business and leisure.
- Charlotte, North Carolina: Home to the headquarters of Bank of America and Truist Financial, the city has a robust economy and a growing business community. Charlotte is a major financial hub surrounded by a charming mix of quaint neighborhoods, cultural attractions, and diverse dining options.
- Houston, Texas: Known for its energy industry, Houston is home to the headquarters of ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips, and Halliburton. With its diverse population, world-class museums, and vibrant culinary scene, the city offers a dynamic environment for domestic and international business travelers.
- Los Angeles: The “City of Angels” is a major hub for entertainment, technology, and international trade. Home to the headquarters of companies like Disney and Warner Bros., Los Angeles’ iconic landmarks, beautiful beaches, and diverse cultural offerings make it a perennial favorite for business and leisure trips.
The most visited states for business travelers in the U.S.
The states appearing in this list reflect some of the strongest economies in the nation. Texas leads followed by California, Georgia, Illinois, and Florida.
Top intercontinental cities
The reigning most visited European cities for U.S. business travelers include London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Paris, and Munich. The top Asian cities include Tokyo (No. 6) and Seoul (No. 9). Dublin jumped to seventh place from the previous year, moving Switzerland’s financial hub, Zürich, to eighth place. São Paulo, the only Latin American city to join the ranking, is No.10.
The most popular business travel routes
Domestic
The top business travels for domestic flights was Chicago to New York City and vice versa. New York was very popular last year. Other frequent New York City routes included travel to and from Los Angeles, Boston, and Dallas-Fort Worth.
Intercontinental
The Big Apple was a top spot for intercontinental departures followed by Chicago and Los Angeles. Most business travelers flew into London or Frankfurt followed by Paris or Amsterdam.
The Cities & Trends series will also include reports for Europe and APAC. These reports aim to provide valuable insights into business travel trends across different regions, helping companies make informed decisions and optimize their travel strategies.
Business travel trends to watch in 2025
Along with our Cities & Trends findings, here are five other trends to monitor this year:
Air travel
Expect changes in airfares, yield dynamics, and corporate deal opportunities as airlines adjust their strategies. Asia is leading the recovery in international air travel, with demand up nearly 30% year-to-date, double the global average of 15%. This strong performance positions Asia as a key region for future growth.
The 2025 economic landscape
Global GDP growth is on the rise. Oxford Economics has increased its 2024 forecast from 2.3% to 2.7% and predicts steady growth of 2.85% in 2025. This positive outlook highlights the importance of understanding fiscal policies and key risks impacting travel programs.
Hotel rates around the world
Hotel average daily rates (ADRs) are expected to increase by 2.9% globally in 2025, with similar trends across most regions.
Sustainable travel goals
Sustainability will continue to be a major focus, with businesses facing increasing pressure to shift from sustainable talk to real action. As business travel faces growing pressure to reduce its environmental impact, companies must sharpen their focus on sustainability data, goals, and progress.
Travel risk updates and building resilient travel programs
As business travel navigates an increasingly uncertain world, companies must stay ahead of emerging risks that could disrupt plans and jeopardize traveler safety. From geopolitical instability and polarized politics to climate events, cybercrime, and employee wellbeing concerns, including mental health support, proactive planning and risk management can strengthen program resilience.
