There are no major changes in this new list compiled on Thursday by BCD Travel through its report Cities & Trends 2025. According to data collected in 2024 by the TMC - based on flight bookings and rental cars -, l'Germany remains the continent's number 1 business destination for European business travellers. This is followed by the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and, finally, Spain. France in 4th place. The rankings by city are dominated by Amsterdamahead of London and Frankfurt on the podium. Paris ranks 5thbehind Munich and ahead of Copenhagen, Zurich and Vienna.
As the authors of the report point out, "the European rankings remained largely unchanged from the previous year, with the exception of Stockholm which has moved up one place BrusselsEurope's de facto capital, in 10th place". What's more, the experts at BCD Travel believe that " growth in business travel in Western Europe in 2024 was driven mainly by real estate activities, followed by the arts, entertainment and leisure sector ". This growth is likely to be particularly marked in Italywhich the TMC has identified as the most dynamic market for business travel in 2024.
The United States is the undisputed leader... for now?
What about intercontinental business travel? According to this new Cities & Trends 2025 report US destinations account for the lion's share of European corporate travel budgets. The top 10 cities visited by European business travellers include no fewer than eight American destinations. Starting with New York and Chicagowhich have firmly established themselves in the top two places, ahead of Dubai. Not surprisingly, the United States dominate the country rankings, with the United Arab Emirates and India rounding out the podium. It remains to be seen what impact the Trump presidency will have on the next rankings, given that the effects of this new mandate are now being felt in the travel sector.
Other findings from the report include Cities & Trends 2025Economy class has a virtual monopoly on travel on the Old Continent. Economy class accounts for 92% of bookings, compared with 7% for business class. And with good reason: according to Olivier Benoit, Senior Vice President at Advito, " The difference in comfort between Business Class and Economy Class is often perceived as insignificant on short-haul flights, and many business travellers already benefit from loyalty services such as access to lounges and priority boarding, even in Economy Class. ". What's more, according to Olivier Benoit, " For travel managers, the return on investment is much higher for economy class tickets. They are often half the price of business tickets, and 70 % of these flights last less than two hours. On such short flights, the level of productivity of a passenger does not differ much between economy and business class. ". Internationally, the economy and business classes are perfectly balanced according to BCD, with each accounting for 44% of bookings.
