Business Travel Trends: Exploring the Top 10 Destinations for Professionals
With the new year upon us, it’s time to start planning events, meetings, and business travel for the next year. Business and corporate travel are back in full swing with exhilarating, vibrant cities topping the list. Seamlessly blending efficiency, culture, and connection, these 10 destinations are the dazzling and inspiring places where the business travel industry is headed.
1. Shanghai
The vibrant financial and business hub of China offers world-class infrastructure and a gateway to the rest of the Asian market. Impress business travelers with Shanghai’s efficiency, culinary offerings, and rich cultural heritage. With a wide variety of meeting facilities and a reliable transportation network, Shanghai is expected to be one of the top destinations for business travel in 2024.
Located a mere two blocks from the promenade on the Bund waterfront, The Westin Bund Center, Shanghai offers a 5-star hotel in the heart of the vibrant city center. The Le Méridien Shanghai, Minhang, alternatively, offers a stylish stay near the quaint Qibao Ancient Town.
2. Tokyo
One of the world’s top travel destinations in 2023, Tokyo is on its way to being the business traveler’s favorite city in 2024. Intertwining business and culture, Japan’s capital city has become a global economic hub with a myriad of top multinational corporations. Not only does it feature world-renowned infrastructure, but it also has become a culinary paradise with over 263 Michelin stars.
Business travelers can enjoy all Tokyo has to offer with Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel’s convenient connections to Tokyo Disneyland®, Tokyo DisneySea®, and Ikspiari, a world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment center. True luxury amidst the action of Tokyo, The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo gives guests sensational views of the city they could only imagine with the 53rd-floor vantage point.
3. Singapore
With its focus on digital technology and thriving financial district, Singapore has long been a key destination for business travelers from the East and the West to convene. Offering iconic sites like Gardens by the Bay and luxury accommodations, visitors can indulge in a night of fine dining or a day in the sun at Sentosa Beach.
For luxury island resort living, the W Singapore is a modern oasis in Sentosa Cove, specially designed to cater to business travelers with contemporary sophistication. The Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Riverview provides a more city-scape location, making it a comfortable 4-star hotel to explore popular areas from, such as Clarke Quay, Marina Bay, and Gardens by the Bay.
4. Hong Kong
The combined influence of the East and the West makes Hong Kong a globally connected city that is a unique business hub. A trade and commerce hub, Hong Kong is the ideal location for 2024 business travelers with its cosmopolitan atmosphere and iconic cultural sites.
An award-winning hotel conveniently connected to the Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Renaissance Harbour View Hotel Hong Kong is the ideal location for travelers visiting Hong Kong on a business trip. A serene escape in the bustling Tsim Sha Tsui area, the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers boasts a health club, spa, sauna, and rooftop pool for professionals to relax in.
5. Jakarta
An up-and-coming business and financial destination, Jakarta is quickly becoming a center for technology, trade, and conferences. Jakarta is a blend of vivid colors, exquisite food, modern skyscrapers, and a charming Old Town, making it a delightful stop for business travelers.
Located in a high-rise above the dynamic city of Jakarta, The Westin Jakarta offers spectacular views from the lively rooftop bar. The embodiment of modern luxury, The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place, gives business travelers all the benefits of lavish accommodation and sophisticated dining in the cosmopolitan city center.
6. Mumbai
Home to three UNESCO World-Heritage sites and countless multinational corporations, Mumbai is quickly becoming one of the anticipated business travel destinations for many business travelers, with its numerous easily accessible resorts, hotels, and conference centers.
The St. Regis Mumbai transports business travelers to a luxurious haven in the thick of Mumbai’s lively Lower Parel district. Just a short drive from Mumbai’s International Airport, guests can enjoy a variety of specialty restaurants such as Italian and traditional Indian with a stay at the JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar.
7. Seoul
Seoul is world-renowned as the capital for technology and innovation. Featuring major tech hubs such as Gangnam and Digital Media City, Seoul offers unbeatable innovation, modern amenities, and ground-breaking attractions such as the Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
Business travelers can experience the heart of Seoul at the stylish Four Points by Sheraton Gangnam, Seoul, where they can immerse themselves in K-beauty, shopping, trendy restaurants, and famous lounge bars nearby. The Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Times Square allows visitors to enjoy a comfortable stay in the city center’s entertainment and shopping district.
8. Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)
The city center being a mere 7 kilometers from the airport, Ho Chi Minh is one of the most easily accessible business traveler destinations on the list. With an impressively long list of cultural and tourist attractions, visitors surely have endless possibilities to explore the city in their free time. As well as boasting a thriving cafe culture, the diversity and quality of the local food ensure a culinary treat for all travelers.
An elegant five-star hotel, the Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers is nestled on the famous Dong Khoi Street near top restaurants and corporate offices. The Le Méridien Saigon is situated in the exhilarating District 1, with Ben Thanh Market and other attractions just footsteps away.
9. Gold Coast
An energetic hub of entrepreneurship, the Gold Coast boasts a welcoming climate at a coastal location. A city known for its creativity and innovation, this destination has flourished into a modern, global hot spot. Business travelers can spend free time admiring white sand beaches or find a koala to cuddle, with no shortage of outdoor activities at the Gold Coast.
Business professionals coming to the Gold Coast can relax and unwind on the beaches of Surfer’s Paradise at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa. During free time or days off, visitors can embark on several adventures such as snorkeling in nearby saltwater lagoons, cooking classes, and JW Garden herb planting and guided tours.
10. Bangkok
With entertainment, cultural attractions, and a vibrant business community, Thailand’s capital has every component necessary for a business traveler’s stand-out destination. Visitors can experience modern event facilities by day and bustling markets by night giving them the true Bangkok experience.
For an unparalleled authentic Thai experience, The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok is in Sukhumvit, a thriving central district in Bangkok. Guests can sample dishes from one of eight carefully curated restaurants or enjoy a holistic treatment at the Athenee Spa. An icon of style, the W Bangkok is minutes from BTS station, providing easy access to the rest of the city while also being steps away from spiritual sanctuaries like The Temple of Emerald Buddha.
With both some classic business travel destinations as well as up-and-coming hotspots, this list features dynamic and invigorating cities that will leave a lasting impression. Strategically choose business and corporate travel destinations that align with 2024 goals to provide the perfect blend of exploration and success.
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