Germany continues to lead Europe as the most visited country for business travelers, according to BCD Travel’s Cities & Trends 2025 Europe Report. The report, based on flight and car rental data collected in 2024, confirms Germany’s steady dominance in the business travel sector. Meanwhile, the United States holds its position as the most popular intercontinental destination for business trips.

Germany’s Unwavering Position at the Top

The report highlights Germany’s persistent top position in European business travel, with cities like Frankfurt and Munich driving much of the inbound travel. The ranking is consistent with the previous year, demonstrating Germany’s continued relevance as a hub for business activities. A major factor contributing to this trend is Germany’s well-established economy and its strong foothold in industries such as automotive, manufacturing, and technology.

The country’s robust infrastructure, including major international airports and efficient transportation networks, also plays a key role in attracting business travelers. According to the BCD report, Germany has sustained its competitive edge with little fluctuation in its ranking over recent years.

United States Dominates Intercontinental Routes

On the intercontinental front, the United States maintains its lead, with cities like New York, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. topping the list for business travel destinations. The U.S. continues to benefit from its status as a global economic powerhouse and a preferred destination for international business meetings, conferences, and corporate expansions.

European Business Travel Trends

The report indicates that business travel in Western Europe has seen growth, particularly in sectors like real estate, arts, entertainment, and recreation. Notably, Italy has experienced a significant increase in inbound business travel, reflecting its economic recovery and enhanced business confidence. This surge is also attributed to Italy’s expanding airline operations and improved travel conditions.

Meanwhile, Stockholm’s rise to 9th place in the European rankings demonstrates the growing importance of the Nordic region in business travel. It surpassed Brussels, which fell to 10th place in the latest report.

The Impact of Airline and Car Rental Bookings

In terms of air travel, London continues to be a major hub for European flights, accounting for a high number of top city pairings. Intercontinental routes also remain strong, with the London-New York route emerging as the most frequently booked.

For intercontinental flights, the report notes a significant parity in class bookings, with both business and economy classes holding equal shares of the market. In Europe, however, 92% of flights were booked in economy class, indicating the preference for cost-effective travel among European business travelers.

Additionally, the report reveals that 21% of European air travelers also opted for rental cars, often choosing them for their convenience, speed, and cost-effectiveness during business trips.

Conclusion: Business Travel Landscape in 2024

Overall, the BCD Travel report provides key insights into the business travel landscape for 2024. While Germany and the United States remain dominant players, other countries such as Italy and China are showing strong growth, signaling evolving trends in global business travel. The continued expansion of airline networks and the preference for rental cars reflect a growing demand for convenience and efficiency in travel planning.

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