The 10 Most Popular Countries for Business Travel

Americans take millions of long-distance business trips every year. But where are they going? U.K.-based price comparison site comparethemarket.com recently analyzed information from the National Travel & Tourism Office as well as its own travel insurance data to uncover the most popular international destinations for U.S. business travelers.

Ireland is one of seven European destinations among the top 10 most popular for American business travelers, drawing about 3 percent of U.S.-based road warriors. As Compare the Market points out, Dublin is home to Google EU HQ and Ireland as a whole is very much dependent on international trade involving multiple industries, including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, hardware and food and beverages.

Like Ireland, Spain accounts for 3 percent of U.S. business travelers. With an average mid-range hotel cost of just $47 and a cup of coffee running a modest $1.46, Spain is also among the most affordable destinations for business travel.

The Dominican Republic is the lone Caribbean representative in the top 10, ranking eighth despite one of the lowest fixed broadband speeds at just 34 Mbps. However, the DR is unique in that it's one of the best destinations for mixing business with leisure.

The Netherlands matches the Dominican Republic in terms of percentage of U.S. business travelers (4 percent). Undoubtedly one of the world's most industrialized nations, the Netherlands also ranks an impressive fifth among British business travelers, Compare the Market found.

Elsewhere in Europe, Italy is not only a renowned destination for arts, history and culture but is also the world's eighth-largest exporter and easily one of the largest economies on the continent. When it comes to accommodations and a cup of coffee, Italy is also slightly cheaper than the Netherlands and the Dominican Republic.

One of two Asian countries in the top 10, Japan rounds out the top five, drawing 5 percent of U.S. business travelers with the help of affordable hotels ($48 average cost of a mid-range hotel) and healthy broadband speeds (96 Mbps).

The world's most-visited country is the fourth-most popular among Americans traveling for business, according to Compare the Market's research. France remains a leader in many key sectors and its appeal as a premier tourist destination certainly doesn't hurt its draw.

China is likely to fall from its third-place position amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. However, it's by far the most affordable business travel destination based on accommodation costs with the average mid-range hotel charging only $25, according to Compare the Market.

Second-ranked Germany also attracts about one-tenth of American business travelers, which is no surprise given it boasts Europe's largest economy and is renowned for its production of vehicles, machinery and electronics.

Many American business travelers heading overseas are venturing across the pond to the U.K., which ranks first among U.S.-based road warriors, hosting 12 percent. Interestingly, VisitBritain recently reported that the U.K. received a record number of American visitors in 2019.