A new impact study by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) found that business travel and travelers generated an estimated $283 billion in total economic activity across 25 of the world's leading business destinations in 2024.
However, when it comes to the destinations driving business travel spending, GDP contribution and supporting jobs, a handful stand out.
Seven cities around the world—including three U.S. cities—each exceeded $10 billion in business travel spending in 2024 and together accounted for more than $108 billion, or 61% of the total across the 25 cities analyzed.
Cities With the Most Business Travel Spending
- New York — $21.2 Billion
- Tokyo — $20.7 Billion
- London — $15.0 Billion
- Shanghai — $14.2 Billion
- Paris — $13.6 Billion
- Los Angeles — $12.2 Billion
- Chicago — $11.6 Billion
According to GBTA's research, the next tier of destinations for business travel spending impact includes two more U.S. cities in Washington, DC ($9.4 billion) and San Francisco ($6.9 billion), as well as Amsterdam ($5.6 billion), Singapore ($5.2 billion), Frankfurt ($4.7 billion) and Sydney ($4.7 billion).
Further down the list, Delhi, Helsinki, Oslo, Dubai and São Paulo each recorded business travel spending of between $1.5 billion and $2.4 billion, the study found.
Across the 25 most prolific cities identified by GBTA, every dollar of business travel spending generated approximately $1.59 in total sales for local businesses, 52 cents in GDP, and 31 cents in tax revenue. Plus, every $1 billion of business travel spending in a destination supports approximately 7,800 jobs on average.
Aerial view of Central Park in New York City. (Photo Credit: Adobe/AntonioLopez)
Top-ranked NYC generated $1.76 in local economic activity per dollar of business travel spending, followed by Los Angeles at $1.68. Meanwhile, Paris and New York returned more than 37 cents of every dollar as labor income, the study shows.
"Business travel is a powerful driver of economic growth and this study reflects its far-reaching impact. When people travel to meet, collaborate and build relationships, the benefits extend well beyond the traveler and their organization, generating jobs, income, tax revenue and opportunity in communities around the world," GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang said in a statement.
"More than a catalyst for commerce, business travel is an investment in economic opportunity and sustained growth for communities worldwide," added Neufang.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
