by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 1:30 PM ET, Tue August 4, 2026
The world of business travel is constantly evolving, including where employees are sent each year for work-related trips.
This year, major events are shaping the business travel landscape, as companies focus on finding new ways to reinforce client relationships, according to the latest Amex Trended: Business Travel report.
Nine-in-ten (93%) business travelers surveyed by Amex said they will attend major events such as sporting events, concerts, festivals, or cultural events while traveling for business in 2026 to build new relationships and stand out from competitors.
The same report reveals spending on business travel increasing in certain destinations across the globe, with 10 destinations in particular trending for 2026. Where are all the business travelers headed this year and why? Read on to find out more.
Travelers can have many concerns. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock / NaMong Productions)
2026's top business destinations
As companies rethink how and why they travel, some destinations are reaping the rewards in the form of more business travelers this year. Internationally, that includes locations in India, the UK and Australia, while domestically, business travel is picking up in locations across the country, from the eastern seaboard to the Southwest.
Hyderabad, India
Home to nearly 450 global capability centers, according to Amex, Hyderabad is strengthening its position as one of India's leading corporate travel hubs.
“The city's momentum is fueled by continued investment in technology and life sciences, including a major U.S. biotechnology company's decision to establish its first international location outside the United States, alongside large-scale government backed innovation and urban development initiatives,” says the report.
To support growing domestic and international business travel, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is expanding with plans for a new passenger terminal and an additional runway, positioning Hyderabad for continued growth.
Manchester, UK
Fueled by a booming regional economy and a growing reputation as a hub for AI, Manchester is the economic and tech powerhouse of Northern England, according to the report.
“With public investment backing a new science and innovation campus and the transformation of its international airport, the region is primed for a sustained rise in corporate travel,” says the report.
Adelaide, Australia
With a surge in corporate travel spending and major city-shaping commercial developments, Adelaide is cementing its position as a premier business travel destination.
“The city's growth is anchored by world-class innovation precincts, alongside record-breaking international transit capacity and major airline route expansions,” the report explains.
Backed by high-value commercial office investments and a booming meetings & conventions sector with new luxury hotel developments, South Australia’s capital is primed for sustained international business travel.
Trending U.S. Destinations
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is solidifying its position as a national center for aerospace, defense technology, and geospatial innovation with a major aerospace and defense headquarters returning and a federal geospatial campus now anchoring the city.
“With continued investment in advanced manufacturing and a planned airport renovation, the “Gateway City” is primed for a continued rise in business travel,” says the report.
Providence, Rhode Island
Home to T.F. Green International Airport — the fastest-growing airport in America according to the U.S. Department of Transportation — Providence is emerging as a New England science and innovation hub with the launch of a state-backed life sciences initiative and a new biotechnology incubator.
“Strategically located between Boston and New York, while boasting a significantly lower cost of living, Providence is well-positioned to capture a larger share of life sciences and biotech focused business travel,” says the report.
Tempe, Arizona
Sitting at the heart of Greater Phoenix’s rapidly expanding semiconductor and tech ecosystem, Tempe has become a magnet for corporate headquarter relocations across industrial AI and advanced manufacturing.
“Corporate relocations and billions in investment have driven a major construction boom, including a large mixed-use innovation district that is bringing modern meeting space, hotel rooms, and office capacity to support continued business growth,” the report explains.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The recently expanded Broward County Convention Center is positioning Fort Lauderdale as a go-to destination for major corporate travel and events, with the venue expecting to host more than 80 conventions and over 90,000 attendees in 2026 and beyond.
“This new infrastructure is fueling a major surge in event bookings across the region,” according to the report.
This momentum is further accelerated by a robust economic pipeline, as continued corporate investments and headquarter relocations drive growth across Fort Lauderdale’s key industries, including marine, manufacturing, and technology.
Reno, Nevada
Driven by a thriving commercial sector, the Reno region has solidified its reputation as a premier destination for advanced technology and manufacturing.
“As corporate expansions and federal investments accelerate the region’s advanced industries, the city is seeing a major surge in business travel,” the report explains.
To support this demand and lay the foundation for future growth, a major airport expansion at the region’s primary airport is underway to deliver two new concourses, significantly increasing the region's transit capacity.
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