Hickory Global Partners, a leading corporate travel consortium with a network of over 2,500 members across 74 countries and partnerships with more than 51,000 hotels worldwide, has released its ranking of the world’s most expensive cities for business travel based on 2024 booking data.

The analysis, conducted through Hickory’s platform for travel agencies, corporate travel departments, and corporations, identifies the top domestic and international destinations where business travelers face the highest costs. The rankings are based on the average daily rate of spend, which includes expenses incurred for transient stays, event attendance, or corporate sponsorships.

Most Expensive U.S. Cities for Business Travel in 2024

1. New York, NY
2. Cambridge, MA
3. Boston, MA
4. Washington, D.C.
5. San Francisco, CA
6. Anchorage, AK
7. Chicago, IL
8. Santa Clara, CA
9. Las Vegas, NV
10. Arlington, VA

While major financial hubs like New York and Chicago continue to dominate the list, some unexpected entrants stand out. Anchorage, Alaska, for example, has become a key stop for international shipping and logistics due to its high-traffic cargo airport, significantly impacting business travel costs. Meanwhile, Santa Clara, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, has surged in pricing due to increased demand from the booming tech industry.

Most Expensive International Cities for Business Travel in 2024

1. Rome, Italy
2. London, England
3. Paris, France
4. Edinburgh, Scotland
5. Zurich, Switzerland
6. Milan, Italy
7. Geneva, Switzerland
8. Tokyo, Japan
9. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
10. Hong Kong, China

Globally, European capitals such as Paris, Zurich, and Geneva remain some of the priciest destinations for business travel. However, cities like Edinburgh and Riyadh have gained attention due to strategic economic and business developments. Edinburgh’s strong connectivity to major European markets and its world-class conference venues make it a rising hub for corporate events. Meanwhile, Riyadh’s expanding financial sector and efforts to attract international investment are contributing to higher business travel costs.

Rising Costs and Future Outlook for Business Travel

Despite high expenses, cities like New York and Geneva continue to serve as premier meeting and conference destinations for global industries. Moreover, business travel has seen a strong post-pandemic rebound, with corporate travel spending expected to grow from $1.48 trillion in 2024 to approximately $1.64 trillion in 2025.

As international business travel continues to expand, companies must navigate rising travel costs while strategically choosing destinations that balance cost-efficiency with business opportunities.

“We’ve seen the consistent rise of business travel for a few years now, proving that meeting in person is still considered a top priority for companies,” said Chris Dane, president and managing partner of Hickory Global Partners. “The pandemic is far behind us, and with return-to-office mandates growing, it only makes sense that business travel grows alongside it. No matter the situation, people will always want to gather with those in their respective industries.”

The post New York, Boston, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Chicago, Las Vegas, London, Paris, Zurich, Tokyo, and More Top the List as Hickory Global Partners Unveils 2024’s Most Expensive Cities for Business Travel appeared first on Travel And Tour World.