The best business destinations are those that can offer you more than lovely venues for meetings and formal transactions. Andy McNeill and Todd Bludworth present the top five business destinations around the world, as chosen by the American Express Global Business Travel. Together, they dissect these beautiful cities in terms of culture, leisure, tourism, and history, making the business travel to these places not only memorable but also worth your money. They also share their personal experiences when visiting some of these areas, highlighting their most interesting aspects.
Todd Bludworth and Andy McNeill are travel and hospitality entrepreneurs and owners of the global meetings organization, American Meetings Inc. From sourcing hotels to corporate event management, their team sources corporate event venues and have a team of corporate meeting planners for their clients. They provide ideas for convention themes and how to run global meetings and events around the world. For more information go to www.mtgshealth.wpengine.com.
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The Top 5 Business Destinations Around The World
And Where To Find Them
Recently, American Express Global Business Travel published an article discussing the top global business destinations. After reading which cities made it to the list, Andy McNeill and Todd Bludworth decided to look into why they are worth a visit for companies and organizations.
In North America, Chicago and Las Vegas are included as runner-ups, but the one that reigned supreme is Orlando, Florida, a desirable city for businesses to visit. There are spaces for rent for private tours and golf courses perfect for unwinding.
Orlando, Florida highlights:
- Offers over 450 resort options
- Home to one of the largest convention centers in the world, the Orange County Convention Center, with theme parks and dinner spaces available for rent
- Accommodation to the Hyatt Regency, which is connected to the convention center
- The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa at Disneyworld, a great place to hold a meeting
- Loews Portofino, a place of high luxury
In America’s northern neighbors, Canada, the best business destination is Toronto, Ontario, beating the lovely cities of Montreal and Vancouver. With almost half of the entire US population having easy access to a 90-minute flight to Toronto Pearson International Airport, this city is one of the most multi-cultural on the planet.
Toronto, Canada highlights:
- Metro Toronto Convention Center, the largest convention center in the region, has more than 36,000 hotel rooms
- A beautiful walking experience
- An immersive shopping district
In the Asia-Pacific, picking the best business destination may be impossible, but that’s the mindset 30 years ago. With globalization changing the game, this region is where many progressive cities in the whole world can now be found. The only one that could beat Bangkok, Thailand and Sydney, Australia in this title is one of the largest financial centers in the world – Singapore. They take pride in their cutting-edge meeting technology, a step ahead of the rest of the world.
Singapore highlights:
- Singapore Changi Airport, which has a butterfly garden, two 24-hour movie theaters, and a swimming pool
- Located right next on the water and offers a magnificent atmosphere and sights all year-round
In Europe, Berlin and Barcelona are all considered for the title. Berlin is a hidden gem, a historical city that connects people not only emotionally but also both coasts to one another. Barcelona draws its uniqueness in its local cuisine and gorgeous neighborhood. But unsurprisingly, London, England takes the cake. Hotels in this city showcase both historical and modern aesthetics, catching the hearts of a huge number of people. Thanks to tubes and taxis, getting around London is never a difficult task.
London, England highlights:
- Has six international airports
- Offers more than 1500 hotels choices
- Provides the most elegant suites with their own private theaters inside for rent, available for both personal and business purposes at the region of Mayfair
In South America, Mexico City and Cancun are considered. Mexico is great for its historical significance and centralized downtown that has a lot of hotel options. Cancun is known for its affordability and excellent business meeting places, each one highlighting the beauty of Riviera Maya. In the end, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil takes the crown. As one of the most industrialized cities in South America, its energy concentrates on oil, energy, consumer goods, finance, and media.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil highlights:
- Home to a major university system, making it a cradle of research and development
- The most beautiful beaches in South America
- An international airport that had an under $600 million renovation
- The main venue of the 2016 Sumer Olympics
