As the most popular business destination in the world, New York City has – and is likely to continue to – reigned supreme for quite some time. Many companies have their international headquarters in the city, there’s lots of lodging and meeting space, and the nightlife and after hours opportunities are boundless.
But not all business is conducted in America. More and more companies are basing companies in Europe or are holding conferences overseas. What are some of the best European cities for business travel? Based on 2018 data from Geneva Airport Transfer, these are their top 8 requested destinations from business owners. Let’s take a look.
1. London, England
London has been a powerhouse of global industry in various forms for centuries. Companies have headquarters there, and there’s plenty to do and see in the city, making it a great place for business travelers to do their work but also relax. Short train rides take visitors to Scotland or Ireland, giving visitors even more travel options.
2. Paris, France
Paris and London have always been two sides of a coin when it comes to business interests. Paris, and smaller cities in France, are full of dynamic company headquarters, business seminars and trade fairs, and much more. And there’s nothing else like Paris for incredible sights, unbelievable nightlife, and truly wonderful dining
3. Amsterdam, Netherlands
People tend to associate the Dutch with chocolate and tulips, but Amsterdam has also become a bustling European start-up city. Even though the city has less than 1 million residents, the culture has dramatically expanded, showing that digital businesses really can pop up anywhere. Traveling here gives companies a fresh perspective on their business without the overwhelming experience of some of the larger European cities.
4. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona may be best known for its art and architecture, but in recent years, it’s also been making a name for itself in the world of early investment funding. Companies seeking international funding for their businesses might do better to search here than in Silicon Valley. Other major business players, like Amazon, have recently set up headquarters in Barcelona as well, adding to the business atmosphere in the city.
5. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is a flourishing business hub for many reasons: low rents compared to other European metro centers, and several major conferences and business events have taken place there. The city’s profile has improved due to several startups that have taken root in the city, entrepreneurial leasing is on the rise, and the city is rapidly growing in terms of its business destination appeal.
6. Dublin, Ireland
Not too many people think of Dublin and great business destination in the same sentence, but Dublin is rated as one of the easiest places in the world to do business. Major players like Google, LinkedIn, and Twitter have their EMEA headquarters in the city. For those looking to get some serious power work done, Dublin is a great place to do it. And when work is done, there are some incredible historic monuments and sweeping vistas to enjoy.
7. Copenhagen, Denmark
There’s just something cool about Denmark, and it has drawn business travelers from all over the world to Copenhagen. If you’re a solo traveler or a small team on the go, Copenhagen is a great place to stop and get some work done. Co-working spaces are prevalent there, and it can be simple to set up shop for a short time before moving on to another project or a more permanent headquarters.
8. Manchester, England
It wasn’t so long ago that Manchester was a town in dire straits. As a city that had embraced industrialization early, it had also begun to struggle in the age of digitalization and export manufacturing.
Many digital startups are growing in the city, however, giving it a second life and expanding the possibilities of what’s available. If your company wants to experience a vibrant city making a serious play to expand its dominance, Manchester is a great place to be. And you may be able to catch a great football (soccer) game while you’re there.
Why Choose Top Cities in Europe for Business Travel
Europe’s top cities for business travel aren’t just about meetings and conferences; they’re gateways to a fusion of vibrant cultural offerings. Whether it’s a chance visit to a Parisian trade show or exploring rich historical landmarks in Dublin, these cities ignite fresh thoughts and creative business ideas. The blend of work and relaxation in these cities makes every business trip not only productive but an unforgettable experience. Engaging with regional entrepreneurs in innovation centers like Lisbon and Manchester may unlock unanticipated avenues for your business, enhancing your global perspective.
Europe’s dynamic cities invite you to be adaptable. Recognize that unpredictability is part of the landscape, and your flexibility might just be the key to discovering unforeseen business prospects. The readiness to adjust and grasp the essentials of local business manners, transit facilities, and shared working spaces ensures that your journey will be as effective as it is pleasurable.
From London’s global industry powerhouse to Barcelona’s early investment funding scene, choosing top cities in Europe for business travel is about charting a well-thought-out strategy and learning to morph with the rhythm of Europe’s ever-changing business terrain.
Business Travel Tips in Europe’s Top Cities
Europe’s leading destinations for corporate travel, including cities like London, Paris, and Amsterdam, are known for more than just their thriving business scenes. They are gateways to a fusion of vibrant cultural offerings. If you find yourself in Barcelona, partake in a local feast, or if Dublin’s your destination, explore its rich historical landmarks. These encounters don’t just satisfy curiosity but ignite fresh thoughts and creative business ideas.
Don’t overlook the opportunity to mingle with regional entrepreneurs, particularly in up-and-coming innovation centers such as Lisbon and Manchester. Conversations with these thinkers may unlock unanticipated avenues for your business.
It’s not merely about charting a plan but learning to morph with the rhythm of Europe’s ever-changing business terrain. Traveling for work in Europe entails a well-thought-out strategy and the readiness to adjust. Grasp the essentials of local business manners, transit facilities, and shared working spaces in places like Copenhagen. An understanding of these elements ensures that your journey will be as effective as it is pleasurable.
But Europe’s dynamic cities also invite you to be adaptable. Recognize that unpredictability is part of the landscape, and your flexibility might just be the key to discovering unforeseen business prospects. Whether it’s a chance visit to a Parisian trade show or a specialized seminar in Amsterdam, the unexpected can indeed open fresh pathways for your enterprise.
Europe’s premier cities beckon you to experience a balanced fusion of work and relaxation, making every business trip not only productive but an unforgettable experience.
Business tourism is becoming more and more of a popular way to do business, especially as companies look for increasingly creative ways to retain and engage employees. Offering training in another country can expose employees to international culture; hosting conferences in exciting, vibrant cities can dramatically improve attendance. After all, while there are many American cities that are incredibly adept at hosting business events, more and more Americans are wanting to travel outside their native borders and see the world. When their companies can give them that, even better.
