Sydney has recently made a significant stride by securing a position among the top 10 business travel cities in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region for the year 2025. This achievement comes against the backdrop of a notable surge in corporate travel throughout the region. The latest insights from BCD Travel’s Cities & Trends 2025 Asia Pacific report shed light on the factors propelling this trend, highlighting the pivotal role of direct flight connections, sustainable travel practices, and the evolution of travel policies in shaping the corporate travel landscape.
In the realm of global travel and commerce, Asia Pacific stands out as a powerhouse, with cities like Singapore, Tokyo, and Hong Kong leading the pack as preferred destinations for business travelers. Sydney’s ascent to the top echelons of the rankings underscores the increasing significance of Australian business hubs on the global corporate travel map. The city now stands as the sole Australian representative on this prestigious list.
The top spots in the APAC business travel cities ranking are currently dominated by Singapore, which boasts a remarkable 20% year-on-year increase in corporate travelers, a testament to its robust infrastructure, visa policies, and expanded flight capacities that bolster its status as a thriving business hub. Following closely behind is Tokyo, which has witnessed a notable 38% surge in business travelers compared to the previous year.
Other key players in the lineup include Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur, rounding up the top five positions, while Shanghai, Seoul, Taipei, and Jakarta maintain their standings from the preceding year. Notably, Sydney has broken into the top 10, joining the league of renowned global cities celebrated for their robust appeal to corporate travelers.
The surge in corporate travel across the APAC region is evident from the findings of the Global Business Travel Association’s inaugural Business Travel Outlook poll for 2025, which revealed that Asia Pacific led the world in the growth of corporate travel expenditure last year. Noteworthy statistics include a reported increase in the number of trips taken by 78% of buyers compared to the previous year. Additionally, Flight Centre Travel Group’s research indicates that 40% of Australian businesses are gearing up to expand their travel activities, with 42% of corporate travelers anticipated to boost their travel budgets in the fiscal year 2025.
The escalating demand for corporate travel is also mirrored in the flight data for the region, with Singapore, China, Japan, Malaysia, and Thailand emerging as the top five most-visited countries in APAC in 2024. The data further reveals a prevailing preference for economy class among the majority of travelers (84%), while there is a growing trend towards premium air travel, with 45% of business travelers opting for business class on long-haul flights.
Sustainability emerges as a pivotal driving force in the region’s corporate travel landscape, with a noticeable shift towards embracing high-speed rail travel in countries like China and Japan. This aligns with the escalating emphasis on sustainable travel options among business travelers. Rail travel has witnessed a significant uptick as corporations seek to reduce their environmental impact while traversing major APAC cities.
In addition to air and rail travel, layovers have emerged as a crucial component of the business travel experience in APAC. Cities like Sydney, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur have emerged as popular layover destinations, offering convenient stopover options for international travelers.
Sydney’s inclusion in the top 10 business travel cities heralds a significant milestone for the city, underscoring its growing stature as a premier destination for corporate travelers. As businesses look to expand their footprint in the Asia Pacific region, Sydney’s reputation as a thriving business hub continues to gain momentum. This uptrend in corporate travel is poised to positively impact Sydney’s tourism and hospitality sectors, with an influx of business travelers driving demand for upscale accommodations, meeting facilities, and related services. Sydney’s business tourism industry is poised for growth as companies prioritize connectivity, sustainability, and convenience in their travel plans.
Looking ahead, as corporate travel in Asia Pacific continues its upward trajectory, Sydney’s positioning among the top 10 business travel cities reflects the broader trends shaping the region. With enhanced flight capacities, refined travel policies, and a steadfast commitment to sustainable travel practices, the growth of business travel in the region is poised for further evolution. Sydney, with its strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and dedication to sustainable travel, is well-positioned to maintain its status as a key player in the APAC business travel landscape in 2025 and beyond.
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