Singapore, China, and Japan have emerged as the leading business travel destinations in the Asia Pacific region, according to BCD Travel’s latest Cities & Trends 2023 Asia Pacific Report. The report analyzes flight and rail data to offer a comprehensive view of the region’s business travel patterns and trends.
Leading Cities for Business Travel
Greg O’Neil.
Singapore has solidified its position as the premier business travel destination in Asia Pacific. With strong government support and a resilient infrastructure, the city-state has become a significant hub for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE). In 2023, Changi Airport saw a robust recovery, achieving 86% of its pre-pandemic passenger volume. This recovery is attributed to the resurgence of travel in Northeast and Southeast Asia, making Singapore an accessible and convenient destination for business travellers.
Hong Kong and Bangkok follow Singapore as the most visited cities in the region. Despite recent challenges, Hong Kong remains a vital financial centre, while Bangkok continues to attract business travellers with its strategic location and vibrant business environment.
Top 10 Business Travel Cities in Asia Pacific
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Bangkok
- Tokyo
- Kuala Lumpur
- Shanghai
- Seoul
- Taipei
- Jakarta
- Manila
Greg O’Neil, President of Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa, and Global Network at BCD, commented, “The APAC region is poised to play a significant role in global business travel spending this year, accounting for 42% of the total. BCD leverages its advanced technology and industry expertise to help travelers and companies navigate the complexities of business travel in this diverse region.”
Leading Countries for Business Travel
Jonathan Kao.
On a country level, Singapore tops the list as the most visited destination in Asia Pacific, followed by China and Japan. The recovery of international travel to and from China has been slower than domestic travel, which is already 17% above 2019 levels. Factors such as a shortage of flights, high ticket prices, and visa processing delays have contributed to this slower recovery.
Top 5 Business Travel Countries in Asia Pacific
- Singapore
- China
- Japan
- Thailand
- Hong Kong SAR
The United States and Germany are the most visited countries, reflecting their importance in international business travel.
Key Travel Routes
The most frequented routes for APAC flights predominantly originate from Singapore. The top city pairs include:
- Kuala Lumpur – Singapore
- Singapore – Kuala Lumpur
- Bangkok – Singapore
- Singapore – Bangkok
- Singapore – Jakarta
For intercontinental routes, Bangalore to Frankfurt leads the list. The most frequently travelled intercontinental routes from APAC primarily depart from Tokyo and Singapore.
Rail Travel Trends
Rail travel continues to be a popular choice for domestic business travel in China and Japan. The convenience of quicker boarding and deboarding, coupled with the central location of train stations, makes rail travel an efficient alternative to air travel for distances up to 1,200 km.
Jonathan Kao, Managing Director of North Asia at BCD, emphasized the importance of sustainability in corporate travel, stating, “Chinese companies lead in sustainability, favoring high-speed rail over air travel for its cost-effectiveness and convenience, especially for distances between 800 and 1,200 km.”
BCD Travel China has introduced Rail+, a solution that simplifies frequent train travellers’ booking, payment, and expense reconciliation processes. This system enhances convenience and reduces administrative burdens, making rail travel an increasingly competitive option.
The Cities & Trends 2023 Asia Pacific Report by BCD Travel provides valuable insights into the region’s most frequented business travel destinations and routes. With Singapore leading the way and strong performances from other key cities and countries, the Asia Pacific region remains a critical hub for global business travel.
Access the entire Cities & Trends 2023 Asia Pacific Report here for more detailed insights.
Written by: Michelle Warner
