5 most popular destinations for UK business travellers

Latest research has revealed the locations most popular with those travelling overseas for business in the last year.

Comparethemarket.com determined the popularity using information from the Office for National Statistics and the company’s own travel insurance data. While some business destinations are also popular with holidaymakers, others may be less visited by leisure travellers. Comparethemarket.com also looked at what these business hubs offer their visitors, including the cost of a hotel and the local average broadband speed.

The top five business travel locations will also be familiar to holidaymakers.

USA

Home to the largest economy in the world, it’s no surprise that the USA places first for the most popular destination for business travel. Over 1.2 million people travel to the country each year. Growing hubs such as Silicon Valley and the shared language and similar culture lend to a high level of business interaction. The USA has the most expensive accommodation costs, with a mid-range hotel costing GBP 86 per night – but boasts one of the highest fixed broadband speeds.

France

With over 1.5 million business travellers per year, France is also a popular destination due to its proximity and relatively cheaper travel fares. Its leading sectors span across manufacturing, tourism and pharmaceuticals. France has the second-highest accommodation costs, just behind the USA with a mid-range hotel costing GBP 81 per night.

Spain

The UK’s most popular holiday destination, Spain is only slightly less popular when it comes to business travel. With nearly 796,000 people travelling to the country every year for business, Spain also boasts affordable accommodation and travel, making it an extremely appealing destination. Spain has the cheapest accommodation cost with a mid-range hotel only costing GBP 47 per night.

Germany

Despite being the largest economy in Europe, Germany comes in 4th place with Brits travelling for business. It has one of the highest numbers of business travellers per year, around 1.6 million people travel there yearly. The country is internationally recognised for its production of electronics, machinery and vehicles. Surprisingly, Germany has one of the lowest fixed broadband speeds, but a reasonable accommodation cost of around GBP 51 per night.

Netherlands

Rounding off the top five is the Netherlands, which is home to brands such as ING Group and Shell. Over 1.1 million people travel to the country each year. You can expect to pay up to GBP 64 per night for accommodation in the Netherlands, the third most expensive out of the top five.