A new report on travel preferences for residents of Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa names Perth as the world’s top city, and Portugal as the most attractive country. Meanwhile, a new American Express business travel study names New Jersey, western Michigan, North Carolina, Honolulu and Sacramento, California as top emerging markets for biz travellers.
This year’s Amex Trendex report reveals a surprising shift towards less traditional destinations that are becoming increasingly attractive to corporate travelers. For the first time, Amex identified five trending U.S. destinations based on commercial customer spending: Princeton, New Jersey; Durham, North Carolina; Southwest Michigan (Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids); Sacramento, California; and Honolulu, Hawaii.
Here’s a sample of what they had to say about each:
New Jersey: The report highlights the rapid emergence of Princeton as a leading hub for AI research, driven by the dynamic collaborations between Princeton University and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.
Sacramento: The city “is drawing in tech talent by introducing new airline routes and a substantial $1.3 billion expansion of its airport.” Here’s a story I wrote about Sacramento last year.
The California Capitol Building is a handsome structure in surprising Sacramento. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina: Likewise, the tech boom in Durham shows no signs of slowing down, with continued growth attributed to the expansion of Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
Michigan: Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo and the Southwest Michigan area “is gaining recognition for its attractive mix of corporate investment opportunities and rich cultural offerings.”
Honolulu: The city “is increasingly becoming a premier destination for corporate retreats, boasting a unique blend of exotic allure and modern U.S. conveniences while successfully overcoming recent challenges.” Readers of this space know I’m a big fan of Honolulu; a vibrant Pacific city with wonderful food and a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
FLIGHT CENTRE HIGHLIGHTS PORTUGAL AND PERTH
A beach on Rottnest Island, Western Australia. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Flight Centre recently looked at travel preferences of some 170,000 customers in Australia, Canada, the UK, New Zealand and South Africa, and came up with some surprising information.
The top-rated country was Portugal, with a 94% approval rating. Second was the Cook Islands, at 93% approval, followed by Australia and Japan at 92% each. Canada finished 18th with an approval rating of 85%.
Here the top 10 countries in the Flight Centre report, with approval ratings:
- Portugal, 94
- Cook Islands, 93
- Australia 92
- Japan, 92
- Spain, 91
- Singapore, 90
- Greece, 89
- Ireland, 89
- Turkiye, 88
- Vietnam, 87
And here are the top 10 cities:
- Perth, Australia, 96
- Brisbane, Australia, 94
- Queenstown, New Zealand, 94
- Tokyo, 93
- Christchurch, New Zealand, 92
- Rarotonga Island, 92
- Barcelona, 92
- Melbourne, 91
- Rome, 91
- Vancouver, 90 (also, Singapore and Phuket with 90
I agree wholeheartedly about Perth, a city in Western Australia I have visited twice in the past four years and absolutely love. Sydney and Melbourne are great, but I love the food, the beaches, the culture and just the overall feel of Perth. Here’s my latest story that mentions the city. I’ve also visited Queenstown and Christchurch, NZ, and loved both.
Also, here’s a story I wrote about Cape Town, which UK residents said is their favourite city in the world.
Lisbon, Portugal. JIM BYERS PHOTO
REGIONAL PREFERENCES
CANADA
Fave country: Portugal, 96
Fave city: Lisbon, 95
UNITED KINGDOM
Fave country: Australia, 95
Fave city: Cape Town, 98
AUSTRALIA
Fave country: Japan, 92
Fave city: Queenstown, 94
NEW ZEALAND
Fave country: Cook Islands, 95
Fave city: Gold Coast, Australia, 96
SOUTH AFRICA
Fave country: Australia, 97
Fave city: Perth, 98
