Modern business travel provides the opportunity to explore.
Gone are the days when you’d travel for work, only to find you never leave your hotel room, except for meetings.
There’s a new generation of business traveller, who knows the importance of mixing business and leisure when travelling. This trend, combined with the rise of business opportunities away from the traditional business centres, has given rise to a far more diverse set of destinations. These locations offer business travellers opportunities to explore different cultures and try new things – while still getting on with the day job.
We’ve identified three cities that are emerging as popular business destinations and rewriting the business travel rulebook:
1. Guangzhou
With a recently developed central business district, China’s third largest city is the perfect place for business travellers to get work done and explore a different culture. The expanding underground metro system is making it easier to explore Guangzhou’s fascinating colonial architecture and wealth of traditional eateries.
Le Lutece, for instance, is a revolving French restaurant situated on the 105th floor of the iconic Canton Tower – and offers the perfect base for a working lunch.
Meixin Garden is another fantastic place to grab a bite to eat, where you’ll find the incredible dim sum, before walking it off with a meander through the South China Botanical Garden.
A productive day can be nicely capped off by admiring the sweeping skyline from a luxurious Fraser Suite self-catering apartment. There really is no better way to experience this city.
2. Bangkok
Proudly home to a burgeoning tech startup scene, Bangkok is an addictive, intoxicating city that features many compelling sights, sounds and smells. Home to The Stock Exchange of Thailand and air-conditioned skyscrapers in the financial district, Bangkok is one of the most inspiring places in which to get serious business done.
Stylish business suites can be found in properties such as the Hansa Bangkok House, which features mesmerising views of the bustling city, while off-duty business travellers can indulge in sightseeing trips along the river and experience Bangkok’s eclectic nightlife.
A great networking spot will be found at Ruen Mallika, where business deals can be discussed over classic Thai dishes in a stunning 19th century setting.
3. Budapest
The political and cultural centre of Hungary is a tourist gem that features dramatic architecture and a romantic skyline. Over the last twenty-five years, it has also grown into a highly-regarded economic hub and a key destination for business travel.
From taking in the entirety of the city via the lofty Gellért Hill to indulging in local delicacies such as paprika sausage, Budapest has countless options for weary business travellers to unwind.
The city features plenty of business-friendly hotels in which to get work done and network, including the fabulous MS Maribelle by OnRiver Hotels, which will provide you with a personal riverboat room in the heart of Budapest.
After a long day, the city’s vibrant nightlife and restaurant scene come alive, and can be explored by indulging in traditional hearty dishes such as beef tenderloin goulash and red wine served at Café Kor.
Forget business suites, PowerPoint presentations and hours spent in hotel lounges devoid of atmosphere – modern business travel provides the opportunity to explore some of the world’s most spectacular, less obvious locations.