This is particularly necessary during overseas business trips or vacations, as your assets can be even more exposed to the financial repercussions of all sorts of disasters.
With that in mind, here is a rundown of the most important types of insurance to purchase if you’re traveling abroad this year.
Car insurance
Whether you’re driving your own vehicle across national borders, or you’re renting a car when you arrive at your destination, insurance is your best friend.
Some car rental operators have their own insurance packages in place, but these often come with all sorts of unforeseen caveats that might come back to bite you if you do need to make a claim.
For example, it’s better to work with car insurance experts if you’re traveling to the UAE or Dubai. That way you can find a comprehensive policy that meets your needs and your budget, while also being tailored to the particular quirks of the countries you’re visiting.
Health insurance
Your health is arguably your most important asset, and when you’re away from home there are all sorts of perils and potential pitfalls which can compromise it.
You don’t want a healthcare emergency to be compounded by the prospect of a big bill from a doctor or hospital, so once again insurance can ride to the rescue, whatever you face.
Health insurance for overseas travel has to encompass the kinds of activities you’ll be getting up to on your trip. This means that people who are just traveling for business need a different policy to someone who’s planning to participate in extreme sports, for example.
Gadget insurance
Another essential asset in the modern age is your mobile phone, and this might be one of several gadgets that you pack in your luggage to head on a holiday.
With a separate gadget insurance policy under your belt, you’ll be able to make a claim if your precious devices are lost or stolen, and even if they are damaged when you are in foreign climes.
Just remember that not all policies will cover you in every eventuality, so check the small print and be discerning in which insurance product you choose.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is an all-encompassing term, but it can actually be unhelpfully broad because of just how many different packages it encompasses.
For example, some travel insurance deals will include some of the types mentioned above of covers, such as health insurance and gadget insurance, while others will not.
You really need travel insurance to step in should your plans be disrupted for any reason, whether that’s a delayed flight, an issue with the hotel, a cancellation that was out of your hands, or anything else.
You don’t want to be on a trip and find that you’re having to hand over even more cash to account for disruptive dilemmas like this, so insurance gives you the peace of mind that you can claim any expenses back when the dust has settled.
The bottom line
Attention to detail when deciding on insurance for international adventures is vital. You need to know your circumstances inside out in order to decide which package is most suitable, and you also have to do your research to ensure that the insurers you select are up to the task of helping you in worst-case scenarios.
While we can learn from mistakes, it’s better to know what can go wrong and take steps to avoid this in the first place, which is definitely true where international insurance is concerned.
The relief will be short-lived, however, as business travel is coming back. According to Deloitte research published in August 2021, "competition and growth imperatives will necessitate a resumption of business travel". In the same month, the UK's Department for Transport stated that more than a quarter (27%) expect to make more trips than they did before the pandemic. We need, then, to consider how we can create a new 'normal' for business travel if we don't want to simply return to the old, inefficient, and stressful way of doing things.
FinTech can solve expenses headaches
Post-pandemic, we have a chance to set a higher standard for business travel. We might not be able to entirely eliminate the tedious waits in departure lounges, traffic jams and nights spent in drab hotel rooms, but there is an opportunity to take a great deal of the pain out of the whole process. Flexible FinTech-enabled solutions can have a positive impact on the future of business travel, as well as how many organisations currently deal with expenses.
Chances are if you work for a large corporation and you need to travel regularly you will have a company credit card. But for many people who don't work for companies of that size, the process can be rather different, relying on the individual to pay for flights, car hire, accommodation and so on themselves, filing an expense claim when they ultimately get back to the office. Alternatively, there may be a single card tied to a business account in the name of a senior staff member being handed around between employees as and when they need to use it.
Both of these scenarios are problematic. In the first case, the employee has to use their own money, while the company has no idea how much and where money has been spent until the expenses claim is made. In the second case, there are massive security implications and vendors may very well fail payments if they realise the person using the card is not the registered cardholder.
Addressing the needs of the SME sector
What's required, then, are solutions that help SMEs to better process travel expenses. They need to provide flexibility for the employee, who may very well be incurring additional costs when travelling for work. For example, some countries require PCR test certification for entry — which comes at a cost — while private methods of transport such as a car hire are safer than public transport such as aeroplanes and trains, but will also come at a premium. Organisations, too, need to have better visibility on what employees are spending and where they are spending it, as well as any fees they incur for things like FX exchange if payments are made overseas.
The COVID-19 pandemic also brought the way SMEs deal with expenses into sharp focus for other reasons. All of a sudden, people needed to work from home and many of them didn't have the correct equipment — laptops, monitors, keyboards, desks, chairs and so on — so they had to stump up their own cash and claim the money back. The alternative was days or weeks of inactivity; something that no business can afford, no matter its size. The situation was far from ideal but many smaller organisations had little choice but to do it this way.
It's true to say that the SME sector is one of the most neglected segments when it comes to financial services — for many banks, it's seen as an unprofitable area, and they'd rather focus on the large corporate clients where there is much more money to be made. SMEs are also not usually the target of the cutting-edge, user-friendly financial products that proliferate in the consumer market.
Massive market opportunity
However, SMEs are typically digital-savvy, lean organisations that welcome innovative solutions. It's a shame, then, that when it comes to banking they often have to use services that are expensive and designed for much larger organisations. While we're starting to see FinTech companies targeting SMEs in markets like Spain and Germany, these tend to be focused on providing access to finance. There is still a big opportunity for new entrants to the market who can address the very specific needs of companies of this size when it comes to making tricky — but very necessary — processes more efficient. For example, FinTechs that make corporate debit cards an accessible solution for SMEs enable them to better manage employee spending.
Business travel is coming back, and there is enormous potential for positive change. Obviously, there should be a reassessment of whether many of the journeys are actually necessary in the first place. But many companies also need access to the same kind of banking services that their larger competitors do in order to drive efficiency and take the strain away from their employees.
How well organisations adapt to the future of business travel will depend on the availability of flexible financial solutions. There is a significant gap in the market for FinTech players to address the needs of small- and mid-sized businesses — not just when it comes to business travel, but expenses in general.
Located in the City of London area, just a 10-minute walk from St Paul's Cathedral, Apex Temple Court Hotel offers surprisingly quiet rooms for its central location and is a place where you can unwind and recharge after a busy day of meetings. Once you walk through its doors, you enter a peaceful courtyard which immediately feels miles away from the hustle and bustle of London. This is where you can find the alfresco area of Fleet Street’s newest wine bar, The Amicable Society of Lazy Ballerinas. Offering an extensive selection of old and new wines, a menu of scrumptious small plates perfect for sharing and ultra aesthetically pleasing décor, the bar attracts both hotel guests and Londoners popping in for an after-work drink. There are also two private dining rooms, both offering seating for 16 guests, or alternatively, 30 guests for a drinks reception, which can be booked for meetings, events or wine tastings.
Across the courtyard, you’ll find the hotel’s Club Lounge, a relaxed place where you can have a casual business meeting or bring your laptop and work, and Chambers Restaurant, where breakfast is served. Start your morning with continental staples and cooked-to-order classics like Full English, Eggs Benedict and pancakes and come back for lunch or dinner – the a la carte menu offers everything from steaks and burgers, through to lighter options like fish and salads.
For a real taste of luxury, stay at one of the hotel’s suites. Home to every indulgent touch you desire, they boast impressive period features including beautiful fireplaces, huge, squishy beds, a cosy living area and a luxurious, marble bathroom with a walk-in shower and bathtub, complete with underfloor heating and bespoke furniture. With Bang & Olufsen Bluetooth speakers, a vanity mirror TV in the bathroom and two more LED TVs (one in the bedroom and one in the living room), you are spoilt for choice when it comes to entertainment. And if this isn’t enough, thoughtful touches like complimentary arrival drinks, a Nespresso Vertuo coffee machine, Temple Spa products and free-of-charge drinks and snacks at the Club Lounge which all suite guests enjoy exclusive access to will make your stay truly special.
For more information and to book your stay, please go to https://www.apexhotels.co.uk/apex-temple-court-hotel
Algarve, Portugal
From vast stretches of sand to coves backed by cliffs, the Algarve is home to some of Europe’s most breathtakingly beautiful beaches. And as scenic as the beaches are, the region offers so much more! Historic castle towns, elegant villages, glitzy beach bars and freshly caught seafood have been attracting over four million visitors every year – and once there, you’ll see why.
How to get there
Faro International Airport is located four kilometres from Faro – the capital of the Algarve, with a number of European airlines offering direct flights to and from the Algarve.
Where to stay
For exquisite views of Carvoeiro Beach and its soaring cliffs, stay at Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort.
Croatia
Croatia has been a very trendy summer destination in the past few years and we can assure you that the ex-Yugoslavian country is worth the hype. From its trendy islands Hvar and Korcula, through to the historic towns of Split and Dubrovnik, all paired with picturesque beaches and the country’s eight national parks, Croatia is wildly diverse and offers something for everyone.
How to get there
Depending on the way you plan your holiday in Croatia, you can fly to Dubrovnik, Split, Pula or the capital city of Zagreb. Airlines flying to Croatia from major European cities include British Airways, Croatia Airways and EasyJet.
Where to stay
For outstanding views of Dubrovnik old town, stay at Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik. Riva Hvar Yacht Harbour Hotel benefits from an ideal location in the heart of Hvar and a waterfront terrace overlooking the Adriatic Sea, while Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Split is a perfect base to explore Split and its surrounding Dalmatian islands.
Zakynthos, Greece
While the starriest Greek islands Mykonos and Santorini grapple with over-tourism, more and more holidaymakers are heading to the quieter, but equally stunning island of Zakynthos. With its rugged cliffs, sea caves, tiny cloves and clear azure water paired with exquisite Greek tavernas and an abundance of water sports to try, the island offers much more than the crazy nightlife it’s famed for.
How to get there
Flights to Zakynthos International Airport are available from most European major cities. Over 30 airlines operate flights to the island during the tourist season.
Where to stay
The Lesante Luxury Hotel & Spa or Olea All Suite Hotel.
Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia’s ultra-clear water is reason enough to visit the Mediterranean island. However, this doesn’t mean that the emerald water is the only thing that draws holidaymakers to the slice of paradise that Sardinia is. With its nearly 2,000km of coastline, white-sand beaches and fresh Italian food, Sardinia will teach you all about la dolce vita.
How to get there
International airlines operate year-round flights from cities across Europe to Sardinia’s three main airports Cagliari Elmas Airport, Aeroporto di Olbia Costa Smeralda and Alghero Airport.
Where to stay
Resort Valle dell’Erica Thalasso & Spa near Santa Teresa promises direct access to the sea and 5-star luxury.
Andermatt, Switzerland
And don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about all the mountain lovers out there. The Swiss Alps are an obvious and logical option for both winter and summer holidays, and the charming village of Andermatt (1444m) offers everything you could possibly desire from your next Alpine adventure.
How to get there
Andermatt’s nearest international airports are Zurich, Milan and Geneva. They all have easy rail links to Andermatt, and even quicker road links using airport shuttles or private hire transfers.
Where to stay
For spectacular 5-star opulence, stay at The Chedi Andermatt – an exquisite deluxe hotel offering local hospitality paired with Asian touches.
The Vicarage
Set on the outskirts of the sleepy village of Holmes Chapel, The Vicarage offers everything you could possibly desire for a glorious countryside weekend. Housed in a 17th Century Grade II listed building and centred around its cosy restaurant and bar area, the hotel finds the perfect balance between rustic, vintage interiors and contemporary edge. Stunning woodwork, perfectly restored original features and thoughtful details give the inn a sense of place and the general friendly and warm ambiance make you feel at home.
The 26 rooms fall into two categories, standard and signature, and offer supremely comfortable Queen and King-sized beds, Nespresso coffee machines, rainmaker showers and a lovely selection of second-hand books – a nice little touch that adds to the hotel’s charm. For a real treat though, book one of the three signature rooms which are a tad more lush and characterful.
Driven by the gardeners, foragers, farmers and suppliers of Cheshire, everything in the main restaurant’s menu is locally sourced and comprises a number of beautifully cooked classics. Stand-outs include a mouth-watering smoked salmon and caviar starter and a cooked-to-perfection sea bass main. Served in the light, bright conservatory and the restaurant room next to it, the breakfast buffet isn’t huge but covers all the essentials: fruits, yoghurts, cereals and granola, juices, pastries and an impressive toast bar which comes with everything from butter and a selection of jams through to Marmite and peanut butter. You can also opt for freshly cooked to order Full English breakfast (vegetarian option available too), Eggs Benedict, Florentine and Royale, avocado on toast and sweet or savoury pancakes.
For more information and to book your visit, please go to: https://www.thevicaragecheshire.com/
The Courthouse
A renovation of what was previously Knutsford Crown Court is another great base for a weekend escape in Cheshire. Beautifully refurbished to mimic the building’s style and history, The Courthouse is home to Barristers Restaurant, and The Court Room – a popular weddings and events space, as well as the recent addition of three stunning bedrooms.
As one would expect when hearing its name, Barristers Restaurant stays true to the history of the building – barristers’ wigs hanging from pegs, framed pictures of famous offenders lining the walls and a menu that consists of ‘opening statements’, ‘proceedings’ and ‘main evidence’ instead of the more commonly used ‘nibbles’, ‘starters’ and ‘mains’. Why not make the most of what’s already there? Working closely with local suppliers, Executive Chef Steven Tuke crafts traditionally British menus that change with the season and include classics such as slow braised lamb shoulder, smoked cod loin and swordfish steak. And the verdict seems to be that everything he’s doing is working - whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner, locals flock to the restaurant for Chef Tuke’s hearty creations.
Earlier this year, The Courthouse opened its first three rooms – the Twin King Suite, the Superior Bridal Suite and the Signature King Suite. However, the owners of Flat Cap Hotels, brothers Dominic and Oliver Heywood, are not planning to stop here and are opening eight more luxury bedrooms in the existing wings of the iconic building. Stay tuned for more from the duo.
For more information and to book your visit, please go to: https://thecourthousecheshire.com/
With views of both the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra Blanca mountains from almost every corner of the town and an astonishing 320 days of sizzling sunshine, Marbella is sought after by the most rich and famous from across the globe. Earlier this year, Nobu opened its latest venture set on the Andalusian town’s glitzy Golden Mile. And despite Nobu Hotel Marbella’s central location, its impressive chic restaurants, bar and club scene will make you feel like you’re in the heart of the action without having to leave the hotel’s grounds. 
Stepping into Nobu Hotel Marbella, you instantly feel the weight and stress of your usual daily life left behind as you escape into a very private and exclusive haven that seems to offer everything you could possibly desire. The hotel shares grounds with one of Marbella’s original luxury resorts – Puente Romano, which means that guests of Nobu can make the most of all the Puente Romano facilities, which include a range of restaurants and cafes, three swimming pools, a world-class tennis club (where you can often bump into Novak Djokovic), the Six Senses Spa, lush walkways surrounded by tropical greenery and an elegant beach bar and restaurant with beach club sun loungers and day beds.
Perfectly blending traditional Andalusian architecture with Nobu’s signature SoCal-meets-Asia interiors, each of the 81 rooms and suites in Nobu Hotel Marbella is beautifully decorated – think clean lines, earth tones, natural fabrics and laid-back, refined luxury. Most of the rooms gaze out over the lively central plaza and its electric restaurants and bars, but you can also stay in a quieter block within the Puente Romano estate while still being just a short walk away from the party. With a tranquil balcony overlooking a superbly maintained garden, our room felt miles away from the brimming-with-life square, allowing you the option to disappear from the rest of the world without sacrificing all of Nobu’s luxuries. Bathrooms are spacious and airy, with sublime rainfall showers, his-and-hers sinks and luxe Natura Bissé toiletries. As we’re getting ready for dinner in our Nobu kimonos, two different members of staff bring us a glass of the ‘cocktail of the night’, as well as a slice of an incredibly gooey and decadent brownie. What could be a better way to start the night?
Nobu Marbella’s centrepiece is the hotel’s La Plaza courtyard and its exhilarating variety of restaurants and bars. And it’s not just the unmissable world-class Nobu Restaurant serving exquisite Japanese cuisine mixed with local influences (we’re still obsessing over their padrón peppers with miso dressing and sesame seeds as well as the must-try black cod miso) that makes the plaza a foodie’s dream. In addition, you can also dine in Michelin-starred Chef Dani Garcia’s restaurant, indulge in hearty Italian dishes, freshly made Thai specialties or mouth-watering tapas in a cosy brasserie - all whilst gentle Spanish guitar flows from Nobu Lounge at the centre of the courtyard. Finish the night off with a sake cocktail or head straight into the exclusive La Suite nightclub for a night of dancing.
During the day, laze around Nobu Hotel Marbella’s peaceful pool, sip on fresh coconut water or a delicious cocktail (holidays are for day drinking, aren’t they?) and order a poke bowl from the pool menu, which charming waiters will bring to your sunbed.
Offering a complete experience, Nobu Hotel Marbella’s all about the finer things in life and is the perfect place for all those who could use a break from buzzing iPhones, dull boardrooms and cranky clients. Work hard, play harder.
Nobu Hotel Marbella is part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Hotel rooms start from £521 per night including breakfast.
To book your stay, please visit: www.slh.com/nobumarbella
Copenhagen was just ranked 9th in this year’s ‘Most liveable cities in the world’ survey by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). And this doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone! Denmark’s capital is all about enjoying the good life – it regularly tops international happiness surveys and is known as ‘the happiest city in the world’. In addition to being one of the globe’s greenest, cleanest and most sustainable capitals, Copenhagen boasts world-class urban architecture sitting alongside old historic buildings and palaces, picturesque harbours and hip, Scandi-chic cafés and restaurants. With an abundance of things to do and see, the Danish capital is the ideal place for your next city break – promising to exceed your expectations and to teach you how to ‘hygge’.
Where to stay
For a colourful and characterful, yet cosy hotel, stay at the ideally located Absalon Hotel in the upcoming Vesterbro district. Founded in 1938 and still run by the same family, the hotel is only a five-minute walk from Copenhagen’s Central Station and the city’s iconic Tivoli Gardens. Housed in a stunning 19th-century building, it offers 161 modern rooms designed by London-based designer Trisha Guild and featuring lots of colour, exquisite marble bathrooms and organic Karmameju toiletries.
The salon at Absalon Hotel is the perfect room for curling up on one of the deep armchairs dotted around the bright room with a glass of wine. During the day, you’ll find people tapping away on MacBooks or reading a book in the corner while sipping on a latte and as the evening rolls and the colourful open space takes on an all-together different glow, cheerful groups of friends, families and couples flock to the bar for a cocktail after a day of exploring the streets of Copenhagen.
Continental breakfast can be enjoyed in an expansive room just a few steps away from the bar. Expect all of the continental buffet staples with the thoughtful addition of some Danish classics, including freshly baked pastries, local cheese and herring.
Whether you're visiting Copenhagen for business or pleasure, Absalon Hotel’s convenient location, modern décor and truly impeccable service make it a wonderful place to rest your head at night and wake up to in the morning.
For more information, please go to https://www.absalon-hotel.dk/en/
Where to eat
With its Michelin-starred restaurants and clever Nordic cuisine, Copenhagen is known as a true culinary powerhouse. Mielcke & Hurtigkarl’s experimental and exciting menu however, instantly made it our favourite find!
Set in the beautiful Royal Horticultural Gardens, the restaurant promises an experience like no other. Designed to ‘make your taste buds dance’, the chef’s secret tasting menu is arguably the finest and most daring food you’ll find in Copenhagen. From appetisers such as yeast chips and tiny egg-white, meringue-like baguettes filled with mozzarella, tomato and basil, through to the last bite of delicate pistachio cake served on a wooden board accompanied by a printed out poem by Michael Faudet, the dining experience at Mielcke & Hurtigkarl is a gastronomic adventure that resembles a form of art.
With its magnificent high ceilings, white walls and a solitary tree in the centre of the room, the restaurant’s plant-inspired décor is nearly as extraordinary as the food itself. In summer, tables spill out onto a patio terrace in the garden and the atmosphere is so magically laid back that you’d be happy to linger over the extensive number of courses (and the sublime wines paired superbly to complement each dish).
For more information, please go to http://www.mhcph.com/
To make a reservation, please call +45 3834 8436 or email booking@mhcph.com
For our Professional Excellence feature, this month we also reached out to John F. Rizzo - the President and Chief Operating Officer of Deem. He leads the vision and strategy of the company and encourages his team to be innovative rapidly. Here, he introduces us to Deem and tells us about the company’s love for innovation.
Could you explain the concept behind Deem?
Deem is driving to change the way business travel costs are controlled by designing a platform to ensure that employees spend as little as possible to achieve the results they need. This is in contrast to the travel market in general, which is dominated by one player who has grown complacent and focuses on controlling travel costs at the expense report stage, after the trip is complete and the capital has been spent. The world of corporate travel is eager for an alternative that listens and responds fast and is on the side of the traveler, the travel manager and the CFO - all of which are concerned about productivity and cost control. The timing is right for a company like Deem that is tech-smart, market-savvy and hungry.
Our approach is All Business. No Trip. That means that the most difficult part of any business trip is too often the trip itself and this is not what travelling is supposed to be like. Deem makes it painless for the traveler to get down to business without distraction, simpler for the travel manager and management company to keep track of all the moving parts, and easier for partners to get the information they need to stay competitive. The Deem Work Fource platform is designed for the entire business travel ecosystem, using machine learning, artificial intelligence and predictive analytics. Deem’s suite of tools range from a dynamic traveler booking platform, travel manager cost controls, travel agency service technology and supplier revenue opportunities, including the world’s largest car service affiliate network and operator solutions. We have more than 35,000 corporate customers in 61 countries, speaking 15+ languages - including the world’s largest travel management companies. Our headquarters is in San Francisco, but we have people located all around the globe.
What makes the company unique?
Deem is the only company in the corporate travel space that considers each of the constituents in corporate travel – the traveller, the travel manager, the travel management company and the supplier. Most companies focus on just one at the expense of others. The reason why this is important is because if travellers book off platform, costs run wild (studies have shown 15% more costs if booked off a platform), travellers have more hassles, which makes them less productive during the trip. This results in travel managers not being able to control costs and travel management companies not being able to service travellers when things aren’t going well on the trip (i.e. flight delays, overbooked hotels, etc.). At Deem, we create solutions that make life easier for the entire travel ecosystem, saving time, money and hassle.
What would you say are the company’s top priorities towards its clients?
Our main priority is to build dynamic and personalized solutions for the entire travel ecosystem and make every business trip painless. We have created a booking solution so intuitive that it makes the traditional travel and expense process obsolete – our artificial intelligence and machine learning systems do it all for you!
What challenges would you say you and the firm encounter on a regular basis?
At Deem, we are always pushing the pace of innovation. We’re trying to build technologies that don’t exist – there’s a certain level of resistance when you move at this speed.
Another challenge that we face is connected to helping CFO’s think differently about solving cost problems at the front end of the travel process; rather than at final expense report stage when it’s too late.
How are these challenges set to change, in conjunction with the advent of AI and machine learning and the potential future needs of clients?
Thus far, we have been actively incorporating AI into our products over the past year to bring that technology to market today. However, we will need to innovate faster and better, in order to stay ahead of our competitors.
What has been Deem’s biggest achievement in the past year or so?
Releasing our newest platform Deem Work Fource – a seamless travel management and booking platform, is definitely one of our major achievements.
We are also very proud of introducing Intelligent Attach for hotels and car service. This solution increases the likelihood of travelers booking a hotel or car service with their air. This helps significantly with compliance and duty of care (knowing where your employees are is more important in a world that’s increasingly affect by terrorism and upheaval on a global scale) and streamlines the traveler itinerary.
Can you tell us a bit about Deem’s Open Expense solution?
Deem’s Open Expense solution allows us to integrate seamlessly with any expense provider on the market, including ChromeRiver, and others. If a travel management company or corporation is looking for a best in breed solution to their travel management, this allows them to choose exactly the right provider in every case, rather than being forced into using a subpar travel tool that comes along with their expense provider creating travel that's more expensive and includes more hassle.
What’s your outlook for the future of the company?
We’re growing fast, signing new customers who are encouraging us to do more, launching new products and adding global reach. We are hugely optimistic about the future!
Business travel has its own set of wonderful perks. An opportunity to get out of the office and see the world, corporate exploration allows you to do business in a brand-new city, as well as having some fun while you’re out there. But where are the best destinations in which to do business? Here, Irma Hunkeler at BlueGlass, brings you ten places for your consideration.
10. Instanbul
Instanbul, Turkey. Photo: Moyan Brenn/Flickr
It’s a cliche but it’s true: east meets west in Istanbul, and this is particularly true when it comes to business. The city has acted as a central connection point for companies from different ends of the globe, making it one of the world’s most diverse and thriving corporate destinations. It’s also a place full of beautiful ruins, amazing street food and fantastic people. Put your negotiation skills to the test with a haggle at a street market.
Main industries: Textile production, food, oil, electronics
Where to go: Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Aya Sofya
9. Frankfurt
Frankfurt, Germany Photo: Pixabay.com
Long known as a major city for aviation - it has one the largest airports in Europe - Frankfurt is also establishing itself as a place for a number of other industries. With Frankfurt the seat of the European Central Bank, the German city is of international importance when it comes to the European financial services industry. It’s also a fantastic place to come and do business in.
Main industries: Financial services, telecommunications, IT, biotech, creative services
Where to go: Stadel Museum, Kaiserdom, Frankfurt Stock Exchange
8. Hong Kong
Hong Kong Photo: Pixabay.com
Alongside London and New York, city-state Hong Kong is one the globe’s leading business destinations. A combination of the free flow of information and free market policies make it a place conducive to running successful businesses, so it’s not hard to see why so many companies have activities here. What’s more, Asia’s most popular city for international business is one of the least corrupt economies in the world.
Main industries: Financial services, trading, tourism, professional services
Where to go: Victoria PEak, Hong Kong Museum of History, street markets
7. Mexico City
Mexico City, Mexico Photo: Pixabay.com
The heart of the Americas is one of the most thriving corporate destinations in south America. Named as one of the world’s best start-up hubs, Mexico is known as a great place to do business, chiefly because of the city’s sociability. It’s an easy city in which to set up shop and get to know people, so it’s no surprise that companies from the US are starting to call Mexico home.
Main industries: Pharmaceuticals, technology, financial services, manufacturing
Where to go: National Museum of Anthropology, Chichen Itza, Palacio de Bellas Artes.
6. New York
New York City, US Photo: Pixabay.com
Where to start when it comes to the Big Apple? This metropolis is home to companies from every part of the globe. Almost every big name has a presence here, in some form or another. As well as established players, the city also has an emerging start-up scene. After a day spent hustling in Manhattan, head to one of New York’s world-class museums before seeing a Broadway show.
Main industries: Financial services, media, technology
Where to go: Central Park, Empire State Building, Museum of Modern Art
Click next to see our top 5 business destinations
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