American Express has named Adelaide one of the world’s top three emerging international business travel destinations in its latest Amex Trendex: Business Travel Edition report.
The report states “with a surge in corporate travel spending along with commercial developments, Adelaide is cementing its position as a premier business travel destination. The city’s growth is anchored by world-class innovation precincts, alongside record-breaking international transit capacity and major airline route expansions.”
One of South Australia’s key airline expansions bolstering international travel was the first ever direct flights between the USA and South Australia. United Airlines launched services from San Francisco to Adelaide last December – contributing to Adelaide Airport’s busiest year on record.
The report also shows major events are shaping the business travel landscape. Nine-in-ten (93%) business travellers say they will attend major events while travelling for work in 2026, while 84% agree that investing in events helps their company stand out from competitors.
American Express Executive Vice President & General Manager, Global & U.S, Fernando Iraola said, “in a landmark year of sports and cultural events, businesses are using travel to deepen relationships, create memorable client experiences and win new business.”
South Australia is a global leader in acquiring and delivering world-renowned events that drive business travel, such as the biggest LIV Golf event in the tournament’s history, and next year’s MotoGP moving to a historic street circuit.
The research also identified the importance of Artificial Intelligence, with business traveller AI usage nearly doubling year on year as organisations embrace AI and mobile tools to modernise business travel.
As the first state in Australia to establish a dedicated Office for Artificial Intelligence and the recently announced Data Centre Strategy, South Australia is well-placed to leverage this business priority.
The International Trending Business Travel Destinations also included Hyderabad in India and Manchester in United Kingdom among the top three, recognising the cities’ growth in different business-savvy areas like technology, manufacturing, and large-scale events.
The international destinations were selected based on American Express commercial customer transactions with airlines, looking at growth over a 12-month period between 2024 and 2025.
Tourism Minister Emily Bourke said having Adelaide emerge as one of the world’s fastest growing business travel destinations “is testament to our future-focused plan for South Australia.”
“When people travel to Adelaide for business, the flow-on benefits for local businesses and the state’s economy are far reaching, from accommodation and hospitality bookings to local transport companies and tourism operators,” she said.
“The research confirms what we already know, investing in areas like major events and AI innovation is investing in South Australia’s growth, strengthening our standing as a rewarding place to visit, live, and do business.”
Business Events Adelaide CEO Damien Kitto said he was pleased that Adelaide is being recognised globally as a world-class business events destination.
“Our reputation as a clean, green, boutique city is well established, but it’s great to see growing recognition of our expertise in industry sectors of increasing global importance,” he said
“Adelaide offers a unique and affordable setting without the cost and complexity of larger cities, making it easy for business event organisers to deliver world-class events. It’s exactly why more and more of the world’s peak bodies are choosing Adelaide.”
