Mid-sized Us Cities Dominate Ranking Of Emerging Business Destinations

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American Express has released new travel data revealing emerging cities for business trips, and the results may surprise you. 

In a report released last month, the company analyzed year-over-year growth in hotel and airline transactions among commercial customers.

American Express's report made no mention of bustling coastal markets like New York, Los Angeles or San Francisco, but rather several mid-sized cities were included in list of the emerging business travel areas, a handful of which have experienced population growth in recent years.

According to the company, these cities are rising in popularity as business travel destinations.

A hub for several Fortune 500 companies, like Performance Food Group, CarMax, Altria and Dominion Energy, American Express says it has seen an increase in companies flocking to the southern city due to incentive-based business expansion legislation.

Virginia has exceeded $100 billion in capital investment commitments from company expansions statewide, Gov. Glenn Youngkin said in a news release in March. 

Richmond is undergoing developments in the Richmond Diamond District, which will transform 67 acres into a neighborhood to keep up with demand. Another project will target the City Center Innovation District to accomplish similar goals, making the city more attractive to businesses.

Home to over 240 startups, Columbus has managed to attract several biotech and technology companies specializing in AI innovation. Census data from this year shows Columbus is major driver of growth in the Midwest, with a growing population that nears 1 million.

Charleston, known for its stunning beaches and charming historic architecture, has experienced a boom of tech, aerospace and automotive companies flocking to set up hubs there, Amex notes. It recently hit a record of $14.03 billion generated from tourism in 2024, a 7.1% increase from the prior year and businesses are taking notice.

Ingevity, a company that markets and manufactures specialty chemicals, announced last year it is investing $53 million over five years in its Charleston County manufacturing facility. 

"Ingevity’s $53.3 million investment in their Charleston County facility underscores their confidence in our community," said Charleston County Council Chairman Herbert Ravenel Sass III at the time of the announcement.

"This significant commitment reflects the strength of our partnership and highlights Charleston County as a leader in fostering innovation and sustainable growth."

This city experienced rapid growth during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. According to moving data from HireAHelper, four times as many people moved to Boise, Idaho than left it in 2020. The migration primarily stemmed from people in western states moving to the area.

In 2020, the city’s population was about 230,000 and has since increased to roughly 237,000.

That rapid increase has business leaders setting up shop in the city, with companies in the software, cleantech and outdoor lifestyle industries expanding their presence in Boise. 

Walkability, a compact layout, and unique culture is what’s driving business to New Orleans, American Express reports. Additionally, city leaders have taken steps to increase ongoing infrastructure enhancements at local venues. Those investments are expected to attract more conventions, create jobs and boost the local economy.

Last week, 1834 Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm, announced the launch of the inaugural $20 million fund to invest in startups found by alumni of Tulane University, one of the city’s universities, further bolstering economic mobility. 

1834 Ventures is channeling the funds into Louisiana "with the goal of building a more vibrant startup ecosystem" and "diversifying the state’s economy," according to a news release from Louisiana Economic Development.

Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter at USA TODAY. Reach her at mdelrey@usatoday.com