London, Madrid, Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Paris are the most sought-after cities for business gatherings in EMEA for the year ahead, according to the latest data from American Express Global Business Travel.
The 2026 Meetings & Events Forecast sheds light on evolving business travel preferences and what’s driving those choices.
London retains its crown as Europe’s top meetings destination, praised for its international accessibility, diverse venue portfolio and rich culture. Survey respondents frequently cited the strong transport links and dynamic business environment as why they chose it as a top city destination.
The only new entrant to the EMEA list is Amsterdam, recognised for its rich local experiences, innovative venues, and walkability.
The forecast also revealed that Las Vegas overtakes Chicago as the go-to destination for corporate meetings in North America, with new entrant Orlando in fourth place. In LATAM, Mexico City soars to the top, driven by its accessibility and cost effectiveness, while in APAC, Singapore and Tokyo hold steady, as Hong Kong rises in the ranks.
The top destinations list was a result of an internal survey with Amex GBT’s own meetings professionals who selected their top meetings and events destinations (by region) based on the following criteria: Ease of travel and transportation for attendees; Cost-effectiveness for both organizers and participants; Physical safety and security; Recent public investments and local attractions; Ability to deliver a robust attendee experience because of standout attributes; and ESG/Sustainability attributes.