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Greater Richmond emerges as viable hub for business travelers – Forbes
May 8, 2026
Richmond, VA along with other mid-sized cities, have been grinding out their fair share of the business travel market over the last several years.
Major cities such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Atlanta continue to attract a large portion of business travelers. However, mid-sized cities have been grinding out their fair share of the business travel market over the last several years with such destinations as Charleston, SC, Richmond, VA and Boise, ID emerging as viable hubs for business travelers.
According to an American Express survey, a commitment to business travel is based on its proven value: 93% of companies agree they can attribute business growth to in-person meetings and events, and 87% of travelers say their client relationships benefit more from in-person interactions than virtual meetings. Nine in ten companies agree that having greater control over travel spending is increasingly important amid today’s evolving business landscape, with 60% expecting their company’s focus on optimizing budget to intensify further in the next 12 months.
Business travelers and companies surveyed indicated that growth options are driving business travel, stating that maintaining or getting more time with clients (64%) and new or more business (59%) were top reasons for business travel to increase or stay the same over the next 12 months. This stands true even with external forces at play, with nine-in-ten senior business leaders across decision-makers (92%) and travelers (88%) noting it’s still worth traveling for in-person meetings despite the evolving business environment.
Fernando Iraola, Executive Vice President, Global & US Large Enterprises, American Express:
- “We are seeing a rise in business travel to Richmond, Charleston and Boise, where growing talent pools and thriving industries like aerospace, tech and semiconductor manufacturing are attracting significant corporate investment. The increase in business travel to mid-size cities like these underscores that being there in-person is still the gold standard to drive business growth.”
- “Business travel is no longer a choice between growth and cost control; with the right technology, it’s both. Whether through virtual cards or seamless expense management platforms, businesses are turning to payments and expense management technology to help manage costs and keep employee travels smooth.”
- “Business travel is no longer just about being on-the-ground, it’s about proving that every trip has a clear and defined outcome. Our Amex Trendex survey found a clear focus on ROI, with 66% of companies tracking sales and 60% monitoring client feedback specifically stemming from business travel, proving that in today’s evolving business environment, business travel must be driven by measurable business outcomes.”
Richmond, Virginia
Already business-friendly and home to several Fortune 500 companies, Richmond is emerging as a major business travel hub thanks to incentive-based business expansion legislation, workforce development programs and a breadth of companies selecting the state for relocation and expansion. Significant economic developments are also underway in the Richmond Diamond District and City Center Innovation District, helping to make Richmond an ideal location for businesses to grow their footprint.
Katherine O’Donnell, President & CEO, Richmond Region Tourism, says, “The Richmond Region sits at the intersection of accessibility, affordability and innovation. As companies look beyond the largest metros for meetings, events and corporate travel, mid-sized destinations like Richmond are delivering exactly what business travelers need including excellent venues, a dynamic culinary and cultural scene, and the ability to connect with a region that’s experiencing real economic momentum. We’re seeing a clear shift toward mid-sized regions that offer the infrastructure of major markets but with greater ease and authenticity. The Richmond Region embodies that balance. Business travelers can host impactful meetings and also experience a thriving arts, food and history scene.”
Read the rest at Forbes.com >
Photograph by: David Vinson
