Houston continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and growth as a leading business travel destination in the United States. With strong group hotel performance and efficient, business-focused airports, the city is solidifying its position as a vital hub for business, corporate meetings, and conventions.
In a recent article put out by Business Traveler, Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) ranked 5th overall domestically as a top airport for business travel. IAH scored 7.31 out of 10, when evaluating several key metrics that affect business travel, including number of direct flights, Skytrax Airport ratings, lounges, availability of rental vehicles, and distance from downtown. Airports ahead of Houston include Atlanta, Seattle, Miami and Los Angeles.
The connectivity of IAH is proving to be a compelling incentive for business travelers and is reflected in hotel group demand. According to the most recent September figures, group demand is up in several key Houston submarkets inside the loop, as well as near Bush Intercontinental Airport. The Medical Center/NRG submarket showed the most significant group demand gains in September, gaining almost 34% in demand, or rooms sold, over last year. Though not as drastic, the Downtown, Uptown/Greenway Plaza, and IAH Airport submarkets all gained 6%, 2% and 5% in YOY demand, respectively.
Last year, an estimated 16% of overnight trips to Houston were for business travel, according to a report put out by Longwoods International –that’s about 4% higher than the U.S. average. With a strong convention schedule this year at the George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston can expect to see similar numbers in the current year.
Written by Megan Henson
