You can describe it as an achievement against all odds. In spite of all the civic problems, from potholes to water scarcity, the city ranks the #1 business travel destination in the country. In fact, Bangalore ranks #12 worldwide.
Bangalore emerged as the most visited city in India for business travel among the 25 most-visited cities worldwide followed by Mumbai at 20 in terms of number of overnight hotel stays, according to the latest release of Concur Expense IQ Report. Concur is a leading provider of integrated travel and expense management solutions for companies.
It's not that the "garbage city" label may not have had a bearing at all. The "garden city" dropped from rank 11 in 2011 to 12 in 2012, with the average spend also dropping from around $258 to around $227 for categories of lodging, ground transport, dining, and entertainment. On the other hand, Mumbai maintained its position at rank 20. However, the total average spend there dropped from approx. $255 to approx. $238.
Yet, in terms of average transaction amount, Bangalore stood last at no. 25 with $227.83 and Mumbai at no. 23 with $238.37. The above average transaction amount has fallen in 2012 as compared to 2011 for both cities, with Bangalore declining from $258.7 in 2011 to $227.83 in 2012 and Mumbai declining from $255.18 in 2011 to $238.37.
Concur urges observers to read between the lines here – it is important to note here that though the spending in dollar terms has declined, the actual spending in rupees may have actually increased owing to the 12.4% decline of the rupee in the said period.
The top 10 cities are London, Shanghai, Singapore, Beijing, Tokyo, Toronto, Hong Kong, Paris, Mexico City, and São Paulo. The amount of money spent by a business traveller in London is more than twice of what s/he might spend in Bangalore: $514.69 vs $227.83.
The spend data was analysed for nine nations worldwide: the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia and India. To augment the analysis, Concur asked IDC, a global market intelligence firm, to provide additional insight on the data. Their insights provide important context for the numbers, to give an even more complete picture of the global T&E environment.
Elizabeth Chapman
US-born entrepreneur based in Bangalore
When considering major cities in India, each has its own personality and association. Delhi is the place for government; Chennai, Diplomacy; Mumbai, Bollywood, etc. Bangalore is for business.
Attracted by a business-friendly climate literally requiring less opex on heating and cooling than other parts of the country, as well as a well-educated, English-speaking talent pool that can interact globally; it's no wonder that so many domestic and MNCs have made Namma Bengaluru their home.
The new airport (BIAL) and housing options at every level have improved access drastically in the last few years. This makes not only coming to Bangalore to do business, but doing business with Bangalore much easier.
The city has become a magnet for the country and world's best and brightest seeking to make a name for themselves. And with all it has to offer after the workday--vibrant social scene, great arts, young, energetic vibe--it's a great choice. Bangalore is booming!
BIAL spokesperson
Bangalore's growing prominence as a business hub is clearly evident in our passenger profile. Over 80% travellers through the Bengaluru international airport are business travellers, with a significant majority being repeat passengers. We have noticed that with a growing number of international and domestic airlines connecting to Bangalore, the city is indeed a gateway to south India for business and leisure.
