A major hub for business travel, Charlotte Douglas International Airport is ranked among the world’s busiest airports. | Photo by CLTairport
Going to work or traveling to Charlotte? It’s becoming one in the same as the Queen City is experiencing a business travel resurgence.
CLTtoday learned exclusively from leading business travel companies Corporate Traveler and FCM Travel that Charlotte is one of the top destinations for business travel from July to September— ranking 16th in the country.
But wait, there’s more. The city has experienced the largest year-over-year growth out of all the cities ranked in the top 20, up 18%, with more corporate travelers starting to visit Charlotte.
“With traveler confidence on the rise, more and more business travelers have been embracing the return to the road and visiting the Queen City, which has emerged as a dynamic hub for business activity and growth,” said Billy McDonough, FCM Travel President for the Americas.
A healthy job market continues to drive young business professionals to the Charlotte region.
Photo courtesy of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
Charlotte outpaced other major US cities, including Atlanta and Dallas in terms of year-to-year increases. The data was sourced through an analysis of flights booked from July through September, compared to the same time period last year.
“Given its favorable location in the Southeast and being home to a major international airport, Charlotte has seen an influx in corporate travelers from all over the country, further strengthening its appeal as a business travel destination,” added McDonough.
A major renovation project is happening at Charlotte Douglas to accommodate a recent rise in business travelers.
Photo by CLTtoday
The city is working to meet this business travel influx. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is in the thick of a massive renovation project known as Destination CLT. The six-year project — which includes a lobby expansion, a 146,000-sqft glass canopy, and a recently-debuted concourse — is scheduled to be finished in 2025. The $4 billion upgrade will accommodate an estimated 2.8 million travelers a year.
Welcome to Charlotte.
Events
Events
Tuesday, Oct. 29
RunBots Run Club | Tuesday, Oct. 29 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Wooden Robot Brewery | Cost of purchase | Take advantage of the fall weather with a long run and a well-earned drink.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Toronto Raptors | Wednesday, Oct. 30 | 7 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $17+ | Help Buzz City score a win when the Hornets have home court advantage.
Opera Carolina: Andrea Bocelli in Concert | Wednesday, Oct. 30 | 7:30 p.m. | Belk Theatre | $150 | Marvel at the voice oftheworld-renowned Italian tenor before it’s “Time to Say Goodbye.”
Thursday, Oct. 31
Halloween Sip & Stroll-Plaza Midwood | Thursday, Oct. 31 | 5-10 p.m. | Sip City Market & Bottle Shop | $22 | Join a spooky evening of sipping drinks and strolling through Plaza Midwood in your best costume.
Thursday Night at the Museum: Creepy Collections Highlights| Thursday, Oct. 31 | 6-8 p.m. |The Charlotte Museum of History | Cost of purchase | Explore strange historical artifacts unveiled for a special Halloween showcase + sip drinks from a cash bar.
Harry’s Halloween Craft Cocktail Class | Thursday, Oct. 31 | 7-9 p.m. | Harry’s Grille & Tavern - Ayrsley | $50 | Stir up spirits during this fun-filled craft cocktail class + dinner.
All aboard. The NC Railroad Company received a $170 million grant to help upgrade and boost capacity of the rail line between Charlotte and Raleigh (hey, RALtoday). This means faster train service between the Queen City and the City of Oaks. (The News & Observer)
Community
The American Red Cross is looking for volunteers for ongoing relief effort in western North Carolina. Volunteers are needed to help serve meals and clean shelters. Eight shelters across seven counties remain open for 300 people. (WCNC)
Development
Vertical constructions begins this year on Metropolitan, a 27-story, 280-unit apartment tower at the corner of Metropolitan Avenue and South Kings Drive in South End. The luxury high rise featuring penthouses, a swimming pool, and outdoor bar is expected to open in early 2027. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Open
Sushi restaurant Oshen opens today at The Colony Place shopping center in south Charlotte. The menu features hibachi and many non-seafood options. Walk-ins are fine for lunch, but consider booking a dinner reservation this week. (The Charlotte Observer)
Eat
Speaking of lunch. Food trucks are rolling into the Overlook at Charlotte Douglas International Airport during the month of November. Visitors can enjoy Wheels Pizza this Friday and Donut NV on Sunday. The Overlook is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Seasonal
A North Carolina Christmas tree is heading to the White House. The prized tree from Cartner’s Christmas Tree Farm in Newland won the 2024 Grand Champion growers at the National Christmas Tree Contest. The tree’s harvest happens Wednesday, Nov. 20 before being presented to the First Lady in DC (WCNC)
Sports
Hey, Niner Nation. ESPN’s Matt Barrie is hosting SportsCenter live from the CHHS Quad at UNC Charlotte this Thursday at 2 p.m. before the Niners’ match up vs. Tulane. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.
Listen
After Sunday’s loss to the Broncos, who should be the Panthers’ starting quarterback? Go beyond the locker room for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Health
Noise filtering, nearly invisible, rechargeable, long-lasting: Check, check, check, and check. This tiny hearing device turns noise into clarity, isolating the voices you care about for crystal-clear convos.*
We’re looking for a rising star media seller to be our Sales Executive in charge of National Brand Partnerships with a primary focus on sports newsletters. Apply to join the 6AM City team.
Category
Transit
🚲 One last ride
Charlotte Joy Rides’ station-based, docked bike share system rolled into Uptown back in 2012. | Photo via Uptown Charlotte
The end of the road is approaching for Charlotte Joy Rides’ e-assist bike share system. The City of Charlotte and Charlotte Center City Partners announced Charlotte Joy Rides will operate through Tuesday, Dec. 31. Once 2025 arrives, Charlotte Joy Rides will permanently end the system and bikes will be removed across the city.
The system launched in 2012 with 200 bikes and 24 docks, offering Charlotteans accessible transportation across Uptown and South End. The program peaked to 343 bikes and 33 stations — a 58% increase.
“This successful bike share program significantly changed the culture of biking, advanced adoption of improvements in the city’s bike infrastructure and moved Charlotte toward our vision of becoming a ‘city of bikes,” said Michael Smith, CEO of Charlotte Center City Partners.
No need to fear, bike enthusiasts. Wheels will return when the city transitions to an independent, dockless system in 2025.
The Buy
The Buy
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