AI and renewable energy investment impacting corporate travel as demand for US West Coast grows

Andrea Thompson

ByAndrea Thompson

September 4, 2025

SilverDoor’s latest Quarterly Market Update reveals a sharp rise in corporate housing demand across the US West Coast, Dubai, and emerging tech and energy hubs, as global business travel patterns shift in response to AI, renewables, and economic diversification.

Corporate travel is undergoing a strategic realignment, with high-growth sectors and shifting economic priorities reshaping where—and how—businesses house their people. According to SilverDoor’s newly published Quarterly Market Update, demand for serviced apartments across the US West Coast has surged by 44% year-on-year for the last quarter, driven by expanding footprints in AI and machine learning across Seattle, Silicon Valley and California.

At the same time, New York City—long a staple of corporate mobility—has seen a notable decline. Enquiries for the city dropped by 29% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year, with rising average daily rates (ADR) and political uncertainty ahead of the November mayoral election cited as contributing factors. The city has now been displaced by Dubai in SilverDoor’s top five global destinations for corporate demand, which currently stand as:

  1. London
  2. Singapore
  3. Madrid
  4. Amsterdam
  5. Dubai

Further south in the US, Houston has emerged as a cost-effective alternative, with bookings up 58% year-on-year. The city’s appeal lies in its lower operating costs, favourable tax environment, and significantly reduced ADR compared to New York—making it a strategic choice for corporates diversifying beyond traditional hubs.

Across APAC, the ripple effects of global AI investment are being felt in Taiwan and Tokyo. Taiwan’s semiconductor sector has driven a 600% increase in bookings, while Tokyo has seen a 154% rise, fuelled by growth in cloud services and tech infrastructure. Singapore, while still strong, is showing signs of softening, with a 10% decline in demand and a 13.5% drop in ADR.

In EMEA, the renewable energy sector is reshaping demand patterns, particularly in Spain. Coastal cities such as Bilbao, Valencia and Zaragoza are seeing significant growth linked to investment in solar and offshore wind. Bilbao bookings rose 50% last quarter, Valencia saw a 380% increase in room nights, and Zaragoza bookings grew five-fold compared to the same period in 2024.

Dubai’s ascent into the top five is underpinned by a 65% year-on-year rise in bookings, driven by extended stays and relocation assignments from the financial, legal and pharmaceutical sectors—all of which are expanding their presence in the Middle East.

Commenting on the findings, Martin Klima, Chief Customer Officer at SilverDoor, said:
“These latest demand trends reflect a wider shift in corporate travel and operating policies. As businesses balance growth against geopolitical and economic factors, diversifying locations is proving to be a strategic move. The rise of AI, technology and renewable energy is not only influencing where companies invest—it’s reshaping how they accommodate their people.”

Klima also noted a growing preference among corporate travellers for consistency and familiarity in serviced accommodation: “Guests are increasingly loyal to operators they trust, especially for longer stays. With more brands offering consistent service across multiple markets, we’re seeing the potential for deeper loyalty across the sector.”

The full SilverDoor Quarterly Market Update is available to read now. Figures are based on booking data from May to July 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

Andrea Thompson

ByAndrea Thompson

Andrea can be found either in the Travelling For Business office or around the globe enjoying a city break, visiting new locations or sampling some of the best restaurants all work related of course!