What's Happening?
Bleisure travel, a blend of business and leisure travel, is gaining popularity among business travelers. According to the Global Business Traveler Association, 37% of North American-based business travelers extended work trips for leisure in 2017. The trend is particularly popular among younger generations, with seven out of ten business travelers aged 25-30 expressing interest in extending work trips for mini vacations. The hospitality industry is responding by offering longer stays and higher traveler satisfaction through tailored packages and loyalty programs. Hoteliers are encouraged to promote bleisure travel early in the booking process and offer perks such as discounted rates for extended stays or complimentary meals.
Why It's Important?
The rise of bleisure travel presents significant opportunities for the hospitality industry. By catering to bleisure travelers, hotels can increase occupancy rates and enhance customer loyalty. This trend also reflects a broader shift towards integrating work and personal life, as employees seek to maximize their travel experiences. Companies that support bleisure travel may see improved employee satisfaction and retention, as it offers a cost-effective way to enhance work-life balance. The trend also highlights the importance of adapting travel policies to accommodate the blending of business and leisure, which can lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction.
What's Next?
As bleisure travel continues to grow, hotels and travel companies are likely to expand their offerings to attract more bleisure travelers. This may include developing specialized packages that cater to both business and leisure needs, as well as enhancing amenities such as coworking spaces and wellness programs. Companies may also need to address liability and duty of care implications associated with bleisure travel, ensuring that employees are safe and supported during their extended stays. The trend is expected to drive innovation in the travel industry, as businesses seek to capitalize on the growing demand for integrated travel experiences.
