Bleisure travel, a combination of “business” and “leisure,” refers to a type of travel where individuals combine a business trip with leisure or personal travel. In this type of travel, a person might extend a work-related trip to a destination by adding a few extra days for tours, leisure activities, exploration, or relaxation.
Here are some key aspects of bleisure travel and its impact on the hospitality industry:
- Business and Leisure Fusion: Bleisure travel blurs the lines between business and leisure. Travellers take advantage of a work-related trip to experience a new destination and its attractions. This can include activities like themed sightseeing ie movie tours , private tours, cultural exploration, or relaxation in the same location where their business meetings or conferences are held.
- Extended Stays: Bleisure travelers typically extend their stay beyond the duration of their work commitments. For example, if someone has a two-day conference, they might stay an additional two to three days for leisure purposes. This extension can lead to increased bookings for tour operators , hotels and accommodations.
- Economic Impact: The hospitality industry benefits from bleisure travel, as it increases occupancy rates and revenue. Since bleisure travellers are often willing to spend on dining, entertainment, and other leisure activities, they can contribute significantly to the local economy.
- Diverse Travel Experiences: Bleisure travel allows travellers to experience a city or a country’s culture in a more comprehensive way. They get a taste of both the professional aspects ( like conferences or meetings) and the local culture, which can lead to more positive travel memories and a greater likelihood of returning as leisure travellers in the future.
- Changing Hotel Amenities: The hospitality industry is adapting to cater to bleisure travellers. Hotels and accommodations are offering amenities that appeal to both business and leisure travelers, such as conference facilities and recreational activities. They might also provide flexible check-in/check-out times to accommodate travellers’ varied schedules.
- Customized Services: Tour operators can offer customised tours based on a number of different themes , such as movies or particular TV shows including Outlander or Game of Thrones . Some hotels and travel companies are tailoring packages specifically for bleisure travellers. These packages may include discounted rates, access to leisure activities, or complimentary services like airport transfers.
- Technological Advancements: Technology plays a significant role in catering to bleisure travellers. Apps and platforms that provide information about local tours , attractions, restaurant recommendations, and transportation options are in demand, as these travellers often use technology to plan their leisure activities.
- Work-Life Balance: Bleisure travel also aligns with the growing focus on work-life balance. Employers may encourage their employees to take advantage of bleisure opportunities as a way to promote well-being and reduce the stress associated with business travel. A private tour at the end of a business conference can be an effective way of winding down from a stressful work experience .
- sustainable travel : it’s not surprising that more and more people are looking for more sustainable alternatives. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and the Trip.com Group say that 69% of travellers are actively seeking sustainable travel options in 2023 – and there’s no sign of that trend slowing down.
- transformational trips : Many travellers today don’t want to come back from their holiday less fit and healthy than when they left – they want to return a better version of themselves. As a result, there’s a growing trend for seeking out holidays and trips that combine experiences that boost our health and wellbeing, and even our knowledge. Think cultural tours, movie and TV themed tours , distillery tours , yoga or meditation retreats , Highlands explorations and cooking holidays.
In summary, bleisure travel is transforming the hospitality industry by expanding the range of services, tours and amenities offered to meet the needs of travellers who are looking to combine work and leisure. This trend is fostering economic growth and encouraging a more balanced approach to business travel, benefiting both travellers and the destinations they visit.
