Bleisure travel is a portmanteau of "business" and "leisure" and refers to a type of travel where people combine work-related travel with leisure activities. In other words, it involves extending a business trip to include some leisure time in the destination. For example, someone might travel to attend a conference or a meeting, but then stay for a few extra days to explore the city or enjoy some recreational activities.
Bleisure travel has become increasingly popular in recent years as more people have started to prioritize work-life balance and seek ways to make business travel more enjoyable. By combining work and leisure, people can make the most of their travel time and potentially save money by not having to make an additional trip for vacation purposes. Additionally, bleisure travel can also help reduce stress and increase job satisfaction by providing a break from the routine of work.
What are the benefits for employers who encourage bleisure travel for their employees?
Encouraging bleisure travel can provide several benefits for employers and employees alike. Some potential benefits of encouraging bleisure travel for employees include:
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Increased job satisfaction: By offering employees the opportunity to mix work and leisure, employers can help boost employee morale and job satisfaction, which can translate into increased productivity and retention.
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Improved work-life balance: Bleisure travel can help employees achieve a better work-life balance by allowing them to combine their professional and personal goals in a single trip, reducing the need for additional time off or personal travel.
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Reduced stress: Travel can be a stressful experience, particularly when it is solely for business purposes. By allowing employees to add some leisure time to their business trips, employers can help reduce the stress associated with travel and provide employees with some much-needed downtime.
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Enhanced networking: Bleisure travel can also provide opportunities for employees to network and build relationships with colleagues or business partners in a more relaxed and informal setting, potentially leading to improved collaboration and business outcomes.
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Cost savings: Combining business and leisure travel can often be more cost-effective than taking separate trips, as employers can save on travel expenses such as airfare, hotel stays, and transportation.
Overall, encouraging bleisure travel can be a win-win for employers and employees, as it can help improve work-life balance, reduce stress, boost job satisfaction, and ultimately benefit the business through increased productivity and improved employee retention.
What are the bleisure travel statistics?
According to a study by Expedia Group Media Solutions in 2018, around 60% of business trips globally were extended for leisure purposes, and 43% of business travelers added leisure activities to their trips. The study also found that bleisure travelers tend to be younger, more tech-savvy, and more likely to be frequent travelers compared to those who only travel for business.
Another study by BridgeStreet Global Hospitality in 2019 found that 66% of business travelers had added leisure activities to their trips, and 60% of those said it had a positive impact on their job performance. The study also found that the top reasons for extending business trips for leisure purposes were to explore a new destination, spend time with family or friends, and to take a break from work.
While there are no current statistics for 2023, it's likely that bleisure travel will continue to be a popular trend, particularly as remote work and flexible schedules become more commonplace.udies have found that younger travelers, particularly those in the millennial and Gen Z age groups, are more likely to be bleisure travelers. According to a study by Expedia Group Media Solutions, 72% of millennial business travelers and 69% of Gen Z business travelers had extended a business trip for leisure purposes, compared to 60% of all business travelers.
The same study also found that bleisure travelers tend to be frequent travelers, with 62% of those who extended their trips for leisure purposes taking three or more business trips per year. Additionally, bleisure travelers are more likely to use digital and mobile tools to book travel, with 82% of those who extended their trips for leisure purposes using online booking tools.
Overall, while bleisure travel is a trend that spans across age groups and professions, younger travelers and frequent travelers tend to be more likely to take advantage of the opportunity to combine business and leisure travel.
Who were more bleisure travelers?
Studies have found that younger travelers, particularly those in the millennial and Gen Z age groups, are more likely to be bleisure travelers. According to a study by Expedia Group Media Solutions, 72% of millennial business travelers and 69% of Gen Z business travelers had extended a business trip for leisure purposes, compared to 60% of all business travelers.
The same study also found that bleisure travelers tend to be frequent travelers, with 62% of those who extended their trips for leisure purposes taking three or more business trips per year. Additionally, bleisure travelers are more likely to use digital and mobile tools to book travel, with 82% of those who extended their trips for leisure purposes using online booking tools.
Overall, while bleisure travel is a trend that spans across age groups and professions, younger travelers and frequent travelers tend to be more likely to take advantage of the opportunity to combine business and leisure travel.
Where are the most traveled bleisure locations?
There are many destinations around the world that are popular among bleisure travelers. Some of the most popular locations for bleisure travel include:
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New York City, USA: A global hub for business and finance, New York City also offers a wealth of leisure activities, from shopping and dining to cultural attractions like museums and Broadway shows.
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London, UK: With a thriving business scene and rich history and culture, London is a popular destination for bleisure travelers. Its many museums, galleries, and theaters offer plenty of opportunities for leisure activities.
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Paris, France: Known as the "City of Light," Paris is a favorite destination for bleisure travelers, with its iconic landmarks, world-class dining, and renowned art museums.
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Tokyo, Japan: As one of the world's most innovative and dynamic business centers, Tokyo also offers a rich cultural experience, with its mix of ancient and modern attractions, including temples, gardens, and museums.
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Sydney, Australia: With its stunning harbor, world-famous beaches, and vibrant cultural scene, Sydney is a top choice for bleisure travelers, offering plenty of opportunities for relaxation and exploration.
Other popular bleisure travel destinations include Shanghai, Beijing, Singapore, Dubai, and Los Angeles. Ultimately, the best bleisure destinations are those that offer a balance of professional opportunities and leisure activities, allowing travelers to make the most of their business trips while enjoying a rewarding and enjoyable travel experience.