Business travellers do mix business with pleasure, reveals survey

If the phrase business travel conjures up images of lugging your laptop from destination to destination and hotel room to hotel room, it may be time to think again.

According to a recent survey from Homewood Suites by Hilton business, travellers spend an average of 34% of their time holed up in their hotel accommodation, with the rest of their time dedicated to enjoying the delights of the local area.

The 2014 Workstyles Study revealed that the "bleisure" - mixing business with leisure - trend is alive and well with more than half (55%) of business travellers spending their holiday cash on local activities.

In fact, 62% of business travellers revealed that they would extend their business trips simply to get a better experience of their destination.

Once out and about in their business destination of choice travellers are likely to spend their hard earned money on the following types of leisure activities:

• Dining out - 45%
• Sporting events - 18%
• Museums and art galleries - 17%

To demonstrate the importance of carving out leisure time on a business trip, 55% of business travellers revealed that they chose hotel locations that allow them to walk to local entertainment venues.

Commenting on the figures, Christian Kuhn, vice president of marketing for Homewood Suites by Hilton, said:

"Homewood Suites is seeing that many of our business travel guests are taking extra steps in planning trips to make sure they have opportunity to experience and discover what makes their destinations unique."

Further figures from the survey revealed that business travellers are keen to have a home from home experience even when travelling, with internet connectivity (87%) and bed/pillows (80%) named as the two in-room amenities helping business travellers achieve a sense of comfort and relaxation.

More than three quarters (76%) of travellers also revealed that they kept up with their fitness routines while away, building exercise into their time on the road.

If you are heading away on a business trip, it is important to organise business travel insurance in advance.

Date Created: 04/11/2014