Ask Skift: What Are Key Trends in Blended Travel?
25.09.2024 - 20:45
/ skift.com
/ Rashaad Jorden
/ Ask Skift
The number of travelers combining business and leisure trips has increased in recent years in large part due to the rise in remote work, and the boom in blended travel is expected to continue. The market could potentially be worth $731.4 billion globally by 2032.
So what are trends in blended travel?
We posed the question to Ask Skift 2.0, our recently upgraded answer engine. Ask Skift now reads complete articles for deeper understanding and delivers more detailed answers. The AI chatbot used information appearing in our past news coverage, and we also did additional reporting.
Blended travel, which combines business and leisure trips, continues to evolve as a significant trend in the travel industry. Here are some key trends shaping blended travel in 2024:
Health and Well-being Priority: Business travelers are increasingly prioritizing their health and well-being. This shift is leading to more deliberate travel planning, with travelers opting for more comfortable and less stressful travel arrangements. Companies and hotels are adapting by offering amenities that support wellness, such as ergonomic workspaces, fitness equipment like Peloton machines, and services aimed at reducing jet lag and stress.
Extended Stays: There is a notable increase in demand for extended-stay accommodations, driven by long-term projects in infrastructure and tech. Hotels are expanding their offerings to cater to this segment, with brands like Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and Wyndham launching new extended-stay hotel brands. These accommodations often include amenities like full kitchens to better serve long-term guests.
Hybrid Work Influence: The rise of hybrid work models is fueling the trend of blended travel. Many business travelers are extending their trips to include leisure time, taking advantage of the flexibility offered by remote work arrangements. This trend is particularly strong during traditional shoulder nights, contributing to increased room night demand.
Seasonal Blended Travel: While the prevalence of blended travel has decreased somewhat from its peak in 2022, it remains a seasonal phenomenon. Families are more likely to blend business trips with leisure travel during school holidays and summer vacations.
Technological Integration: New software and dashboards are being used by travel professionals to monitor the well-being and productivity of business travelers. These tools help identify stressors and optimize travel plans to ensure travelers remain effective and healthy during their trips.
Safety and Security: Safety continues to be a significant concern for business travelers. Many have had to change accommodations due to safety issues, highlighting the need for companies to consider the safety of travel