Leisure travel, whether exploring historic sites in Europe, enjoying Germany’s cities, or unwinding by the sea, offers a refreshing break. 

On the other hand, corporate work trips are usually fast and focused, with no space for personal time. But the travel industry is undergoing a shift. Today, business travel often includes a leisure component with itineraries that include opportunities to focus on traveller well-being and personal enjoyment— in part to combat employee burnout. Travellers can combine business with sightseeing, and even fit in remote work. 

This blend of work and personal time — also known as bleisure travel — brings well-being to the forefront, reshaping the corporate travel experience entirely. Want to know more about how corporate and leisure travel intersect? Keep reading—we've got all the insights you need.

Bleisure travel; mixing business with leisure

Expedia’s 2023 report found that 76% of business travellers were planning on taking a bleisure trip, with millennials at the forefront of this new travel trend. The wants and needs of business and leisure travellers are becoming less distinct, and while ‘bleisure’ may rival ‘Brexit’, ‘bromance’, and ‘chillax’ as one of the most irritating portmanteaus of the century, the trend is certainly here to stay.

Advancements in technology have given business travellers more control and connectivity while on the road, transforming the traditional corporate travel experience. With more leisure time to pursue personal interests, and businesses placing a bigger emphasis on employee wellness and personalised travel experiences, leisure is now a key aspect of performance optimisation.

From creative team bonding getaways to tailor-made packages with unique business traveller experiences in mind, modern companies are no longer just thinking about safety, security, and comfort. These companies offer memorable experiences while also creating loyal, satisfied, and inspired teams.

The shift in the business accommodation industry is a key driver of the rise of bleisure travel. Airbnb for Work allows business travellers to embrace the sharing economy, changing the concept of traditional business trips. Not only can employees enjoy their own kitchen and leisure space, but they can also explore different parts of any given city.

It’s not just Airbnb shaking things up; hotels are pushing boundaries too, using technology to elevate the business accommodation experience. From state-of-the-art gyms to virtual travel assistants, and the use of AI and machine learning to streamline processes, the modern hospitality industry is undergoing an important transformation.

Maximise employee travel experiences by blending business and personal travel — check out our guide on successful bleisure travel policies.

Business vs leisure travel; what are the key differences?

Despite the growing overlap, there is still a clear divide between leisure and business travel. All industry professionals, from accommodation experts to corporate travel managers, want to deliver great travel experiences, but to do so, they must recognise the key differences between both types of travel.

What business travellers want:

From the analogue era to today’s digital age, business travellers have depended on a few fundamentals:

• Location: The ability to easily get from A to B is essential for business travellers. An easy commute between accommodation and meetings also saves time and money.
• Amenities: On a business trip, basics like good coffee, a nutritious breakfast, and access to a hot shower are simple but crucial elements to kick-start the day.
• Facilities on demand: Whether it’s room service, in-room entertainment, or relaxation options, business travel accommodation must deliver a home-from-home experience for those on the road.
• Loyalty programs: Regulars at certain hotels or frequent flyers know the value of loyalty rewards. Extra comfort, upgrades, service perks, and lower costs are a huge plus. 40% of business travellers are even willing to choose a loyalty program that offers more personalised experiences.
• Connection: Staying connected is essential. Good hotel wifi, a decent workspace, a smartphone, and conference call options are indispensable.

Discover how TravelPerk enabled Ampa to enhance employees’ work-life balance by giving them the independence to manage their own travel booking.

What leisure travellers want:

Leisure travellers often consider certain factors —like downtime and activities for leisure purposes— that aren’t so important in the corporate travel world.

• Value for money: Without corporate resources, most leisure travellers prefer to spend less than business travellers, often spending more time looking for hotel deals that align with their budget and number of vacation days. They might also opt for cheaper Airbnb stays and use online booking tools in their search—although businesses are also embracing both of these methods, too.
• Reviews and recommendations: With easy access to online reviews, leisure travel decisions are now largely driven by ratings. Leisure travellers rely on websites like TripAdvisor for feedback on hotels, restaurants, bars, and things to do with their vacation time. Reviews also play a key role on Airbnb, which continues to soar in popularity. 
• Packages and special deals: Leisure travellers are more likely to rely on hoteliers and travel agencies who can offer a variety of packages with an array of leisure activities. From family outings and romantic getaways to walking tours and tourist attractions,  these packages give leisure travellers an incentive to use a travel agent or book directly with a hotel instead of organising trips themselves.

Personalisation: catering to a new generation of travellers

Leisure and business travel experience is changing fast, and it’s clear there’s no going back. The key catalyst? Personalisation.

With advancements in data collection and analysis, companies now have the tools to deliver a more tailored travel experience. And the new generation of travellers expect immersive travel experiences that align with their personal life. 

This shift is especially appealing to business travellers. By combining business with the leisure part of their trips, they can enjoy longer stays, incorporating remote work with time for exploration and relaxation. The result? Opportunities for personal and professional growth, development, and sustainability—all while enjoying a good work-life balance.