Bleisure travel market expected to see good growth

The bleisure travel market size, valued at $315.30 billion in 2022, is expected to reach $731.4 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 8.9% from 2023 to 2032, according to a new report.

 

Bleisure travel refers to trips where individuals combine business travel with leisure activities. Typically, these travellers extend their work trips to explore the destination, relax, or spend time with family and friends. This trend has been embraced by a wide range of professionals, from business executives attending conferences to remote workers who can operate from anywhere.

 

Key trends 

Rise of remote and hybrid work models: The rise of remote work and hybrid work models has significantly contributed to the growth of the bleisure travel market. Many professionals are no longer tied to a traditional office setting, which allows them the flexibility to work from various locations. Remote workers often seize the opportunity to turn work trips into leisure getaways by combining business tasks with personal travel, making bleisure travel a natural extension of their work-life routine.

 

Changing work culture and flexibility: Companies are becoming more flexible with their travel policies, recognising the benefits of allowing employees to extend business trips for personal purposes. Employers are increasingly supportive of the bleisure concept, as it can reduce travel burnout, increase employee satisfaction, and boost productivity. This cultural shift in how business travel is perceived has made bleisure more appealing for both employers and employees.

 

Technological advancements: The growing availability of technology has made it easier for professionals to stay connected and productive while travelling. High-speed internet, mobile devices, and cloud-based collaboration tools enable business travellers to work efficiently from virtually anywhere. As a result, many professionals feel comfortable blending work with leisure activities during their trips, knowing they can maintain productivity with minimal disruption.

 

Growing bleisure destinations: Urban centres, as well as popular tourist destinations, are positioning themselves as bleisure-friendly locations by offering a mix of business amenities and leisure attractions. Cities like New York, London, Singapore, and Tokyo have become hubs for bleisure travel, as they offer both thriving business districts and numerous cultural, entertainment, and dining experiences.

 

Growth drivers of bleisure market

Millennial and Gen Z Travellers: Younger generations, particularly millennials and Gen Z, are driving the demand for bleisure travel. These travellers prioritise experiences and work-life balance, often seeking to explore new destinations as part of their professional journeys. For many, travel is not just about work or leisure-it's about integrating both. These generations are also more likely to embrace remote and flexible work opportunities, further fueling the bleisure trend.

 

Cost efficiency for travellers and companies: Bleisure travel can often save money for both travellers and companies. Business travellers who extend their trips for leisure purposes might cover additional expenses like accommodation or food, which reduces the overall cost burden on the company. At the same time, travellers can save on airfare by combining work and leisure trips rather than booking separate journeys.

 

Travel infrastructure and services: Airports, hotels, and other travel-related infrastructure are increasingly designed with the bleisure traveller in mind. Business lounges, co-working spaces, fast Wi-Fi, and leisure-focused services (like hotel spas or guided city tours) cater to this growing segment. Travel companies are also introducing loyalty programs and special offers for bleisure travelers, further encouraging the trend.

 

Challenges in the bleisure market

Blurred lines: While the idea of combining work and leisure can be appealing, it can also lead to challenges in maintaining boundaries. Travellers may find it difficult to fully switch off from work, leading to a lack of relaxation during the leisure portion of their trip. Similarly, some employers may struggle to trust that employees are balancing work commitments effectively while travelling.

 

Travel policy compliance: Companies need to establish clear policies for bleisure travel to avoid misunderstandings or misuse of corporate resources. Defining what portion of the trip is considered business-related and what is personal can help prevent conflicts. Additionally, employers need to ensure that liability and insurance coverage are clearly outlined for any personal travel that extends beyond the business portion of the trip.

 

Future outlook 

As work cultures continue to evolve and technology enables more flexibility in how people work, the bleisure travel market is expected to grow even further. Several factors will shape the future of this market:

* The expansion of remote work: As remote work becomes a permanent fixture in many industries, more professionals will have the flexibility to combine business trips with leisure travel. This shift will create more opportunities for the growth of bleisure travel, with companies potentially offering bleisure as a perk to attract top talent.

 

* Technological integration: Technology will play a significant role in the future of bleisure travel. Virtual reality tours, AI-powered travel planning, and seamless integration with smart devices will enhance the travel experience, allowing bleisure travelers to manage both their work commitments and leisure activities more efficiently.

 

Conclusion

The bleisure travel market is experiencing significant growth, driven by changes in work culture, increased flexibility, and a desire for work-life balance. As remote work becomes more common, and as companies embrace more flexible travel policies, the market for bleisure travel will continue to expand. Offering personalised, sustainable, and technologically advanced travel experiences will be key to tapping into this growing segment. Bleisure travel represents a new era of professional travel, where work and leisure coexist, providing travellers with a richer and more fulfilling experience, the report notes. -TradeArabia News Service