The Rise of Bleisure Travel: Trends and Statistics in 2024

The Rise of Bleisure Travel: Trends and Statistics in 2024

You just reached an international destination to attend business meetings and conferences that will boost your and your company’s growth manifolds. At the same time, you are so astonished by the country’s celestial beauty that you decide to spend a few more days. During this extended period, you will explore iconic attractions, dine at local restaurants, and maybe even relax at a nearby pristine beach.

Bleisure combines two separate words (travel and leisure), and it is redesigning the future of the commercial travel industry. According to Allied Market Research, the global bleisure market is expected to reach $731.4 billion by 2032 (with an annual growth rate of 8.9%).

So, what is this recreational travel trend in 2024? Why are companies prioritizing this trend and adjusting their travel policies? Why is this trend gaining popularity among business travelers? Do you need to hire a professional travel agencyToronto to manage this kind of travel?

Well, our blog has answers to all these questions. Just keep reading; you will get plenty of insights for this kind of travel.

Understanding bleisure travel

Bleisure is the new norm in the work travel industry. It is the fusion of business and leisure travel, where corporate travelers extend their work trips and spend downtime for leisure purposes. Though this trend is not new to travelers, 2024 marks a dramatic shift as more companies and employees understand its oodles of benefits for maintaining a healthy work culture. According to statistics, 55% of corporate employees believe that leisure helps them maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Consult a corporate travel agency to manage your company’s recreational trips smoothly.

The pandemic’s lasting Impact

The definitions of work and travel changed utterly during the lethal COVID-19 pandemic. Employees opted for remote work, and travel restrictions were imposed worldwide.

However, when the pandemic ended and travel restrictions were eased, many people again started planning their trips. During the pandemic, people understood the importance of a healthy work-life balance.  They also got the opportunity to work from anywhere. Now, corporate employees infuse their work responsibilities with travel opportunities to unwind and explore new destinations.

Flexibility in work arrangements

Nowadays, many organizations embrace their staff with remote and hybrid work models. As a result, employees are getting more flexibility in their work schedules. Companies even encourage employees to work from anywhere by adopting flexible work arrangements.

Due to this flexibility, corporate employees extend their business trips for leisure activities without taking any additional time off.

Employer support and benefits

This travel is not only beneficial for employees but also offers plenty of advantages for companies. Companies now have a clear idea about the benefits of recreational travel and are tweaking their work-travel policies according to it.

By welcoming this new trend, organizations can strengthen employee satisfaction, efficiency, and overall well-being. Recreational travel is an excellent tool for talent recruitment and employee retention. According to a study report, 59% of Gen Z and 65% of millennials prefer to work for companies that provide blended travel opportunities.

Many organizations are also hiring the best corporate travel agency to arrange and take care of work and fun travel for their employees without hampering productivity.

Economic and cost benefits

This kind of travel is affordable for both employers and employees. Employers can save humongous amounts on their travel budget when they combine business and leisure trips, as it lessens the need for separate leisure travel expenses. 82% of leisure travelers prefer to stay at the same hotel for their extended trips, allowing companies to get the best-negotiated rates from hotels.

On the other hand, employees can save on personal travel expenses by using company-covered travel expenses for the business portion of their trip.

Recommended blog: How to Stay Productive While Travelling for Business

The role of technology

Technology is one of the influential factors in the field of corporate travel.

Technological advancements have not only made remote travel accessible for all but also helped business travelers to stay connected while traveling. High-speed internet, collaborative online tools, and mobile apps allow corporate travelers to remain productive from virtually anywhere.

This unified connectivity ensures that work responsibilities are met without conceding the leisure aspect of the trip.

Travel industry adaptation

As it is the new buzzing word, the travel industry has quickly adapted this new norm to cater to the interests of leisure travelers.

Many hotels, airlines, and rental services offer specially designed rates to companies, blending business and leisure travel. From extended stay discounts to curated local experiences, the travel industry is welcoming this trend to provide an organized and rewarding experience for travelers.

Popular work and fun destinations in Canada

Certain destinations in Canada will be more popular among leisure travelers in 2024 due to their business hubs combined with leisure offerings.

Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Quebec City, Alberta, etc. are prime choices for work and leisure travel. These cities not only host plenty of business conferences and corporate events but also offer excellent cultural experiences, world-class cuisine, and vibrant nightlife.

A professional travel agency in Toronto will take care of all your logistics need when you plan to explore popular cities in Canada during your work travel.

Sustainable recreational travel

Sustainability is the prime focus for all travel sectors in 2024.

Travelers prefer those hotels and airlines that never compromise on sustainability. Commercial travelers are likely to stay in properties that adopt sustainability approaches, such as eco-certified accommodations, carbon offset programs, and green tourism initiatives.

Challenges and considerations

Bleisure comes up with plenty of advantages. But there are certain downsides that companies should consider before opting for this type of travel. It’s quite challenging for businesses to maintain work and leisure balance. Burnout may hamper productivity, if not managed properly.

Travelers should set clear boundaries to ensure that work does not outshine their leisure time. Moreover, not all employers are in support of work-fun travel, and employees should be careful about their companies’ travel policies and expectations.

Tips for successful recreational travel

To make your leisure trip productive and enjoyable, consider the following tips.

• Plan ahead: Plan your work responsibilities and leisure activities in advance. This will ensure a smooth shift between the two.

• Communicate with your employer: Maintain clear communication with your employer to ensure that everything is aligned with the company’s travel policies.

• Set boundaries: Allocate specific times for work and leisure to maintain a healthy balance.

• Leverage technology: Try to stay connected while traveling by using online tools.

• Explore local culture: This gives you excellent opportunities to participate in various local activities. So, enjoy every bit of local culture by exploring thoroughly.

The future of recreational travel

As we move each day with new technological innovations and advancements, travel with relaxation will certainly inscribe its strong position into corporate travel policies. In future, more companies will appreciate the value of supporting work-life balance and offering flexibility to their employees. Organizations may get support from the best travel agency in Toronto to meet the needs of travelers and provide customized services and more sustainable options.

Conclusion

The rise of bleisure travel in 2024 clearly portrays a shift towards flexible work arrangements and a greater emphasis on work-life balance. This travel is becoming an integral part of the business travel landscape.

By accepting and adapting this trend, both employers and employees can enjoy the multifarious benefits of a harmonious blend of work and leisure.

As an eminent bleisure travel Toronto, YYZ Travel Corporate has the perfect solutions both for corporate and leisure travel. Our professional travel advisors understand your business objectives and will design the best travel solutions that compliment your business and vacation needs.

We also offer our clients comprehensive business travel support (from ticket booking to arranging rental services) so they can get the best from their corporate trips.

FAQS

How can companies support work with fun travel?

Every organization can support work and fun travel by embracing their employees with flexible travel policies, encouraging work-life balance, and providing resources for their trips. This kind of travel is an alluring perk that helps companies retain and recruit the best resources.

When is the word “Bleisure” used?

This word was first introduced in 2009 by The Future Laboratory in their biannual Trend Briefing, thanks to the contributions of writer Jacob Strand and journalist Miriam Rayman.