'Bleisure' overtakes business travel

New statistics from Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) indicate that business travellers are extending stays, reflecting the enduring appeal of blending work with leisure, also known as “bleisure.”

An analysis across the group’s global corporate divisions shows a shift in travel patterns: single-day trips are growing slowly, while trips lasting six to seven days have surged by 10 per cent year-on-year.

Global Business Travel Association’s 2024 Business Travel Index Outlook supports these findings, showing that one-day business trips are the least popular.

From April 1 to Sept. 30, 2024, FCTG booking data show that longer business stays in Canada have increased by 27 per cent, partly due to the integration of live sports and concerts into business travel plans.

Additionally, a recent FCTG travel trends report, indicates 45 per cent of Canadians surveyed are likely to travel for a live sporting event.

“There are several reasons for extended business stays, like combining leisure activities with business trips and getting more done in one go,” says Chris Lynes, managing director for Flight Centre Travel Group Canada. “Whether it's catching a Taylor Swift concert in Toronto, the CFL playoffs in Vancouver, or bringing the family along, we’re seeing more business travellers extend their stays around big events.”

FCTG’s corporate Global State of the Market survey found that over 75 per cent of customers have travellers who integrate leisure with their business trips.

“These trends underscore the need for Canadian businesses to adapt to evolving travel preferences,” Lynes says. “Emphasizing health and wellness through extended travel can enhance employee satisfaction and productivity. Business travel is often stressful and demanding, but by incorporating bleisure, companies can better balance professional and personal needs, adding significant value to each trip.”

A separate Corporate Traveller study highlights that nearly half (47 per cent) of Canadian business travellers feel stressed during their trips. Offering flexible travel schedules can allow employees to extend their stays for personal activities, encouraging a more positive outlook on business travel and work-life balance.

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