Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) is reporting 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 — Corporate Traveller and FCM Travel – shows a shift in travel patterns: single-day trips are growing slowly, while trips lasting 6-7 days have surged by 10% 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%, partly due to the integration of live sports and concerts into business travel plans Additionally, a recent FCTG travel trends report, indicates 45% of Canadians surveyed are likely to travel for a live sporting event.
Chris Lynes, Managing Director for Flight Centre Travel Group Canada, said that: “There are several reasons for extended business stays, like combining leisure activities with business trips and getting more done in one go. 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% of customers have travellers who integrate leisure with their business trips.
Lynes pointed out that: “These trends underscore the need for Canadian businesses to adapt to evolving travel preferences. 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%) 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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