Bleisure travel – combining business trips with leisure activities – represents a growing opportunity for hotels to increase bookings and revenue.
Smart hoteliers are adapting their marketing strategies and amenities to capture this lucrative market segment of professionals who extend their work trips for personal enjoyment.
This guide explores effective ways hotels can attract and cater to bleisure travelers through targeted marketing, customized packages, and enhanced services.
Understanding the Bleisure Traveler
Bleisure travelers typically add 2-4 extra days to their business trips for personal exploration and relaxation.
They tend to be millennials and Gen X professionals with disposable income and flexible work arrangements.
- More likely to bring family members or partners
- Interested in local experiences and attractions
- Value properties with both business and leisure amenities
- Willing to spend more on accommodations and experiences
Marketing Strategies for Bleisure Guests
Create dedicated landing pages highlighting both business facilities and leisure attractions near your property.
- Showcase workspace amenities alongside recreational facilities
- Feature local attractions, restaurants, and activities
- Highlight transportation options and accessibility
- Emphasize flexible check-in/out times
Tailored Package Offerings
Design specific packages that bridge business and leisure needs:
- “Extended Stay” discounts for additional nights
- Partner with local tour operators and attractions
- Include airport transfers and transportation services
- Offer partner/family add-on rates
Essential Amenities for Bleisure Success
Ensure your property provides these key features:
- High-speed WiFi throughout the property
- 24/7 business center access
- Flexible meeting spaces
- On-site dining options
- Fitness facilities and spa services
- Concierge services for local recommendations
Digital Marketing Channels
Target bleisure travelers through these platforms:
- LinkedIn advertising for business professionals
- Instagram for showcasing experiences
- Email marketing to corporate clients
- Partner with business travel platforms
Measuring Success and ROI
Track these metrics to evaluate your bleisure strategy:
- Average length of stay
- Revenue per available room (RevPAR)
- Package booking rates
- Corporate client retention
- Guest satisfaction scores
Next Steps for Implementation
Begin with these actionable steps to capture the bleisure market:
- Audit current amenities and identify gaps
- Develop targeted marketing materials
- Create bleisure-specific packages
- Train staff on bleisure guest needs
- Establish partnerships with local attractions
Staff Training and Service Excellence
Ensure your team understands and can deliver exceptional service to bleisure guests:
- Train front desk staff on flexible check-in/out procedures
- Educate concierge team on local attractions and activities
- Develop protocols for handling business and leisure requests
- Create service recovery procedures specific to bleisure needs
Technology Integration
Mobile Solutions
Implement technology that serves dual-purpose travelers:
- Mobile check-in/out capabilities
- Room service and amenity booking through hotel app
- Digital concierge services
- Integration with business travel platforms
Workspace Technology
- Smart meeting room booking systems
- Virtual conferencing facilities
- Printing and scanning services
- Charging stations and tech support
Building Long-Term Success
Capitalize on the bleisure trend by focusing on these sustainable practices:
- Develop corporate partnerships and loyalty programs
- Create seasonal bleisure promotions
- Gather and implement guest feedback
- Continuously update amenities and services
- Monitor industry trends and adapt accordingly
Maximizing Your Bleisure Potential
Success in the bleisure market requires a strategic blend of business efficiency and leisure appeal. Hotels that effectively balance these elements while maintaining service excellence will capture this growing market segment and build lasting guest relationships.
- Stay responsive to changing traveler needs
- Maintain consistent service quality
- Foster local partnerships
- Innovate with technology and amenities
- Build a strong bleisure brand identity
FAQs
1. What exactly is bleisure travel?
Bleisure travel combines business travel with leisure activities, where professionals extend their business trips to include personal vacation time, often by adding extra days before or after work commitments.
2. How large is the bleisure travel market?
According to industry research, approximately 60% of business travelers add leisure components to their trips, with millennials being the most likely demographic to engage in bleisure travel.
3. What are the most popular bleisure destinations?
Major business hubs that also offer tourist attractions lead the bleisure market, including cities like London, Singapore, New York, Dubai, and San Francisco.
4. How can hotels effectively target bleisure travelers?
Hotels can attract bleisure travelers by offering extended-stay discounts, creating workspaces within the property, providing local experience packages, and implementing flexible check-in/out policies.
5. What amenities do bleisure travelers typically look for?
High-speed internet, business centers, flexible workspace options, fitness facilities, convenient location to both business districts and tourist attractions, and concierge services for local activity planning.
6. What is the average length of a bleisure trip?
Most bleisure travelers extend their business trips by 2-4 days, with weekend extensions being the most common pattern.
7. How do bleisure travelers typically book their accommodations?
Most bleisure travelers book through corporate travel platforms or direct hotel websites, often using a combination of corporate rates for business days and leisure rates for personal days.
8. What role do loyalty programs play in bleisure travel?
Loyalty programs significantly influence bleisure travel decisions, as travelers often use points earned during business stays to fund leisure components or secure upgrades.
9. What are the peak seasons for bleisure travel?
Bleisure travel peaks during major business conference seasons (spring and fall) and when business destinations align with popular vacation periods.
10. How has the rise of remote work affected bleisure travel?
Remote work has expanded bleisure opportunities, allowing professionals to work from anywhere and extend their trips without using additional vacation days.