As a matter of fact, the new generations are more inclined to merge work and leisure time, this tendency is highlighted in the millennials towards so-called 'bleisure' travel without burdening their employers.
Recent research shows that millennials spend more money on business trips than their Generation X and baby boomer counterparts.
It is worth considering how this trend could be an opportunity rather than a threat to company coffers.
An Expedia survey said that 37% of business travellers aged 18-30 spend more on room service when their companies are paying, compared to only 21% of business travellers in the 46-65 age group.
During their business trips, if they can earn loyalty points, Millennials choose their favourite hotel or airline, even if cheaper options are available. Finally, Millennials pay 13% more on airline tickets than other non-business travellers.
But contrary to what the numbers might suggest, young business travellers are bargain hunters looking for the lowest price with the best comfort.
In other words, millennials prioritise the value and experiences of travel, bringing this mentality to business travel.
As they are less likely to have responsibilities at home, millennials can approach business travel as a lifestyle experience, i.e. be good ambassadors for the concept of 'bleisure'.
Unlike Generation X and the boom business travellers who hate to travel, leaving home and family behind, those born between the early 1980s and the early 2000s are still much less attached and more willing to talk about the place they visit.
For example: a young business traveller prefers to book a hotel 40 minutes away from his destination city, in a ski resort to take advantage of free time. Or he wants to be close to his favourite gym (searching for nearby facilities on the web).
Bleisure goes beyond the purpose of the trip itself. For example, millennial travellers use social networks (such as Tripadvisor or Tinder) to seek travel advice from 'locals' and find opportunities to socialise.
The social dimension of travel is so important for millennials that large hotel chains are redesigning their properties to meet the needs by developing new hotel concepts focused on younger travellers. (E.g. Starwood with #Aloftlife, Marriot with #attheMoxy and Hilton with Canopy).
These hotels feature stylish interior design, ubiquitous Wi-Fi, socialising spaces, common workspaces and creative services such as free bike rental and leisure activities.
If you are curious about the "Bleisure" phenomenon, on my blog, you can find an article on how to optimise your free time in a hotel by taking advantage of the hotel's internal services, even without staying overnight! See you soon Silvia
