As the travel industry continues to battle its way back from the effects of the global pandemic, some experts say that “bleisure” – which combines business and leisure in one trip – is what could get more people traveling, particularly among those who may otherwise have been hesitant to do so. Also known as a “bizcation,” the most popular destinations include U.S. cities with large convention centers and cultural attractions, like Las Vegas, Orlando, San Diego, New York, and Nashville.
Companies are looking for incentives to get their top executives back in the air again and bleisure may be the answer. Due to COVID-19, scheduled air travel globally took a massive hit. According to a report by Statista, in January 2021, the number of scheduled flights worldwide was down 43.5% compared to the same time in 2020. Pre-COVID-19, the average company spend on business travel grew approximately 7% year-over-year since 2015. While that figure stalled during 2020 and into 2021, there has been an upsurge in private jet charters recently.
Many business travelers return to the same geographic area repeatedly, due to the presence of clients, partners, and suppliers, or because the area is regarded as an industry hub. Rising virus numbers, the density of a location’s population, and unpredictable climates could hurt some areas, so the most popular destinations will likely offer a variety of outdoor pursuits, including activities like horseback riding, camping, backcountry hiking, sailing, and hot-air ballooning, rather than crowded beachside hotels. People will also be looking for locations that avoid theme parks, city center entertainment venues, nightclubs, and the need for crowded public transportation.
Source: South Florida Reporter