Research conducted by Booking.com for Business reveals that employees believe travelling for work is the key to achieving professional success. Six in ten of the 17,000 workers polled in 24 countries said experiencing new cultures and destinations adds value to their job.
When asked what they hope to achieve when away for business, nearly half cited growing their company’s prospects. Proving that ‘bleisure’ is on the rise, 51 per cent said being able to use off-the-clock time during a trip to experience the destination improves their performance in meetings.
Echoing opinions expressed in recent American Express research, two-thirds of survey participants agreed that travelling to meet colleagues and clients face to face is essential to business success.
Demand for business-ready accommodation is growing, as 60 per cent of those polled said hotels that specifically cater for working travellers are essential. Furthermore, 47 per cent said accommodation needs to have convenient access to their meetings and 29 per cent prefer a city centre location. When it comes to amenities, more than half responded that a comfortable bed and strong wifi signal are a must, followed by a hearty breakfast and free transportation or a shuttle service (38 and 27 per cent, respectively).
Ripsy Bandourian, senior director of product development at Booking.com for Business, commented: “Regardless of profession, today’s business travellers are savvier about the value up for grabs, both for their companies and for themselves. Where they choose to stay is crucial in realising that value, with today’s business travellers seeking places that align with their specific needs when it comes to location, flexibility and certain amenities.”
booking.com/business