Bleisure is Booming: Combining Business with Leisure Travel Drives Growth in the Tourism Industry

The trend of combining business and leisure travel, known as "bleisure," is gaining momentum, reshaping the tourism industry. Travelers are increasingly extending business trips to explore destinations and enjoy leisure activities. This trend is fueled by the desire to optimize time spent in different cities while balancing work and personal experiences. The MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism segment is also contributing to this growth by promoting year-round travel and diversifying tourism offerings beyond traditional vacation seasons. According to the WTTC's 2024 Economic Impact Trends Report, global spending on corporate travel, including MICE, reached $1.5 trillion last year, a 6.2% increase from pre-pandemic levels. Millennials are particularly drawn to bleisure, with 78% extending business trips for leisure. These trips typically last two to three nights, with travelers spending an average of $1,566 per trip. Hotels are adapting to this trend by offering spaces with technology, recreational areas, and strategic locations near tourist attractions. Hyatt Inclusive Collection, for example, has embraced bleisure with hotels in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Europe, catering to the evolving needs of business travelers seeking flexibility and comfort.