26 Corporate Travel


22ND APRIL 2024 BUSINESS GUIDE DISTRIBUTED WITH The return of the business trip


All the signs are showing that business travel is back with a bang, but this time with a post-lockdown twist. Words: Anna Evdokimou


During the pandemic, the demand for business travel stood at a resounding zero. Video calls became standardised, and transport was replaced by technology. But as we stand on the other side of the lockdown era, it seems that a resurgence is looming — this time with a post-pandemic edge. According to the Global Business Travel Association’s (BGTA) Business Travel Index Outlook report, corporate travel spending is expected to reach US $1.8 trillion globally by 2027. While the days of cross-country travelling for a single in-person meeting may remain in the past, a new breed of corporate travel has emerged: with ‘bleisure’ at the helm.


The dawn of a new era “We’re seeing a lot of smaller business meetings get booked in on Mondays and Fridays to form part of a long weekend stay that blends business with leisure,” says Paul Dalgleish, vice president of revenue, sales and distribution in EAME for Hyatt. “We’re seeing business travellers make more of the destinations they visit — blending their business stays with leisure — bringing along kids and partners to explore once work has finished or


treating themselves to a fitness or spa experience.” So, while employees were


previously catching red-eye flights to make business trips as least time-consuming as possible, it seems that the increased emphasis on exploration and enjoyment — brought on by the pandemic — has encouraged travellers to add some time for leisure to their trips. Research conducted by American Express supports this, with its 2024 report noting that 42% of business travellers prefer when they can blend business travel with leisure time. Tis goes further, with 71% of respondents saying that they would leave their role if their employer didn’t prioritise their wellbeing during trips. Tese statistics beckon the question: what’s the reason for this change?


A workplace renaissance Hybrid working is here to stay. Employees are splitting their week between home and the office, while many have taken up a completely remote role — an option that was rare pre-pandemic. As a result, face- to-face interactions with co-workers have become limited, something which many companies value as being beneficial in achieving goals.


Internal events, team meet-ups and work-free trips are thereby on the rise, with the ambition of reconnecting employees and strengthening culture. But it’s not only the new hybrid


working structure that’s responsible for the uprise of ‘bleisure’: the trend is also being driven by a Gen-Z workforce. Tis demographic, ushered into work during the pandemic, are increasingly interested in ways to combine work and rest. Across Hyatt’s roster of


international hotels, Paul notes that wellbeing and experiential travel are being seen as key priorities. “Tere’s a clear need to go beyond transactional interactions with our customers to enrich their work journeys,” he says. Ian Moore, Vista Jet’s chief commercial officer, agrees, noting that there’s been a heightened emphasis on wellbeing for business professional in fast-paced roles. “Around the globe, people are


seeking to cultivate a lifestyle that promotes longevity and optimal health and wellbeing, including when flying,” he says.


The greener good As well as wellness and leisure, sustainability is now at the forefront of business travel for corporations. “We’re increasingly being asked for details of our sustainability policies and certifications by businesses,” says Paul. So, with this newfound emphasis


ALAMY


on wellness, a heightened interest in extending work trips and the increased emphasis on sustainability, the business travel industry’s makeover seems to be far from over.


Why London businesses needing travel and logistics choose Addison Lee


Te future isn’t what it used to be… environmentally sustainable and


cost-efficient business transport. In a city abundant with options,


a commitment to offering choice and dependability sets Addison Lee apart. Businesses can benefit greatly from partnering with the service, enjoying fixed rates, round-the-clock support, dedicated account managers and flexible booking options.


Corporate travel has transformed


into a dynamic and multifac- eted domain, marked by a height- ened focus on flexibility, sustain- ability, technological integration and employee wellbeing. Businesses must adapt to these shifts to opti- mise their travel programmes and address the changing needs of their workforce in a post-pandemic era. Today’s increased environmental


consciousness is driving a shift towards eco-friendly travel prac- tices. Corporations are actively seeking ways to reduce emissions associated with corporate travel, such as preferring greener transpor- tation options and participating in carbon offset initiatives.


Addison Lee addresses the need In London’s bustling business envi- ronment, a transportation partner must match up to the adaptability and reliability demanded by busi- nesses. Addison Lee’s comprehen- sive approach, blending advanced technology, skilled drivers and a versatile fleet, provides a seamless solution for all transportation and delivery needs. It believes in customising its


services to meet the specific require- ments of each business, whether it’s private hire, black taxi services, courier deliveries or comprehen- sive event and business support. Its tailored solutions simplify operations, ensuring hassle-free,


How do they do it? Amid growing environmental concerns, Addison Lee is proud to announce a significant mile- stone in its sustainability journey. It’s replacing its remaining diesel people carriers with 600 brand-new, zero-emission capable (ZEC) VW


Multivans, alongside its existing fleet of 1,000 fully electric VW ID4s. Te entire standard passenger fleet will soon be fully EV or zero- emission capable, reaffirming a commitment to a greener future. Tese new vehicles not only prior-


itise sustainability but also enhance the passenger experience with luxu- rious, eco-conscious features and fully configurable seating for up to six


passengers. Additionally,


Addison Lee driving London As London’s business landscape evolves, this integrated transport approach offers reliability, sustain- ability and innovation. By using Addison Lee, businesses and passen- gers can navigate transportation complexities effortlessly, setting new standards for efficiency and environ- mental responsibility.


the


service is electrifying its ZEC exec- utive services with the introduc- tion of the Audi A6 and A8 into its fleet, demonstrating Addison Lee’s dedication to sustainability while offering premium vehicle options to meet diverse transport needs.


Open your business account today:


For more information, and to open a


business account visit: addisonlee.com/business T: 020 3800 0365 E: sales@addisonlee.com


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