| According to the German Travel Association (DRV), around two-thirds of business travellers now tailor their business trips to their individual needs, for example, by extending their stays or incorporating leisure activities. Those who can take advantage of bleisure travel generally do so; last year, 83 % of respondents took up such offers. Furthermore, 58 % would like to combine work and leisure on business trips in the future.
The motivation for bleisure travel varies depending on the traveller’s age and circumstances. For 44 % of people who have previously combined business and leisure, the deciding factor is an attractive destination. Beaches, sights, and cultural offerings are the main drivers. Other reasons include having time to spare (40 %), i.e., not having any urgent work tasks to complete after the business trip, and the need for relaxation (34 %). |
|
|
|
|
Why Bleisure Travel is Growing
in Popularity
The introduction of flexible working, home offices, and remote working has demonstrated that productivity is not dependent on a fixed workplace. In fact, such models can increase productivity. The boundaries between work and leisure are becoming more permeable, and demand for balanced travel options is growing. Bleisure allows employees to enjoy short breaks without incurring extra travel costs. Companies are increasingly promoting such offers to be considered attractive employers.
The terms bleisure and workation are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different concepts: A workation involves a longer stay during which one works, whereas bleisure combines classic business trips with leisure activities. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increased Demand in Hotels and Accommodation
In response to this development, many hotels and accommodation providers are offering special bleisure and workation concepts. According to Bleisure Traveller magazine, two-thirds of the accommodation providers surveyed who already have experience with workations expect demand to increase. 37 % of these already report a slight to significant increase in corresponding bookings, and 66 % expect workations to become even more popular in the coming years (sources: Meetingspotlight, Bleisure Traveller 2024).
Key requirements for accommodating and appealing to business travellers include stable internet connections, quiet workspaces, modern conference technology, and flexible stay extensions. Additional leisure activities, such as nature or wellness offerings, complete the experience. There is also a growing demand for environmentally friendly mobility options (such as e-charging stations and rail connections), regional cuisine, and other sustainable offerings — especially in light of the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, which requires companies above a certain size to report on their sustainability performance. |
|
|
|
|
How Green Pearls® Hotels are Approaching the Concept of Green Bleisure Travel
The growing demand for bleisure offerings is also evident within the Green Pearls® network. Whether it is peace and quiet, modern workspaces, or tailor-made workation packages, each hotel offers its own interpretation of combining business travel and leisure. The following hotels exemplify how productivity, relaxation, and experiences can be seamlessly integrated. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| The Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa in Bayerisch Gmain, near Bad Reichenhall, has seen a significant increase in demand for its bleisure packages. Seminar and conference packages that combine work with health and wellness services are proving particularly popular. Business travellers are seizing the opportunity to combine professional appointments with individually bookable health checks, therapeutic treatments, or spa programmes. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Located between Hanover and Bremen, the Hotel Okermann’s in Warpe focuses on tranquillity, nature, and mindfulness as the basis for successful meetings. Business guests can combine conferences with yoga, sound relaxation, and regional organic cuisine. As part of special workation packages, guests staying for an extended period can combine focused work with mindful deceleration. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| The STURM in the Rhön region is responding to the growing demand from business travelers who want to combine work with leisure time with a specially developed bleisure package. Quiet work areas, fast Wi-Fi, and organic catering provide the ideal setting for productive meetings. Afterwards, the surrounding nature invites guests to take a deep breath, whether through forest bathing, relaxing in the spacious hotel garden, or taking a break in the Rhön Spa. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Business travelers will find ideal conditions for combining work and leisure at SANDglow in Husum. The adults-only hotel is located just a few steps from the harbour and offers quiet rooms with balconies, perfect for getting work done and taking a break to relax. After meetings or digital appointments, the small spa area with saunas and a steam bath is the perfect place to unwind. Walks along the North Sea coast or bike rides on the hotel’s own bikes provide balance. A regional breakfast offering vegan and gluten-free options rounds off the experience – perfect for those looking to combine business and leisure sustainably. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
