Workday Adventures Beckon: Get ready for a shift in the business travel landscape in 2024! Hilton’s latest travel trends report reveals a fascinating glimpse into how work journeys are evolving, with four key themes emerging:
- Millennials and Gen Z Take the Lead: Younger generations are dominating the business travel scene, with 53% of both Millennials and Gen Z planning to hit the road for work. Gen X follows at 38%, and Baby Boomers at 26%.
- Extended Stays Rise in Popularity: Gone are the days of quick in-and-out business trips. More than a third of Gen Z and Millennial business travellers plan to extend their trips in 2024, seeking experiences beyond the conference room. Singapore, Atlanta, and New York are all seeing business travellers staying longer, with Singapore experiencing a 15% increase in average stay length compared to 2019.
- Secondary Cities Step into the Spotlight: Forget the crowded metropolises! Conferences and events are increasingly gravitating towards secondary markets, offering unique charm and a chance to escape the urban hustle. In the Americas, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Fort Myers, Florida, are leading the pack in terms of booking growth.
- Building Bonds Beyond the Boardroom: While technology has transformed communication, there’s no substitute for face-to-face interaction. Chris Silcock, Hilton’s Chief Commercial Officer, emphasises the enduring value of business travel, stating, “Many are embracing the unique value of business travel and want to maximise the time that they have on the road to build and strengthen relationships.”
Hilton is adapting to these evolving trends with innovative solutions. The launch of their Project H3 extended stay brand caters to the growing demand for longer work-cations, with the first property opening in early 2025. Additionally, Spark by Hilton offers a modern, tech-forward experience tailored to younger generations.
As business travel takes on a new form, Hilton is at the forefront, ensuring comfort, connection, and productivity for every traveller, whether their stay lasts one night or twenty.