Bleisure gains momentum in the MI industry, study reveals

# tags: Meetings Industry

The Hague & Partners' new Bleisure White Paper, presented at IBTM World, confirms that combining work and leisure is no longer an emerging trend.

Bleisure (business+leisure) is becoming a clear expectation among meetings industry professionals and business travelers. This is one of the conclusions of The Hague & Partners' Bleisure White Paper.

The study, which analyzed responses from 125 meetings industry professionals and business travelers, identifies patterns of behavior, motivations, and opportunities for destinations that want to enhance their attractiveness.

More complete and more human trips

Most respondents are open to integrating personal moments into their business trips. About 60% say they are satisfied with the balance between work and leisure time, while 76% explicitly recognize the importance of setting aside personal time during a business trip.

The intention to extend the stay is also significant: 75% consider extending their trip for personal reasons. Interest is even greater among travelers between the ages of 25 and 35, while older generations show a greater tendency to include family in these extensions. According to the study, these extensions do not need to be long—short but meaningful ones are enough to make an impact.

What motivates travelers to extend their trip?

The Bleisure White Paper emphasizes that the decision to stay longer is closely linked to the attractiveness of the destination. An interesting, energizing, and inspiring location, combined with personal motivation, has a major influence on the decision to extend a trip.

Preferences for how to spend free time are clear: cultural experiences come out on top, with 73.79% of respondents valuing this type of activity. Gastronomic offerings and leisure options also stand out as decisive factors.

Destinations need to respond to new expectations

For the study, bleisure is no longer just a concept, but a growing expectation, especially among younger generations and professionals who value well-being and balance. Destinations that want to attract events and conferences must therefore create conditions for delegates to slow down, offering simple, personalized, and inspiring proposals.

Accessible cultural experiences, moments of relaxation, and easy-to-plan extensions of stay are among the key recommendations—a clear path to making bleisure more integrated and natural in business travel.