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Stop Rushing Business Trips: Benefits Of The Bleisure Boom

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, August 28th 2025 at 14:02 GMT by Forbes
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The Bleisure Boom: Why Business Travelers Are Taking Their Luggage (and their Dreams) to the Next Destination

By Sarah Hernholm | Forbes, August 28 2025

When the first international flights of 2025 touched down in a European capital, the travelers that disembarked were not just chasing boardrooms and conference rooms. A growing number of professionals were packing beach towels, hiking boots, and even passports for their “bleisure” adventures—short for “business‑leisure.” In her August 28 article, Stop Rushing Business Trips: Benefits of the Bleisure Boom, Forbes journalist Sarah Hernholm examines how this hybrid travel model is reshaping corporate itineraries, employee satisfaction, and the global economy.

1. The Rise of Bleisure: Numbers That Matter

Hernholm opens with a startling statistic from a recent Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) survey: 43 % of business travelers in 2024 had extended at least one trip for leisure purposes, up from 28 % a year earlier. That’s an 18‑percentage‑point jump in just 12 months. Moreover, 67 % of those who took bleisure reported that the extra days were “essential for their mental health and creativity,” citing reduced burnout and improved work‑life balance.

The data also highlight a key point for executives: companies that encourage bleisure can see a 7 % rise in employee retention and a 5 % increase in productivity among staff who use their time off strategically. HR leaders note that the “flexible mindset” cultivated by these trips translates to more agile teams in the office.

2. The Business Case: Cost‑Efficiency, Brand, and Bottom‑Line

Contrary to the myth that bleisure adds overhead, Hernholm shows how it can actually cut costs. A case study of a mid‑size tech firm that partnered with a corporate travel manager to allow bleisure found a 12 % drop in per‑trip expenses. By extending stays, employees secured lower weekly rates at hotels, and airlines offered complimentary upgrades for longer flights.

“There’s a hidden economic synergy,” Hernholm quotes travel economist Dr. Maya Patel, “when an employee stays three nights instead of one, the hotel can provide a discounted rate, and the traveler gets the same accommodation quality—both win.” Corporate travel leaders are taking note: a growing number of companies are revising travel policies to include bleisure clauses that stipulate a minimum stay, a clear reimbursement framework, and a cap on incidental expenses.

Beyond the wallet, bleisure strengthens a brand’s global presence. When employees visit local markets, they become informal ambassadors. “A single post‑conference tour can boost your company’s visibility by 17 % in local social media sentiment,” notes Harvard Business Review’s Travel & Culture column, which Hernholm links in her article. For multinational firms, these moments of cultural immersion help shape a brand narrative that resonates across borders.

3. The Human Side: Mental Health, Creativity, and Networking

Perhaps the most compelling angle Hernholm explores is the human benefit. In a post‑pandemic era where remote work has blurred the lines between home and office, bleisure provides a structured way to decompress and recharge. A survey by the American Psychological Association found that employees who took bleisure on a quarterly basis reported a 23 % decrease in stress scores compared to those who didn’t.

Creative output is another area where the bleisure effect shines. Marketing teams that embed cultural research into their trips—visiting local museums, culinary workshops, or artisan markets—report a 30 % uptick in campaign originality. The reason? Immersive experiences spark fresh ideas that pure data analysis can’t replicate.

Networking is a third pillar. Hernholm highlights a study from the International Association of Conference Centers that demonstrates a 15 % increase in partnership opportunities when travelers engage with local businesses during their leisure hours. By attending a craft fair or a community event, professionals can forge new relationships that translate into joint ventures or market insights.

4. Managing Bleisure: Policy, Compliance, and Technology

With great flexibility comes the need for structure. Hernholm offers practical guidance for travel managers looking to implement bleisure policies that protect both the company and its employees:

Technology also plays a pivotal role. Hernholm cites a Forbes‑partnered survey revealing that 71 % of business travelers now use dedicated bleisure travel apps that curate local attractions, restaurants, and transit options. These tools help employees maximize their leisure time without jeopardizing corporate compliance.

5. The Future of Bleisure: Trends to Watch

As we look ahead, Hernholm points out three emerging trends that will shape the next wave of bleisure:

1. Hybrid Work Hubs – Companies are creating “travel‑friendly” office spaces in major cities where employees can combine remote work with leisure.
2. Sustainable Bleisure – Eco‑friendly travel choices—public transport, carbon offsets, and local sourcing—are becoming standard in corporate policies.
3. Data‑Driven Decision Making – Travel analytics will help firms predict which destinations generate the highest ROI on bleisure.

The article concludes with a compelling call to action for leaders: “If you’re still treating business travel as a checkbox on a calendar, it’s time to reimagine it as an opportunity for growth—both for your organization and your people.”

In short, Sarah Hernholm’s Stop Rushing Business Trips argues that bleisure isn’t a fringe trend but a strategic shift that delivers measurable benefits: cost savings, improved employee morale, richer brand storytelling, and a more vibrant global economy. By embracing the bleed between business and leisure, companies can keep pace with a world that values flexibility, creativity, and holistic well‑being.