Integrate These Business Travel Technology Trends Transforming Hospitality
The world of business travel is evolving rapidly, and the hotel industry is scrambling to keep up. From the rise of bleisure travel to the growing demand for sustainable practices, the way we work and travel is transforming the hospitality landscape for business professionals.
Savvy hoteliers are taking note and adapting their offerings to cater to the modern business traveler’s evolving needs and preferences. In this article, we’ll explore eight business travel trends shaking up the hospitality industry and redefining what it means to be a professional road warrior in the 21st century.
1. Higher Overall Demand for Business Travel
The pandemic may have temporarily grounded many corporate travelers, but the skies are once again filled with briefcase-toting professionals. According to the Global Business Travel Association, global business travel spending is projected to surge in 2024, and is estimated to reach a whopping $1.8 trillion by 2027.
Hotels are bracing for this influx by ramping up their business-centric amenities, from well-appointed workspaces to high-speed WiFi that can handle even the most bandwidth-hungry video conferences.
2. Increase in Bleisure Travel
Gone are the days when business trips were all work and no play. The rise of bleisure travel – the fusion of business and leisure – is transforming how we approach corporate jaunts.
A 2018 survey by Expedia revealed that a whopping 60% of business travelers extended a work trip for leisure purposes as of 2018, and their 2023 analysis revealed that 76% of business travelers were planning to take a bleisure trip in the next 12 months. Hotels are capitalizing on this travel trend by offering enticing packages that blend productivity with pampering, from discounted spa treatments to curated local experiences that allow guests to immerse themselves in the destination’s culture.
3. Virtual Meetings, Even During In-Person Travel
While face-to-face interactions are still highly valued in the business world, the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of virtual meetings, even when traveling.
Hotels are responding by outfitting their rooms and public spaces with state-of-the-art video conferencing equipment, high-quality webcams, and soundproofing to ensure seamless virtual collaborations. Some properties are even offering dedicated “Zoom Rooms” – private spaces optimized for virtual meetings, complete with professional lighting, backdrops, and noise-canceling technology.
4. Focus on Sustainable Practices and Corporate Responsibility
As environmental consciousness continues to rise, business travelers are increasingly seeking out hotels that prioritize sustainability and corporate responsibility.
According to a report by the Global Business Travel Association, 70% of companies now have or are planning to integrate sustainability considerations into their travel programs, such as by focusing on reducing their carbon footprint and supporting local communities.
Hotels are taking note, implementing eco-friendly initiatives such as eliminating single-use plastics, sourcing locally-grown produce, and investing in energy-efficient technologies. Many properties are also partnering with local charities and organizations, offering guests the opportunity to give back during their stay through voluntourism programs.
5. Comprehensive Wellness Amenities
The line between work and personal life has become increasingly blurred, and business travelers seek out hotels that cater to their overall well-being. A BCD Travel survey found that nearly half (48%) of business travelers make decisions influenced by their physical health. In response, hotels are expanding their wellness offerings beyond just fitness centers and spas.
Many now offer guided meditation sessions, healthy meal plans, and even in-room exercise equipment. Some properties have even introduced dedicated wellness floors, complete with air purification systems, circadian lighting, and access to virtual fitness classes and mindfulness apps.
6. Personalization Across the Guest Experience
In today’s experience economy, business travelers expect a level of personalization that goes beyond just their room preferences. According to a global survey, today’s business travelers want hotels to use technology to customize their overall experience based on past stays and preferences. Hotels are rising to the challenge by leveraging data, AI, and guest profiles to tailor every touchpoint, from pre-arrival communications to on-site amenities and post-stay follow-ups.
One example is the increasing use of mobile messaging and virtual assistants to provide personalized recommendations, make special requests, and address any issues in real time. These allow guests to communicate directly with hotel staff, enabling a two-way exchange to curate their stay.
7. Intuitive Loyalty Programs
Loyalty programs are no longer just about earning points for free nights. Business travelers demand more intuitive and personalized rewards that align with their preferences and travel patterns. For instance, Switchfly found that a majority of both millennials and Gen Xers prioritize loyalty programs when planning travel.
Hotels are responding by offering tailored benefits, such as automatic room upgrades, early check-in/late checkout, and exclusive experiences based on individual preferences. One major hotel chain, for example, confirmed over 1 million automatic upgrades for their rewards members in the first half of 2023 alone, a 20% year-over-year increase.
8. Greater Use of New Technologies
From virtual reality to biometrics and the Internet of Things (IoT), the hotel industry is embracing cutting-edge technologies to enhance the business travel experience. Virtual reality, for instance, is being used to create immersive, personalized travel itineraries that streamline the booking process. Similarly, state-of-the-art business centers cater to the high-tech demands of modern digital nomads.
Meanwhile, the integration of IoT devices and sensors is enabling hotels to offer more personalized and efficient services. Smart rooms can automatically adjust temperature, lighting, and entertainment settings based on guest preferences, while IoT-enabled housekeeping can optimize cleaning schedules and reduce waste.
Keeping Pace with Evolving Business Travel Industry Trends
The business travel landscape is undergoing a seismic shift and hotels that fail to adapt risk being left behind. From personalization and wellness to sustainability and technology integration, these trends in business travel are redefining the hospitality industry and shaping the future of corporate travel.
As hotels strive to meet the evolving needs of business travelers, reliable and robust connectivity is paramount. Blueprint RF, a leading provider of in-building wireless solutions, is at the forefront of enabling the seamless integration of these trends. With its cutting-edge technology and expertise, Blueprint RF positions hotels to offer the high-speed, uninterrupted connectivity required to deliver personalized, tech-driven experiences that today’s business travelers demand. Contact us today and learn what connectivity can do for your property.
