A new report from American Express Global Business Travel confirms that “bleisure” – the blending of business and leisure travel – has become mainstream across the UK.
Six in ten business travellers now extend work trips for personal leisure, reshaping both corporate travel policies and the wider tourism industry.
The Report by Amex GBT reveals that 76% of Millennials want more time to explore destinations visited for work, while hybrid schedules and flexible travel dates are fuelling demand. Globally, the bleisure market is forecast to more than double, rising from $315.3 billion in 2022 to $731.4 billion by 2032.
Key Findings
- 60% of UK business travellers have extended a work trip for leisure.
- 85% of frequent travellers want more freedom to explore.
- 67% prefer work trips to new destinations.
- 52% have added business meetings into personal holidays – a trend dubbed “Lusiness.”
Generational Trends
Bleisure is embraced across age groups, with Gen Z (61%) and Millennials (62%) leading adoption. Even Gen X travellers (56%) are increasingly extending trips. In the US, uptake is slightly higher overall at 63%, with Millennials showing the strongest demand (68%).
Industry Response
Travel providers are adapting quickly. Transfeero reports rising demand for:
- Airport pickups for partners and children joining trips.
- Sightseeing transfers and half-day tours after meetings.
- Flexible pickup times for remote workers staying longer.
- Transfers from business districts to holiday neighbourhoods.
Expert Insight
Andrea Platania, Travel Expert at Transfeero, said: “Bleisure travel has evolved from a niche privilege into a mainstream behaviour. Companies endorsing this flexibility not only boost employee morale but also stimulate local tourism economies. The future of travel isn’t strictly business or leisure – it’s a blend that enhances wellbeing and productivity.”
Practical Tips for Travellers
- Extend trips over weekends to reduce personal costs.
- Ask if corporate hotel rates apply to leisure nights.
- Plan airport transfers in advance to avoid commuter rush.
- Choose central hotels to minimise transport time after work hours.