Bleisure travel, a term that combines "business" and "leisure," refers to a growing trend where professionals mix business trips with personal travel, extending their stays to enjoy leisure activities in the destination. As a hotelier, understanding how to attract bleisure travelers can significantly benefit your establishment. That being said,here is a comprehensive guide on the 7 ways to attract bleisure travelers to your hotel.
- Enhance Your Amenities and Facilities: Bleisure travelers often seek accommodations that offer a balance between work and relaxation. Ensure that your hotel provides amenities and facilities that cater to both aspects. This includes well-equipped business centers, high-speed internet access, meeting rooms, and comfortable workspaces. Additionally, focus on creating an inviting atmosphere with leisure-oriented amenities such as a fitness center, spa, pool, or even access to local attractions.
- Create Flexible Booking Options: Bleisure travelers often have unpredictable schedules due to the combination of business and personal commitments. To cater to their needs, offer flexible booking options such as adjustable check-in and check-out times, the ability to extend stays easily, and last-minute reservation availability. Providing these options can make your hotel more appealing to bleisure travelers who require flexibility in their travel plans.
- Offer Business-Friendly Services: To attract bleisure travelers, it is essential to provide services that facilitate their work-related activities. This includes complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, business concierge services, printing and copying facilities, and access to office supplies. Additionally, consider partnering with local businesses, such as co-working spaces, to offer discounted or complimentary access for your guests.
- Provide Local Experiences: Bleisure travelers often want to explore the destination they are visiting beyond their business commitments. Help them make the most of their leisure time by providing information and recommendations on local attractions, dining options, entertainment venues, and cultural events. Collaborate with local tour operators or offer curated itineraries to showcase the unique experiences available in your area. This personalized approach can make your hotel stand out and encourage guests to extend their stays.
- Foster Networking Opportunities: Bleisure travelers may appreciate opportunities to network and connect with other professionals during their stay. Organize social events or networking sessions within your hotel to encourage interactions among guests. This can be in the form of happy hours, themed nights, or business-related workshops and seminars. By facilitating networking opportunities, you can attract bleisure travelers who value both work and social connections.
- Implement Loyalty Programs: A loyalty program can incentivize bleisure travelers to choose your hotel for their stays. Offer rewards and exclusive benefits for frequent guests, such as room upgrades, discounted rates, or access to exclusive amenities. Tailor your loyalty program to include perks that cater to both business and leisure needs, providing added value and encouraging repeat visits.
- Leverage Technology: Embrace technology to streamline the guest experience and cater to the needs of bleisure travelers. Offer online check-in and check-out options, mobile key access, and digital concierge services. Provide a user-friendly mobile app that offers features like local recommendations, transportation information, and the ability to book leisure activities. Emphasize seamless connectivity and integrate smart technology within guest rooms, enabling travelers to work efficiently and relax comfortably.
Summarily attracting bleisure travelers to your hotel requires a combination of business-friendly services, enticing leisure amenities, flexibility, and personalized experiences. By understanding and implementing these seven right ways, you can position your hotel as an ideal choice for bleisure travelers, catering to both their professional and leisure needs.