United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Singapore, Japan, India – Middle East,Western and Asia-Pacific Travellers Embrace New Era of Work-Integrated Leisure Tourism

In a significant stride towards redefining modern travel, Crowne Plaza by IHG has unveiled its second white paper, Leading the Charge in Blended Travel. This comprehensive study highlights a transformative shift in traveler preferences, emphasizing the integration of work, leisure, and personal growth. With over 12,000 participants surveyed across nine countries—including the U.S., U.K., Germany, Australia, Singapore, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E., and India—the findings underscore a global trend towards seeking flexibility and meaningful experiences in travel.

Key Insights from the White Paper

• Global Embrace of Blended Travel: A significant 67% of respondents believe blended travel offers greater benefits and flexibility than five years ago
• Regional Highlights:
  • In the U.A.E., 70% of participants acknowledge enhanced benefits from blended travel.
  • Saudi Arabia follows closely with 65% recognizing its advantages.
  • India leads in adoption, with 33% having experienced blended travel, the highest among surveyed nations.
• Evolving Work Preferences: A notable 56% of U.S. and U.K. travelers identify the ability to travel while working as a primary benefit of remote work.

Four Emerging Trends Shaping Blended Travel

1. Personal and Professional Growth

Modern travelers are leveraging trips for self-improvement, skill development, and creative exploration. Unlike traditional vacations focused solely on relaxation, today’s journeys are avenues for personal enrichment.

• Extended Stays: Post-pandemic, travelers in the Middle East and Africa are adding an average of three extra days to their trips, seeking deeper experiences.
• Motivation for New Destinations: 40% of global respondents are driven to explore places they wouldn’t have considered otherwise, emphasizing the desire for novel experiences.

2. Mind-Body Equity

Wellness has become integral to travel, with a shift from mere self-care to holistic self-awareness. Travelers now seek environments that promote mental clarity and physical vitality.

• Stress Reduction: 35% of global participants find that blended travel helps establish healthier routines and reduces stress.
• Regional Stress Levels: In the Middle East and North Africa, 52% of workers reported feeling significant stress the day before the survey, highlighting the need for wellness-focused travel options.

3. The New Personal Travel Economy

Travelers are increasingly value-conscious, aiming to maximize time and financial investment. Technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing travel planning and experiences.

• AI Integration: In the U.A.E., 39% of consumers express interest in AI tools to manage tasks, streamlining travel experiences.
• Cost-Effective Extensions: 70% of global respondents are encouraged to pursue blended travel when affordable deals or amenities cater to both business and leisure needs.

4. Intentional Togetherness

In an era dominated by digital interactions, there’s a renewed emphasis on in-person connections during travel.

• Family-Centric Travel: 65% of travelers in the Middle East and North Africa region journey with family, underscoring the importance of shared experiences.
• Spontaneous Trips: 41% plan impromptu trips with family, and 35% with significant others, reflecting a desire for meaningful connections.

Crowne Plaza’s Strategic Response

Recognizing these evolving preferences, Crowne Plaza is undergoing a global transformation to better serve blended travelers.

• Property Renovations: By the end of 2026, over 60% of Crowne Plaza properties across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific will have been renovated. In the Americas, 70% are either new or have undergone significant updates.
• Expansion Plans: With more than 400 properties in 67 countries, Crowne Plaza aims to add 140 new hotels, expanding its system size by over 35%.
• Innovative Offerings:
  • Crowne Plaza Studios: Flexible meeting spaces designed for collaboration and creativity.
  • Social Spaces: Areas tailored for informal meetings, relaxation, and networking.
  • Wellness Partnerships: Collaborations with platforms like FIIT and BBC Maestro to offer fitness and intellectual enrichment programs.

Conclusion

As the lines between work and leisure continue to blur, Crowne Plaza by IHG stands at the forefront of the blended travel movement. By aligning its offerings with the evolving needs of modern travelers, the brand ensures that guests can seamlessly integrate professional responsibilities with personal aspirations