Mixing Business With Pleasure—Tennessee Travelers CASH IN on ‘Blended Travel’ Trend!
Tennessee travelers embrace blended travel, merging work trips with leisure for flexibility and joy. 🌐 #News #NashvilleTN #Tennessee #Travel
NASHVILLE, TN – Here in Tennessee, a fresh wave of travelers is shaking up the old rulebook, blending business trips with personal fun in a trend that’s catching fire. More workers are tacking on leisure time to their work travel, chasing new experiences and relaxation without missing a beat on the job. A recent report from Crowne Plaza by IHG reveals this shift is booming, with two-thirds of U.S. and U.K. travelers now mixing the two, a jump from just over half in 2022.
Blended Travel Takes Off
Crowne Plaza’s latest study, conducted with YouGov, surveyed over 12,000 people across nine countries, including nearly 1,200 Americans.
The findings show 66% of U.S. and U.K. travelers weave leisure into their business trips, up from 53% two years ago. Globally, 72% of respondents say this combo unlocks more freedom in their schedules.
“Flexibility in where and when people work is now an expectation for today’s professionals,” said Ginger Taggart, Vice President of Brand Management – Global Premium Brands, IHG Hotels & Resorts.
“Crowne Plaza has tracked the evolution of work-leisure integration for years. Blended travel has shifted from a trend to a permanent way of life — whether it’s extending a business trip, working remotely from a dream destination, or finding inspiration on the go. As this shift evolves and becomes more sophisticated, we’re not just responding to it — we’re actively shaping the future of it by reimagining Crowne Plaza hotel designs, creating curated social spaces, and rolling out purpose-driven experiences that support a more dynamic, fulfilling way of traveling.”
Why Workers Love It
Even with companies calling employees back to the office post-pandemic, blended travel keeps climbing.
The report pinpoints why: 40% of travelers want to explore new places, 37% crave quality time with family or friends, and 35% say it boosts their happiness, making work feel less like a grind. Plus, 35% note it helps them build healthier habits and cut stress.
Crowne Plaza, with over 400 hotels in 67 countries, caters to this crowd. From guided runs in Amsterdam to smoothies in Helsinki, the chain offers wellness perks alongside work-ready spaces like zoned guest rooms and revamped meeting areas.
Hotels Step Up for the Trend
Accommodations matter more than ever—70% of professionals say the right hotel features, like flexible services, make blended travel possible. Saving money by stretching a work trip into a personal getaway ranks high on the list of perks. Through the IHG One Rewards program, guests earn points for free stays, snag exclusive events, and unlock bonuses like suite upgrades.
Among U.S. workers, 74% would bring loved ones along on a work trip, and 20% confess they’ve already done it without telling the boss. Crowne Plaza’s Meetings & Events Concierge program jumps in here, crafting custom plans so everyone—work crew or family—can enjoy the destination.
This growing trend shows no signs of slowing, as travelers redefine the balance between duty and delight. Have you “blended travel”? Let us know in the comments section below because your opinion matters!
RELATED TOPICS: Lifestyle | Tennessee | Travel
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