8 August 2024

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Bleisure Travel in Private Aviation: An Emerging Trend

Until recently, passengers were typically classified into two categories: business and leisure. Service offerings, fares and schedules were strategized based on these two distinct traveller types. However, as a result of the pandemic, a new trend has emerged, blurring the lines between work and holiday travel. Here’s how bleisure travel — also referred to as “workcations”— is reshaping the mind-set of private flyers.

What is Bleisure Travel?

Bleisure travel, a new travel model that combines business and leisure activities into a single trip has gained popularity over recent years, especially with travellers seeking a more efficient way to travel.



This new travel trend is characterized by the extension of business trips to include leisure activities, either by adding extra days for personal time or by scheduling meetings in desirable destinations. This tendency is driven by several factors, including the desire for better work-life balance, the ability to work remotely, and the increasing recognition by companies of the benefits of employee well-being.



While the demand for bleisure had been growing before the pandemic, the market took off only after the widespread travel disruptions caused by lockdowns worldwide.

Key factors contributing to the rise of Bleisure Travel

According to a 2023 survey by Expedia, 76% of business travelers plan to incorporate leisure activities into their upcoming trips. This trend is particularly prevalent among younger generations, with 43% of millennials and 38% of Gen Zs planning bleisure trips in the next year.



Allied Market Research estimates the global bleisure market was at $315.3 billion globally in 2022, and expects it to more than double to reach $731.4 billion globally by 2032. That’s a compound annual growth (CAGR) rate of 8.9%.



The rise of this new travel trend can be attributed to several key factors:



  1. Remote Work: The rise of remote work, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has made it easier for professionals to blend work and leisure. Many employees can now work from anywhere, reducing the distinction between business and personal travel.
  2. Work-Life Balance: There is a growing emphasis on maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Bleisure travel allows employees to recharge and relax without taking separate vacation time, enhancing job satisfaction and productivity.
  3. Corporate Acceptance: Businesses are increasingly supportive of bleisure travel, recognizing that it can lead to happier and more motivated employees. Some companies even encourage it as a perk to attract and retain top talent.
  4. Cost Efficiency: Combining business and leisure travel can be cost-effective. Companies often cover travel expenses for business purposes, allowing employees to extend their stay at their own expense for leisure activities.
  5. Technological Advancements: Improved communication technologies and the availability of mobile work tools make it easier for business travelers to stay connected and productive while enjoying their leisure time.
  6. Cultural Exploration: Bleisure travel provides a chance to explore new cultures and destinations, enriching both personal and professional mind-sets.

Its synergy with the Private Aviation Industry

The convergence of bleisure travel and private jet charters creates an exciting scheme for modern professionals. Imagine flying on a private jet to a business meeting in Zurich, then seamlessly transitioning to a weekend getaway in the Swiss Alps. This level of convenience and luxury was once a distant dream for many but is now becoming a reality. While traditionally associated with the ultra-wealthy, private jet travel is becoming more accessible to a broader range of professionals and businesses. Several factors contribute to this trend:



  1. Increased Demand for Flexibility: Bleisure travelers often require more flexible travel schedules. Private aviation offers the adaptability needed to accommodate last-minute changes, extended stays, or multi-destination trips, making it an attractive option for bleisure travelers.
  2. Personalized Travel Experiences: Private Jet Charters like Cielo Aviation are known for providing personalized services to cater to the unique needs of each traveller. This includes tailored itineraries, customized in-flight services, and concierge support for leisure as well as business activities.
  3. Time Efficiency: Private jets offer unparalleled convenience and time saving. They eliminate long security lines, layovers, and the need to arrive hours before a flight. This efficiency is particularly valuable for busy executives.
  4. Health and Safety: In a post-pandemic world, health and safety have become paramount. Private flying provides a controlled environment, reducing exposure to crowded airports and commercial flights.
  5. Sustainability Considerations: With the growing awareness of environmental issues, some bleisure travellers prefer private aviation options that prioritize sustainability. Private aviation companies are responding by adopting eco-friendly practices, such as carbon offset programs and fuel-efficient aircraft. Cielo Aviation includes a carbon emission offset program since 2021, on every flight operated.

How to make the most of your next Bleisure Trip

    Preplanning and organizing your business trip efficiently will help you get the most out of a bleisure vacation.

    

    Find a bleisure hotel

    Technically not a term used by the hotel industry, a bleisure hotel is a hotel that includes all the amenities a bleisure traveler needs. Bleisure tourists often search for accommodation that suits their business and leisure needs. This includes hotels that have fast, reliable internet speeds, 24-hour concierge services, gyms, spas, restaurants, and bars.

    

    Sort your bleisure clothing

    Your travel wardrobe will probably need adapting if you are planning a bleisure trip. Planning your leisure time in advance will help you to organize which outfits you need to take on your trip. First and foremost, a bleisure trip is a business trip. Make sure you pack all your work essentials to cover meetings and events you will attend in a professional manner.

    Then get to organizing your leisure clothing. Think summer wear for beach destinations, casual looks for sporting events, or smart casual for exploring galleries and dining in fine restaurants.

    

    Plan your bleisure itinerary

    Knowing exactly what you want to do with your bleisure time is essential for making the most of your trip. Plan your itinerary ahead of time. Book sporting event tickets, make reservations at the restaurants you want to visit, and create a checklist of the sights you want to see. Organization is key to making the most of your bleisure travel adventures.

Future Outlook

The rise of bleisure travel and private jet charters represents a significant shift in the way professionals approach travel. As more companies embrace remote work and flexible travel policies, the demand for integrated travel experiences is expected to grow.



By seamlessly blending business with leisure and prioritizing convenience, safety, and luxury, these trends are redefining the travel experience for a new generation of global professionals. As the world becomes more interconnected and the boundaries between work and leisure continue to blur, the future of travel promises to be more dynamic, personalized, and enriching than ever before.

Let Cielo Aviation take you on your next bleisure trip

Cielo Aviation has been flying corporate travelers to worldwide business destinations since 2013. We understand the travel needs of today’s travel-loving corporate flyer. With access to a global network of over 3.500 aircraft worldwide we have carried world-leading corporate figures and entrepreneurs to business hubs around the world. Our team of professional and discreet client service advisors are waiting to assist you.



Contact us on +39 02 87 157 524, by e-mail at charter@cielo-aviation.com or simply use our online booking form, we will get back to you as soon as possible:

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