The survey of 1,200 business travellers, ages 23-35, who stayed in a hotel (domestic or international) for business purposes at least once in the past 12 months, revealed overwhelmingly positive feelings towards traveling for work:
- Time to Travel: More than half of respondents (56 percent) say that they create reasons to travel for business;
- Career Deal Breaker: Thirty-nine percent go so far as to say they wouldn't take a job that didn't allow them to travel for business;
- Real Life Relationships: Eighty-one percent say they get more done while meeting face-to-face and 75 percent have made friends while traveling for work.
Findings also illuminated sources of tension and challenges for today's new business travellers:
- Road Warrior Weight: Sixty-five percent admit that they regularly pack workout gear, but end up not using it; 44 percent have gained weight due to traveling for business;
- 'Charge It' Confusion: Forty-three percent often misunderstand what can be expensed and end up owing their company money;
- Sunday Scaries: Thirty-eight percent start to feel stressed and can't enjoy the weekend when anticipating business travel the next week;
- Wardrobe Woes: Thirty-six percent are stressed by trying to pack the right clothes for any situation;
- Bleisure Stress: Sixty-nine percent wish they could extend their trip for leisure, but 46 percent admit they feel guilty about doing so - 44 percent even worry it makes them look bad in the eyes of senior leadership.
As a result of the survey, Hilton has launched new initiatives to help the next generation of business travellers make the most out of their work trips and navigate travel misconceptions:
- Five Feet to Fitness is a new in-room wellness concept which brings more than 11 different fitness equipment and accessory options into the guest room itself;
- Herb N' Kitchen, Hilton's modern in-room delivery service and casual dining concept serves up healthy grab & go options;
- Inspired by Travel with Purpose, Hilton's approach to responsible travel and tourism, Meet with Purpose was introduced. Through the initiative, meeting professionals can choose from a variety of health-conscious menu packages, including "Yoga and Yogurt"- which offers yoga classes followed by a gourmet yogurt bar - or the "Cut & Create" salad - an interactive dining experience that lets attendees customise their meal from a unique, custom-made wood display of fresh greens and accoutrements.
"With more than 575 hotels worldwide and nearly 100 years in hospitality, Hilton Hotels & Resorts has long served as a leader in and destination for business travellers," said Stuart Foster, vice president, global brand marketing, Hilton. "Our focus on the next generation of business travellers underscores our commitment to being the most hospitable company in the world: we're both creating and evolving exceptional experiences for new and loyal guests alike who choose Hilton for their work travel needs."