The Hilton Garden Inn Discovery and Connection Survey found that, above any other generation, Millennials cite experiencing new things as the best benefit of business travel (45%), and thirty-seven percent most look forward to connecting with new people while on the road.
MEMPHIS, TENN. – In an average month, one in four (24%) business-traveling Millennials travel overnight for business at least once per week, according to the Hilton Garden Inn Discovery and Connection Survey. More than any other age group, Millennial business travelers are more likely to add on extra days to their business trip for leisure travel than they were compared to a year ago (84%), and even more likely to if the hotel is offering a discount on additional nights, at ninety-two percent.
“Millennials are creating a very specific kind of work-life balance that makes sense for their generation and the long hours they’re putting in,” said Judy Christa-Cathey, Vice President of Focused Service Brand Marketing (Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton Hotels). “The line between ‘personal’ and ‘business’ time is becoming blurred, particularly for this group, so Millennials are finding adventure through business.”
The Hilton Garden Inn Discovery and Connection Survey also found that, above any other generation, Millennials cite experiencing new things as the best benefit of business travel (45%), and thirty-seven percent most look forward to connecting with new people while on the road. The majority of this group (65%) said that discovering a new city is the number one motivator to extend a business trip. Millennials are funding adventure through business, too. The vast majority of this group (85%) is more likely to use reward points from their business travel to book a vacation, compared to a year ago.
Discovery on the Road
As the economy improves, business travel across the nation is on the rise according to the Global Business Travel Association. After increasing 1.8 percent in 2012, U.S. business travel is expected to grow 5.1 percent in 2013, the association’s Business Travel Index Outlook – United States 2013 Q1 report found. As more and more professionals hit the road, they’re seeking personal fulfillment in the experience. Sixty-one percent of business travelers are looking to ‘discover a new city’ when they add on leisure travel days to a business trip, and they are turning to hotels for social and cultural guidance. Three in five (59%) business travelers turn to hotels before any other resource when looking for more information about their destination, and the majority of business travelers (69%) also turn to their hotel to connect with new people.
Working Mom Guilt – A Thing of the Past?
Many moms today have two full time jobs, and are looking to one for relief from the other. The Hilton Garden Inn Discovery and Connection Survey found that one-third of business traveling moms (32%) would prefer to travel with their significant other but without their children. When on the road for business, forty-two percent of moms most look forward to “me” time, followed by “not having to clean up after myself” (30%), compared to dads who answered 35% and 23%, respectively.
Without the kids, business traveling moms are seeking out a bit of adventure while on the road for work. When asked what the best benefits of business travel are, moms’ top answers were experiencing new things (45%) and discovering new places (42%). In contrast, dads tend to look forward to the monetary benefits of traveling for business, including earning hotel rewards points (34%) and airline miles (33%), compared to moms who answered 26% and 24%, respectively.
“We believe that travel -exploring new cites, meeting new people, enjoying the uniqueness of any destination- broadens perspectives and cultural acceptance. We want more people to have the opportunity to experience a city for the first time,” said Christa-Cathey. “At Hilton Garden Inn, we promote affordable adventure. That’s why we’re offering low rates, and an amazing Bed n’ Breakfast deal, through The Great Getaway program this summer.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
