Business travel is no longer seen as purely functional
In recent years, the way professionals travel for work has changed. Business travel is no longer seen as purely functional – many travellers now look for opportunities to unwind, explore, or stay a little longer. In particular, those aged 26 to 35 reflect broader shifts in work-life balance, flexibility, and the desire for meaningful travel experiences. This evolution is referred to as bleisure (a blend of business and leisure).
The Hague & Partners Convention Bureau has explored perceptions, motivations, and behaviours around bleisure travel among business travellers and event professionals, aiming to offer insights to destinations, event organisers, and other stakeholders in the MICE industry.
The main conclusions show that when given extra time during a business trip, travellers primarily seek to experience local culture. Beyond cultural activities, men show the strongest preference for culinary experiences, while women demonstrate greater enthusiasm for nature and relaxation. When extending their business trip, most respondents wish to be accompanied either by their partner or prefer to travel solo, depending on their life stage. Younger professionals are more inclined to extend their trip alone, while older groups often prefer to stay longer with their partner or family. This diversity highlights the importance of designing flexible, inclusive travel experiences that cater to both personal and professional aspirations.
Bas Schot, Head of The Hague & Partners Convention Bureau, emphasises The Hague’s appeal as a natural hub for combining business with leisure: “The Hague offers an ideal balance for professionals looking to combine productivity with relaxation. As the only major Dutch city by the sea, we give visitors the chance to step straight from a conference into the dunes or enjoy a quiet moment on the beach. It’s a city that understands the rhythm of work and the need for wellbeing.”
About the research
The findings present a clear picture: bleisure is not just a concept, but a growing expectation among professionals. The data is collected through an online mixed-methods questionnaire distributed via a convenience sample of professional networks and mailing lists. A total of 125 professionals filled in the survey, 77 of them completed the whole survey. Explore more about the research here.
About The Hague & Partners
The Hague & Partners is the official marketing & acquisition organisation for the promotion of The Hague, focused on residents, visitors, conferences, businesses, and institutions.
Learn more about The Hague & Partners here.
