MCLEAN, VA—Seventy-five percent of young professionals in the U.S. see business travel as a major work perk, with 65% considering it a status symbol, according to a recent survey commissioned by Hilton Hotels & Resorts.
Hilton’s flagship brand today launches a new initiative to help the next generation of professionals make the most out of their work trips and navigate travel misconceptions. This effort will include partnering with relevant business travel experts, introducing an engaging social content series and hosting a new business traveler boot camp in the fall.
“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 travelers,” said Stuart Foster, VP, global brand marketing, Hilton. “Our focus on the next generation of business travelers 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.”
The survey of business travelers ages 23-35 revealed overwhelmingly positive feelings toward traveling for work:
- Time to Travel: More than half of respondents (56%) say that they create reasons to travel for business
- Career Deal Breaker: 39% go so far as to say they wouldn’t take a job that didn’t allow them to travel for business
- Real Life Relationships: 81% say they get more done while meeting face-to-face and 75% have made friends while traveling for work
Findings also illuminated sources of tension and challenges for today’s new business travelers:
- Road Warrior Weight: 68% admit that they regularly pack workout gear, but end up not using it; 44% have gained weight due to traveling for business
- ‘Charge It’ Confusion: 43% often misunderstand what can be expensed and end up owing their company money
- Sunday Scaries: 38% start to feel stressed and can’t enjoy the weekend when anticipating business travel the next week
- Wardrobe Woes: 36% are stressed by trying to pack the right clothes for any situation
- Bleisure Stress: 69% wish they could extend their trip for leisure, but 46% admit they feel guilty about doing so—44% even worry it makes them look bad in the eyes of senior leadership
Hilton has a variety of programs to combat some of these challenges: an in-room wellness concept that brings more than 11 different fitness equipment and accessory options into the guestroom itself; Herb N’ Kitchen, Hilton’s modern in-room delivery service and casual dining concept, which serves up healthy grab & go options; and Meet with Purpose, in which meeting professionals can choose from a variety of health-conscious menu packages.
Additionally, Hilton Hotels & Resorts has enlisted the help of two business travel experts to address the survey findings and help guests maximize their time on the road. Together, they provided the following tips:
- Look Your Best to Feel Your Best: “No matter what, bring your workout gear on every trip. You never know when you might have unexpected free time to go for a jog or a quick walk. My added secret? I bring my nicest workout clothes when I’m traveling; you’re more likely to work out in something you are excited to wear,” said Payal Kadakia, founder of ClassPass and director of The Sa Dance Company.
- Follow the 1,2,3,4,5,6 Rule for a Week of Travel: “Bring one hat, two pairs of shoes, three pairs of pants/skirts, four shirts, five pairs of socks and six pairs of underwear. Packing based on a color palette can be helpful to ensure all items can easily be mixed and matched,” said Zanna Roberts Rassi, co-founder of Milk Makeup and fashion editor at large at Marie Claire.