How Bleisure Travel is Changing the Tourism & Hospitality Landscape

A New Kind of Travel: Blending Work and Leisure

A new kind of travel is taking shape in today’s world—one that blends the demands of work with the joys of leisure. This trend, known as bleisure travel, is quickly becoming a preferred way for professionals to make the most of their business trips. As remote and hybrid work models grow, many are choosing to extend work trips into personal getaways or plan “workcations” that allow them to stay connected while exploring new places.

The Hospitality Sector Adapts to Bleisure Needs

The impact of this shift is already being felt across the hospitality sector. Traditional lodging that once catered strictly to business or leisure is no longer enough. Today’s bleisure travellers are looking for comfort, flexibility and convenience. To meet these expectations, hotels are adapting by offering work-friendly features like high-speed Wi-Fi, quiet co-working zones, private meeting spaces and convenient in-room setups. At the same time, leisure perks like spa treatments, guided local tours and discounts for extended stays are becoming just as important.

India’s Unique Bleisure Potential

In India, this evolution is especially noticeable. With a rising interest in cultural experiences and offbeat destinations, travellers are keen to explore beyond the usual business hubs. The bleisure trend is helping bring attention to lesser-known gems, supporting local economies and giving professionals a chance to recharge in scenic and meaningful settings. Popular business cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi are seeing an uptick in professionals adding short getaways to nearby leisure destinations such as Coorg, Hampi, Lonavala, Alibaug, Rishikesh and Jaipur. Even places like Udaipur, Goa and the Nilgiris are positioning themselves as ideal workcation spots, combining serene surroundings with modern hospitality.

Luxury, Wellness and Sustainability Take Centre Stage

Luxury hotels and resorts are responding by combining personalized services with wellness and eco-conscious offerings. Travelers now prefer stays that not only support their work needs but also offer a break from routine, with sustainability and comfort in mind. Boutique resorts and homestays are also tapping into this demand by offering curated local experiences, healthy cuisine and tranquil settings designed for rest and productivity alike.

A Global Shift in Business Travel

This is part of a larger shift globally. Destinations like Singapore and Dubai—which combine world-class business infrastructure with rich cultural or leisure experiences—are becoming hotspots for bleisure travellers. Companies are also beginning to recognize the value in this trend. Many now view bleisure as a workplace perk, offering flexible travel policies that allow employees to extend work trips or bring family members along. While formal policies are still evolving, the desire to balance professional goals with personal wellbeing is reshaping business travel norms.

A Growing Market in India

The numbers tell a compelling story. The Indian business travel segment is thriving, with the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) market projected to grow from USD 49.4 billion in 2024 to over USD 100 billion by 2030 (Source: Ministry of Tourism PIB). Bleisure travel is becoming a key part of this growth. Younger travellers are also driving demand for curated experiences that blend productivity with relaxation.

Technology as a Catalyst

Technology is accelerating this change. Personalization, wellness, sustainability and digital convenience are now central to the hospitality experience. From AI-powered itinerary planning to mobile check-ins and virtual concierge services, innovation is playing a vital role in ensuring that work and leisure can coexist seamlessly during travel.

The Way Forward for Hospitality

As this trend continues to grow, the hospitality industry has a unique opportunity to adapt and thrive. By reimagining spaces and services that cater to the needs of today’s blended traveller, hotels and tourism providers can unlock new avenues for growth, build long-term loyalty and offer experiences that go far beyond the boardroom.

CII’s Role in Shaping the Sector

The CII National Committee on Tourism & Hospitality plays a pivotal role in shaping the growth and competitiveness of India’s tourism and hospitality sector. Comprising over 50 industry leaders from diverse sub-sectors, the committee is focused on the revival of inbound tourism, strengthening the domestic tourism ecosystem and acting as a bridge between the government and industry to address key issues and facilitate policy solutions. Learn more about CII’s initiatives for this sector here.