Blended travel is no longer just a trend—it’s a fundamental shift in the way people experience work and leisure. Crowne Plaza by IHG, a pioneer in hybrid travel, has released its second white paper, “Leading the Charge in Blended Travel,” revealing how today’s travellers prioritise flexibility, well-being, and meaningful connections over rigid schedules. As work and leisure continue to blur, Crowne Plaza is reinventing hospitality to match the evolving needs of professionals who want to work from dream destinations, extend business trips, and enjoy a more holistic travel experience.
A global YouGov study commissioned by Crowne Plaza found that 67% of travellers see greater benefits in blended travel compared to five years ago. Singaporeans, in particular, are leading this shift, with 60% prioritising non-financial work perks over high salaries. Additionally, 42% of respondents believe blending work and leisure improves happiness, while 56% feel it allows them to explore new destinations. This data highlights the growing desire for greater autonomy in where and how people work, reinforcing the idea that travel today is not just about relaxation—it’s about personal enrichment and professional fulfilment.
A New Era of Blended Travel: Four Key Trends
The white paper identifies four major trends that are shaping the blended travel movement. The first is Improve and Grow, where travel is increasingly seen as a tool for self-improvement and creative exploration rather than just rest and recuperation. 40% of travellers now choose blended travel specifically to explore destinations they wouldn’t otherwise visit. Crowne Plaza is responding to this need by curating inspiring spaces designed to fuel creativity, such as rainforest-inspired chandeliers at Crowne Plaza Kuala Lumpur City Centre, an outdoor terrace at Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay, and stylish Italian workspaces at Allora, Crowne Plaza Changi Airport. This shift reflects a deeper cultural change where rest is no longer passive—it’s a catalyst for inspiration.
The second trend, Mind-Body Equity, reflects a growing demand for well-being to be integrated into travel experiences. Travellers now view wellness beyond self-care—it’s about self-awareness and work-life harmony. The report found that 35% of travellers believe blended travel helps them reduce stress and establish healthier routines. To cater to this shift, Crowne Plaza offers zoned guestrooms for optimal relaxation, sunrise and sunset swims at its beachfront properties, and nature-infused wellness experiences, such as the stargazing-friendly pool at Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay. With a growing awareness of the mental and physical benefits of spending time outdoors, Crowne Plaza is also incorporating biophilic design into its hotels, bringing travellers closer to nature.
The third trend, The New Personal Travel Economy, shows that travellers are becoming more financially savvy, looking for ways to maximise both time and money while maintaining a high-quality experience. The report found that 70% of travellers say affordable deals and dual-purpose amenities encourage them to mix business with leisure. Crowne Plaza’s IHG One Rewards programme is designed to support this demand, offering free nights, priority upgrades, and milestone rewards such as dining credits and suite upgrades. The rise of AI-powered travel planning tools and flexible work policies also enables travellers to extend their stays more strategically and affordably.
Finally, Intentional Togetherness is reshaping how people approach travel. With digital fatigue at an all-time high, travellers now prioritise in-person connections with family, friends, and colleagues. According to the study, 37% of global respondents say blending work and leisure allows them to spend more quality time with loved ones. This trend has also led to the rise of “buddymoons” (where newlyweds invite friends on their honeymoon) and “divorcations” (where people take post-breakup getaways with close friends). Crowne Plaza is responding to this trend through its Meetings & Events Concierge programme, which offers personalised itineraries that allow guests to blend work commitments with meaningful social experiences.
Final Thoughts
Blended travel is not just a trend—it’s the future. Whether it’s extending a work trip for leisure, choosing hotels with wellness-first designs, or embracing flexible travel perks, Crowne Plaza is leading the charge in redefining the modern travel experience, providing the spaces, services, and experiences that modern travellers demand.
For more details or to book a stay, visit IHG’s official website.
