The Evolution of Business Travel in the UK

Business travel has never been so efficient 🧳

 From freeing up valuable time to focusing on important work and providing opportunities for some much-needed R&R. Up and down the country, Travelodge has over 600 hotels, ideally situated for some well-earned rest with easy access to your business needs. Whether you need a city-centre hotel for a day of important meetings or a pit stop close to the airport, we’ve got you covered.

Our latest blog looks at the evolution of business travel in the UK, exploring current and future trends.

The tech revolution 

The future is now. Technological advancements over recent years have moved quickly and business travellers are reaping the benefits. Booking transport and accommodation is now easier than ever with just a tap of a button – making planning your next business trip smoother and streamlined.

Airlines, train operators and accommodation providers, including Travelodge, all have apps that make planning and managing travel quick and efficient!

Beyond budgeting 

Looking for a more comfortable travel experience? You’re not alone. Priorities are shifting for business travellers as they embrace the shift towards convenience, sustainability and, of course, comfort!

Travelodge offers the best of both worlds. While still offering unrivalled value for money, we’ve responded to changing business travel needs and enhanced our services and facilities to reflect them. Many of our rooms now offer home-from-home comforts and our social spaces have had an upgrade too. Busy schedules often keep business travellers on the go.  That’s why we provide a stylish base for relaxation, anytime you need it.

Making ‘bleisure’ happen 

What is ‘bleisure’? If you’re wondering what this travel trend is all about, you’re in the right place. You may not have heard of it, but there’s a good chance your trips revolve around it. Described as a combination of travelling for business and leisure, bleisure is a growing travel trend in the UK and is becoming increasingly important to Travelodge guests –  especially in our city-centre locations.

Many of our hotels are perfectly situated between major business hubs and popular attractions, in the heart of vibrant areas. Bustling with food and drink options and cultural hotspots – these prime locations are still within easy reach of all your business needs.

Putting the planet first 

Let’s face it, business travel can leave a bit of a footprint. But just like everything else in the world of work, business travel is evolving to be kinder to the planet. Businesses across the UK recognise that being responsible for the environment isn’t just a good idea, it’s becoming increasingly important in everything they do.

At Travelodge, our vision is to create a Better Future for our customers, colleagues and, of course, the planet! This is underpinned by the three core pillars of our sustainability plan: Inclusive, Caring and Conscious. In terms of environmental sustainability, we’re actioning our values in a multitude of different ways. From embedding sustainable sourcing practices into our key procurement activities and reducing waste production to decreasing water usage per guest and aiming to become net zero by 2050 – Travelodge has big goals for creating a Better Future.

Check out our Better Future Report 2024 here.

Future forecast 

Business travel is evolving and AI-powered personal assistants will soon make travel planning seamless for us all. Beyond bleisure, ‘objective stacking’ describes trips that will tick multiple boxes, maximising efficiency and value. Multitasking is important for sustainability, which will become a huge focus for business travellers who want to make eco-conscious choices and minimise their environmental impact.

While home working offers flexibility, the pull of human connection is driving a rise in on-the-go remote working, allowing us to collaborate and connect while staying productive on the move.

At Travelodge, we are preparing for future trends. Our investments in technology, customer experience and sustainability mean you can rest assured we’ll be right by your side for the journey.