Crowne Plaza by IHG paper reveals new era of blended travel demand

Australians are prioritising work-life balance and blended travel opportunities more than ever, with non-financial perks taking precedence over a high salary (53 per cent) when choosing an employer, new research commissioned by Crowne Plaza has revealed.

Research in the Leading the Charge in Blended Travel white paper also revealed that 59 per cent of Aussies considered a great team their top priority, while 58 per cent valued flexible working hours, and 31 per cent highlighted the ability to work remotely and combine it with a leisure trip.

Crowne Plaza by IHG’s second white paper unveils a major shift since its 2022 report, driven by a new breed of companies and individuals seeking far-reaching flexibility that extends beyond traditional work-life balance and into a holistic approach focused on personal growth, mind-body equity, and connection when travelling.

Crowne Plaza commissioned a YouGov survey of over 12,000 people across Australia, the US, UK, Germany, Singapore, Japan, Saudi Arabia, UAE and India. Globally, 67 per cent of respondents agree they see greater benefits and flexibility in blended travel compared to five years ago, confirming travellers everywhere are more eager than ever before to use their time away to achieve broader personal goals. 

“Crowne Plaza has been tracking the evolution of work-life integration for years, especially as it shifts from a trend to a permanent way of life for today’s professionals,” said Commercial, East Asia & Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts vice president, Dean Jones.

“Flexibility in where and when people work is now an expectation, and Crowne Plaza has been actively shaping the future of blended travel – whether extending business trips or working remotely from dream destinations. We’re reimagining hotel designs with inventive social spaces and purpose-driven experiences that empower our guests to achieve a more dynamic and fulfilling way of travelling.”