"Bleisure”—that lucrative combo of business and leisure—is not exactly a new concept but has seen renewed popularity recently as more wellness-minded attendees request downtime before or after an event.
In fact, a 2024 Trends Report from Hilton found that 46 percent of global full-time and self-employed workers were planning to travel for business or bleisure.
“Many business travelers are looking to a new form of blended travel to maximize their time on the road. Additionally, more than a third of Gen Z and Millennial business travelers say they plan to extend a business trip to enjoy leisure time before or after their work obligations,” says Christiane Cabot Bini, VP, Global Business Travel Sales, Hilton. “How we travel for work has really transformed over the last few years, with the industry responding to accommodate new business travel ‘norms’ that are not fleeting trends, but instead long-term shifts. Now all business travelers, from road warriors to desk jockeys, have the technology at their disposal to work from anywhere, and they are taking advantage of it whenever possible.”
Noting the increased focus on personal health routines over the past few years and the “growing movement to infuse wellness into the professional sphere,” Cabot Bini points to wellness trends taking place at Hilton properties, from spa treatments designed for end-of-day relaxation to Hilton’s industry-first partnership with Peloton equipment.
Cabot Bini says Hilton has also seen an increased interest in resort and all-inclusive locations, as managers and planners gravitate toward an all-in-one approach. “In fact, in the first half of 2023, group bookings at Hilton all-inclusive resorts increased by double digits year-over-year, led by Hilton La Romana, an All-Inclusive Family Resort in the Dominican Republic,” she says. “All-inclusive resort offerings in other appealing destinations, like Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya and Hilton Cancun have also risen in popularity.”
Domestically, Cabot Bini cites the Signia by Hilton Atlanta, with eight food and beverage experiences, a spa, beauty bar, rooftop pool and fitness center, and more than 100,000 sf of flexible meeting space, including the largest hotel ballroom in Georgia.
Set between two iconic stadiums—Globe Life Field, home to the Texas Rangers and AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys—Live! by Loews Arlington was successful from the moment doors opened in late summer 2019, but with “only” 30,000 sf of meeting and event space, “there was an opportunity and a need in the market for more,” says Director of Meetings and Events, Jill Price.
Enter the Loews Arlington Hotel and Convention Center in February, connected to Live! by skybridge and giving access to amenities at both properties—1,188 guest rooms, 300,000 sf of indoor and outdoor event space, a spa and salon, two fitness centers, multiple pools and 10 dining experiences across the complex.
But extensive onsite recreation and proximity to MLB and NFL stadiums is only part of the story here—the hotels sit squarely within the Arlington Entertainment District, including two Six Flags parks, 20+ restaurants and bars, shopping, museums and live entertainment.
“The District has grown from a sports-centric complex to an all-encompassing, year-round entertainment destination that includes concerts, meetings and conventions, citywide events and more,” Price says. “Groups are choosing Arlington, and specifically Loews, not only to be in the epicenter of the action, but because of the world-class dining, five-star experiences and countless resort amenities.”
Not surprisingly, the sports group travel market has found a home at the District as well, with all levels of athletes coming from a variety of sports leagues. “It’s especially inspiring to see youth teams walk through our doors with wide eyes as they get to play in stadiums adjacent to their idols,” Price says. —Lisa Simundson
hilton.com/en/events/meetings; loewshotels.com/arlington-hotel/meetings