Crowne Plaza by IHG Champions Blended Travel

Crowne Plaza by IHG Leads the Way in Blended Travel with New Research

By Nishang Narayan

Published on February 27, 2025

Crowne Plaza by IHG, one of the world’s leading premium hotel brands, has released its second white paper, Leading the Charge in Blended Travel. The report sheds light on a significant shift in how people travel, particularly as companies push for a broader return to office policies. According to the study, 66% of U.S. and U.K. travelers now combine business trips with personal leisure time—an increase from 53% in 2022.

To understand the global impact of this trend, Crowne Plaza commissioned a YouGov survey of over 12,000 travelers across multiple markets, including the U.S., U.K., Germany, Australia, Singapore, Japan, Saudi Arabia, U.A.E., and India. The findings reveal that 72% of respondents in these regions see blended travel as beneficial, emphasizing the demand for greater flexibility and meaningful travel experiences.

Blended Travel: A Permanent Shift

According to Ginger Taggart, Vice President of Brand Management – Global Premium Brands, IHG Hotels & Resorts, work-leisure integration is no longer just a trend but a way of life. “Blended travel has evolved beyond just extending business trips. It’s about working remotely from inspiring destinations, finding new ways to connect, and balancing professional and personal aspirations,” she said. Crowne Plaza is actively shaping this future by redesigning hotels to offer curated social spaces and purpose-driven experiences tailored to today’s dynamic travelers.

Key Trends in Blended Travel

The Leading the Charge in Blended Travel report highlights four key trends:

Personal and Professional Growth – Travelers now use blended travel as a tool for self-improvement, skill development, and creative exploration. Crowne Plaza meets this demand by offering inspiring meeting and event spaces, such as the Victorian ballrooms at Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria Sheffield and the 38-acre Crowne Plaza Atlanta SW – Peachtree City campus.
Mind-Body Wellness – With wellness integrated into everyday life, travelers seek ways to maintain healthier routines while on the go. Crowne Plaza supports this with initiatives like energizing breakfast smoothies at Crowne Plaza Helsinki – Hesperia and weekly guided runs at Crowne Plaza Amsterdam – South.
Value-Driven Travel – Cost-conscious travelers are maximizing their trips by extending business stays with leisure activities at a lower personal expense. Through the IHG One Rewards program, guests can earn and redeem points for free nights, exclusive experiences, and valuable perks like bonus points and Food & Beverage Rewards.
Intentional Togetherness – Face-to-face connections are becoming more valuable in an increasingly digital world. Crowne Plaza’s Meetings & Events Concierge program caters to this need by offering personalized itineraries that encourage both work and social engagement.

Crowne Plaza’s Global Refresh

As a pioneer in business-class hospitality since 1983, Crowne Plaza continues to evolve with changing traveler expectations. Currently, 70% of its properties in the Americas are either newly added or have undergone major renovations, with over 60% of locations in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa set to be refreshed by 2026.

This transformation aligns with the anticipated growth of the blended travel market, which is projected to expand from $315 billion in 2022 to over $731 billion by 2032. With more than 400 hotels across 67 countries and 140 new properties in the pipeline, Crowne Plaza is well-positioned to lead the charge in this evolving travel landscape.

For more details or to book a stay, visit IHG.com or download the IHG One Rewards mobile app.

Fusion Resorts Celebrate Global Wellness Month with Enriching Experiences

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 28, 2025

Fusion, the wellness-inspired resort group, is set to welcome June with a vibrant month-long celebration of health and mindfulness across its properties in Vietnam and Thailand. Honouring Global Wellness Day (June 14) and International Yoga Day (June 21), Fusion's resorts will offer guests enriching wellness experiences, from beachside yoga to guided meditations and spa rituals.

The Fusionlife loyalty program enhances this celebration with exclusive perks on accommodation and dining. Guests can explore more about these wellness benefits at: fusionhotelgroup.com/fusionlife.

Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang

This resort begins its journey on June 14 with outdoor yoga and an evening painting meditation at Maia Spa, fostering mindfulness and creativity. On June 21, International Yoga Day will feature early morning yoga and meditation, followed by a blend of yoga and painting in the afternoon—creating a thoughtful balance of movement and reflection throughout the month.

Fusion Resort Cam Ranh

Guests can enjoy a full day of activities on June 14, including tai chi on the beach, family yoga, detox sessions, and a kids' yoga class. The afternoon brings an organic hair conditioner workshop and chi nei tsang therapy. For International Yoga Day, the schedule includes surya namaskar by the ocean, vinyasa flow, nidra yoga, and more—designed to promote emotional balance and deep relaxation.

Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion

Nestled in the Trường Sơn Mountains, this resort offers a nature-immersed experience. Global Wellness Day begins with a forest hike and meditation, followed by a joyful "nature dance" and a healing hot spring soak. On Yoga Day, guests are invited for sunrise yoga beneath trees and a tranquil evening sound healing session using singing bowls.

Maia Resort Quy Nhon & The Ocean Resort Quy Nhon

The sister resorts are teaming up to offer a multi-day wellness retreat. Activities such as breath meditation, tai chi, qigong, and wellness workshops will take place in scenic venues, offering a deeply holistic wellness journey.

Fusion Suites Vung Tau

The “A Touch of Peace” workshop on June 22 will feature yoga breathwork, a singing-bowl meditation, and a reflective journaling session. The experience is designed to leave guests feeling calm, aware, and renewed.

HIIVE by Fusion Binh Duong

From June 9 to 15, guests can enjoy a complimentary perilla juice with any dish—a refreshing mix of perilla leaves, ginger, and orange—celebrating wellness in simple, flavourful ways.

GLOW Mira Karon Beach (Thailand)

A sunset yoga session by the beach, just steps from the ocean, will be held at this Phuket resort. Led by a professional coach, the experience is complemented by rejuvenating spa treatments and a tranquil setting, ideal for family-friendly wellness escapes.

This June, Fusion welcomes guests to reconnect with their inner selves, soak in natural beauty, and celebrate a mindful lifestyle, one moment at a time.

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Western Sydney Convention Centre Partners with Encore for Next-Gen Events

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 27, 2025

The Western Sydney Convention Centre (WSCC) at the Panthers Precinct has entered a landmark partnership with Encore, a global leader in event technology and creative production, to serve as its in-house event production partner.

This collaboration comes on the heels of WSCC’s recent expansion, bringing its total event space to over 4,000 sqm, strengthening the region’s role as a premier destination for business and tourism, especially with the Western Sydney International Airport set to open next year.

Encore’s involvement further raises the bar for the precinct, bringing in advanced AV and production equipment, particularly to upgraded spaces beyond the main 1,000-seat WSCC venue.

With access to AI-powered event technologies, bespoke production services, and the largest LED inventory in APAC, clients can expect seamless, immersive, and high-quality event experiences. The Encore team will work closely with WSCC’s planning teams to ensure every event is personalised and flawlessly executed.

Charles Young, General Manager of WSCC, stated,

“Encore brings an unmatched suite of cutting-edge technologies to help us deliver elevated client experiences. This new partnership reflects our commitment to excellence and forward-thinking conference and event hospitality.”

Katherine Pfahl, Senior Director of Strategic Commercial Partnerships, Encore APAC, added,

“Our advanced production capabilities and innovative services will elevate every event at the venue. We look forward to making a significant impact together.”

As Western Sydney continues to grow as a major events destination, this partnership represents a shared commitment to delivering quality, innovation, and premium service.