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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.