UK SMEs are embracing the rise of ‘bleisure’ travel, with more employees than ever extending business trips for leisure time - signalling a shift in how companies are approaching travel and employee wellbeing.
Our latest research, based on a survey of 1,000 UK SMEs, shows that 76% of respondents now typically extend overseas business trips for leisure or personal time - a sharp increase from 48% in 2024. Of those who do, 57% extend by 1–2 days and 32% by 3–4 days, underscoring a growing appetite for balance and wellbeing alongside business productivity.
The trend also extends to family travel: 58% of SME travellers now say they would bring a partner or family member on an overseas business trip, compared to 42% last year. This reflects a shift towards a more holistic view of business travel that prioritises personal time.
96% of SME travellers report that they enjoy travelling overseas for business, with only 4% saying they never enjoy it, indicating that business travel is increasingly seen as a valued and rewarding experience rather than a professional burden.
Notably, one in five SMEs (20%) now actively encourage employees to extend business trips for leisure purposes. Other wellbeing measures include reducing indirect flights (20%) and minimising travel outside working hours (18%).
Together, these initiatives point to a broader pivot towards more sustainable and people-focused business travel policies.
Mel Quinn, our Director of Corporate Travel, said: “The move to actively build leisure time into business trips reflects a fundamental shift in how SMEs value corporate travel. Travelling for work is no longer just about productivity and profit, it’s also about people. Whether it’s taking time to relax and recharge after meetings, exploring new cultures, or spending extra days abroad with family, businesses are increasingly recognising that supporting employee wellbeing delivers long-term benefits for engagement, retention and performance, far beyond the bottom line.
“At Travel Counsellors for Business, our ‘high-tech, high-touch’ approach means we can tailor travel experiences that truly recognise that travellers are people with individual and personal preferences. From flexible itineraries to online support platforms that enable our clients to show care for their travellers wherever they are in the world, and a human travel expert always on hand to support their trip, we empower people to make corporate travel both effective and enjoyable.”
If you’re a business that actively encourages bleisure travel, you need a trusted TMC partner who can plan the perfect itinerary for work and play. Here at Travel Counsellors for Business, we’re uniquely placed to support your needs. Our Corporate Travel Counsellors are able to tap into our wider network of leisure Travel Counsellors, teaming up with destination experts to ensure trips deliver on all fronts. Ready to get started? Get in touch with our friendly team today.
Take a look at the highlights from our Corporate Conference in Birmingham, which brought together our community to share real stories, insights, and ideas shaping the future of business travel — and discover what it means for our clients, from more personalised support to smarter, more resilient travel management.
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