Flight Centre’s SME business travel arm, Corporate Traveller, has surveyed 1,001 Australian business travellers – not just from small and medium sized enterprises – to qualify and quantify what corporate travellers want from their hotel stays when they’re staying for work.
Unsurprisingly, the desire for free wireless internet tops the list, with 73 per cent wanting free and fast Wi-Fi, but the other high priorities for business travellers which follow, are more of a mixed bag.
The next most important for corporate hotel guests is healthy dining options in the hotel – flagged by 44 per cent of respondents – followed by free printing facilities – 41 per cent – more plugs and USB outlets – 37 per cent – followed quite closely by extra phone chargers or mobile charging banks – prioritised by 35 per cent of respondents.
Interestingly, while only 21 per cent of those surveyed wanted co-working spaces or offices at the hotel, 36 per cent wanted an area to unwind outside of their hotel room. Meanwhile, 35 per cent of respondents wanted larger or better-equipped workspaces in their room.
Business concierge services were at the bottom of the priority list for corporate guests, with only 13 per cent of respondents desiring this kind of service. Separate meeting rooms were also a low priority for business travellers, with just 18 per cent wanting them.
One in four respondents flagged onsite fitness centres and overnight dry cleaning services as important.
“Our survey reveals that business travellers are looking for accommodations that surpass the basics of comfort and dining,” said Corporate Traveller’s global CEO, Tom Walley, who is based in Australia.
“There’s a discernible shift towards hotels serving as auxiliary workplaces, a trend fuelled by the growing demand for spaces where guests can focus and work in private.
“The survey also reveals a strong emphasis on wellness among business travellers, with a significant portion wanting healthier dining options and well-equipped fitness facilities.
“The evolving expectation underscores the need for hotel offerings that support both relaxation and individual productivity. Hotels that prioritise these amenities are likely to differentiate themselves in the market and attract business travellers who seek a productive yet balanced work trip.”
micenet believes the preferences discovered through Corporate Traveller’s survey are likely to be shared by business events travellers, who will also likely undertake business-as-usual work tasks while attending an event away from home.
