Short business trips reshape Europe’s hotel market
Hotels must streamline booking and tailor services as business travel becomes faster, shorter, and more flexible
Business travel demand is rising again, but the nature of trips has shifted. Most European corporate stays are now just 2–3 nights, driven by domestic travel and hybrid work. Hotels that succeed in this environment are those that streamline booking, personalize services, and make every hour of the stay count.
Key takeaways
- Short business trips dominate Europe: In markets like the UK, Ireland, Belgium, and the Netherlands, most business stays average under 2.5 nights, increasing the need for efficiency and seamless guest experience.
- Hybrid work shapes expectations: Travellers are blending business and leisure (“bleisure”), driving demand for in-room workspaces, excellent Wi-Fi, and flexible meeting and social spaces.
- Tech-enabled booking is a competitive advantage: Hotels with real-time, automated, personalized booking and modification workflows are capturing repeat business travel; manual systems are falling behind.
- Longer stays in Switzerland and Germany: These markets see more extended business trips, creating opportunities for upselling leisure activities, wellness, and local experiences.
- Asia draws extended leisure and remote work stays: Destinations like Thailand and the Philippines attract long-haul travellers and digital nomads staying 2–3 weeks, requiring flexible pricing and workspace offerings.
- Origin of traveler influences stay length: Domestic travellers tend to stay for shorter periods, while international, especially European long-haul travellers, stay significantly longer — highlighting the need for tailored pricing and service strategies.
- Data-driven guest personalization is key: Hotels that understand who is traveling, why, and for how long can optimize revenue, improve occupancy, and deliver a better, more relevant guest experience.
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