Younger people more likely to enjoy business travel

Young adults are beginning to opt for positions that let them travel for business instead of going on a gap year, according to new research that revealed that those most excited to travel for work are under the age of 35. Statistically the age group with the least amount of money to afford leisure travel and less responsibilities than older workers.

The Heathrow Express Business Travel Insights Report 2017 has found that under 35s are the age group most likely to enjoy business travel, with over 70 per cent saying that business travel is an enjoyable part of their job. They are also the age group most likely to add extra days for leisure purposes and extend their trips for longer.

Younger travellers are less likely to be travelling alone, and more likely to be travelling to a conference, than other age groups. The research reveals that conference delegates add the most number of days for leisure purposes with 66% adding up to two weeks to their trip.

The Heathrow Express Business Travel Insights Report 2017 has identified different personas of business travellers from the relative importance of different motivations when choosing flights, accommodation and transport to and from the airport. The increasing numbers of those adding leisure extensions onto business trips created the ‘bleasure’ trend. However the new report also reveals how many travellers actually enjoy the business part of their trips too. With many business travellers taking pleasure from business, Heathrow Express introduces the ‘bleasure’ traveller.

Demonstrating a lack of confidence when travelling, 90% of under 25s claim to get to the airport with plenty of time to spare 10 points more than the next age group. Once at the airport, they are likely to work and more likely to eat, drink, shop and relax.

Fraser Brown, Director of Heathrow Express said: “Not only do under 35s make up a growing proportion of our customer base, but they are clearly the sector that most enjoys travelling for business. Our research finds that if this age group can’t necessarily afford to take the same number of holidays as their parents or grandparents, then they will do their utmost to enjoy the travel they have to do for work.”

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