With South Africans having to tighten their belts due to the country’s current economic situation, it’s not surprising that a survey conducted by a local travel wholesaler has found that 50% of business travellers who add a leisure component to their trips, do so as a way to have a holiday while saving money.
Grant Sandham, Group Sales & Marketing Manager at Premier Hotels & Resorts, shares that the group has noted an increase in the combination of business and leisure travel, known as bleisure, amongst guests at its 16 properties across the country. “While the economic downturn may play a significant part in this, I believe that it is due to our ability to offer guests the best in both business and leisure.”
He explains: “All properties within the Premier Hotels & Resorts portfolio are located in the mainstream of South Africa’s regional business and tourism destinations and are equipped with conference centres along with free Wi-Fi. The majority also provide business centres and in-room work stations to ensure that corporate travellers can get their work done in comfort during their trips.”
“Because all work and no play make for a dull time away, guests can take advantage of an array of activities and attractions both on and off-site,” adds Sandham.
With the survey revealing that 81.82% of bleisure travellers choose to use their down time for relaxation, Premier Hotel East London ICC is the ideal accommodation option as the property, situated adjacent to the East London International Convention Centre, offers its very own spa where guests can unwind with a variety of treatments whilst enjoying ocean views.
Visiting nearby bars and restaurants topped the survey’s list with 91.3% of bleisure travellers indulging in this activity. As Cape Town is the country’s culinary capital, guests staying at Premier Hotel Cape Town are in for a treat. In addition to the on-site Promenade Restaurant serving up wholesome, fresh fare, the hotel’s central location means that the city’s abundance of world-renowned eateries are practically on their doorstep. Plus, it is close to the Central Business District for those important business meetings.
Over 85% of bleisure travellers opt to explore the sights of the cities where they stay and with Premier Hotel O.R. Tambo situated conveniently close to the Rhodesfield Gautrain Station, access to prominent business areas such as Midrand and Sandton – as well as must-see sights like the Apartheid Museum Maboneng Precinct and Constitution Hill – is quick and easy.
Visiting a nearby destination is a popular pursuit among 69.05% of bleisure travellers. With Durban at the heart of Kwa-Zulu Natal’s wealth of scenic and cultural attractions, it is a must-stay spot for bleisure travellers wanting to explore the Zulu Kingdom. Located just 18km from the Durban city centre, Splendid Inn Pinetown is the perfect base for exploring the province’s popular beaches, bushveld reserves and dramatic Drakensberg Mountains.
“With offerings like these, we aim to ensure that our bleisure guests arrive as business travellers but leave as holidaymakers,” concludes Sandham.
To find out more about Premier Hotels & Resorts’ bleisure offerings, visit https://www.premierhotels.co.za.
