You’ve heard about the ‘Staycation’ and the ‘Daycation’ and now in this tough economic climate, we’re seeing proof that business trips are being seen as the new mini-break – the ‘Bizcation’.  35% of business travellers surveyed have said they see overnight business trips as a break from routine with 19% looking forward to exploring a new city, according to a Survey conducted by hotel group Jurys Inn and Cross Country Trains.

Of the 1000 business travellers surveyed, a quarter admitted to looking forward to a business trip, with London (22%) being the most popular UK business destination followed closely by Birmingham (16.2%) and then Brighton (16.1%). A quarter of business travellers also saw an overnight hotel stay prior to a business meeting as proof they are valued by their employer and one in three people will opt to stay overnight before a meeting to ensure they are there in time and refreshed for the day ahead.  35% travel by train and 60% said they didn’t feel they have ever been misled by a hotel website. 42% said their company books their accommodation and transport however, nearly 40% of these said they would rather book their own. 30% said they would claim an expensive dinner and drinks on expenses and more women than men said they would claim an adult movie.

Despite common misconceptions, nearly 85% of business travellers in a relationship do not argue with their partners about the number of business trips they take, indicating partners understand work commitments and welcome taking a break from each other.

Business travellers were quizzed over the delicate question of fidelity: over 70% of those questioned had never experienced a “brief encounter” whilst travelling for business and of those that had, over a third had regretted it but nearly 10% had formed a relationship afterwards.

Hanging Loose: Most business travellers would go commando in a business meeting 75% of those questioned admitted to forgetting their underwear, most (28%) chose to go commando, rather than wearing yesterday’s (15%) or purchasing new underwear (23%).  Shoes were the most common item to be forgotten when heading off on a business trip (25%), followed by toothbrushes (25%) and smart clothing suitable for business meetings (17%).

Psychologist, Dr Barry Cripps CPsychol CSci FBPsS comments,
“With people taking fewer traditional holidays, it is no surprise that an overnight business trip is becoming the new mini break in the UK. After a time, however interesting our job may be, as humans we are programmed to become bored with our daily routine, thus looking forward to change. A short business trip suffices to fulfill this role, whilst, in many cases, simultaneously producing a feeling of self worth and personal identity when a company puts this level of trust in an employee. From the survey results, it seems couples are becoming more understanding of this, appreciating the time away from each other to relax.”

Says Suzanne Cannon, Group Marketing Manager for Jurys Inn: “As we are all working longer hours with less time for leisure breaks, it’s easy to see how a business trip or a ‘Bizcation’ is now seen as a welcome break from routine. As an independent hotel group we are able to quickly respond to our guest’s feedback and we are constantly striving to provide what our guests really want when they are away from home.  Jurys Inn offers the business traveller a smart buying choice and a credible alternative to a four star hotel without compromising on comfort or service.”

Jurys Inn recently won the 2012 Award for Best Small or Independent Hotel Brand for the second time.  The judges said “Jurys Inn ticked all the boxes from the perspectives of both the buyer and traveller, and represented excellent value for money”.  Some of the key elements that impressed the judges were; the new Jurys Business Booker tool, the launch of a Superior Room Upgrade Package, a revamped Jurys Rewards loyalty programme, mobile website development, the overall quality and consistency of the product and the friendly and dedicated employees.

Jurys Inn has attracted attention amongst guests and the industry for the quality, value and consistency of its service within its city centre locations.  Interestingly, 46% of business travellers questioned cited hotel location as being most important to them and 21% ranked not being able to find the hotel as being the most annoying part of their trip.  All Jurys Inn hotels are right in the heart of city centres and with GPS co-ordinates available on the website as well as the Jurys Inn mobile website there’s no reason for guest’s to get lost.  All hotels have large, welcoming receptions which are staffed 24 hours a day, a separate bar and restaurant, comfortable bedrooms designed for working in as well as consistent delivery of warm and friendly service, Jurys Inn is the ideal choice for business guests.