Tourexpi
Bleisure travel is firmly on the agenda for business
travelers across Asia-Pacific. According to Agoda’s newly released 2026 Travel
Outlook Report, 76 percent of surveyed business travelers in the region plan to
combine work trips with personal leisure time, underscoring a shift in how
professionals approach corporate travel.
The findings point to a broader rethinking of business
mobility, as meetings and conferences are increasingly paired with time to
explore destinations beyond the boardroom.
Strong demand in Southeast Asia
Interest in bleisure travel is especially pronounced
in Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, more than 85
percent of business travelers say they intend to extend their stays to include
leisure activities. Filipino respondents lead the ranking, with 95 percent
planning to add personal time to business trips, followed by Thailand at 92
percent and Vietnam at 86 percent.
Business travel itself remains a priority in several
markets for 2026. Indonesia leads in terms of respondents planning business
trips at 27 percent, followed by the Philippines at 20 percent and Vietnam at
19 percent. However, the report highlights that the most notable trend emerges
once work commitments conclude, as travelers look to turn short stays into
longer, more experience-driven journeys.
Changing attitudes in traditionally conservative
markets
Markets known for more reserved business travel
cultures are also showing growing openness to bleisure. In Japan, 58 percent of
business travelers plan to add personal time to their corporate itineraries.
South Korea shows even stronger adoption, with 76 percent expressing interest
in combining work and leisure. Indonesia likewise reflects this shift,
indicating that the trend is not limited to traditionally leisure-oriented
destinations.
The data aligns with wider industry projections, which
estimate the global bleisure travel market could reach up to 1.71 trillion US
dollars by 2032.
Platforms adapting to new travel patterns
“Across Asia-Pacific, we’re seeing professionals plan
to intentionally extend their work trips with personal days to enjoy local
experiences and make the most of their time on the road,” said Omri
Morgenshtern, Chief Executive Officer at Agoda. “At Agoda, we’re focused on
making it easy for travelers to seamlessly plan both the business and leisure
parts of their journey, all in one place and at great rates.”
Agoda’s platform reflects this integrated approach,
offering access to more than six million accommodation options, over 130,000
flight routes and more than 300,000 activities that can be combined within a
single booking. Whether staying close to a convention venue or extending a trip
to explore local attractions, travelers can plan both elements of their journey
through Agoda’s website or mobile app.
Overall, the report highlights a structural shift in
business travel across Asia-Pacific, with bleisure evolving from a niche
preference into a mainstream expectation.
Image Credit: © Agoda
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