Corporate travel bookings in the first three months of 2022 alone eclipsed more than half of all the bookings in 2021, with a rise of 875% from March 2021 to March 2022. Business travelers are arranging longer “bleisure” stays, combining business travels with extra days for fun. This has resulted in the growing acceptance of remote work. More than a third of business travelers are planning longer stays which is why work-related trips are making a big comeback in 2022.
The gradual easing of travel regulations and quarantines around the world is the primary reason that particular areas are experiencing growth in travel. We have compiled 5 countries that are seeing outstanding rebounds across international regions.
- Canada
According to rental property managers, Canada is seeing more remote workers and longer business stays in its resort areas. Canadians have been at the forefront of this surge. They are taking advantage of remote work wherein more than 27% of employed Canadians are said to be taking a workcation this year. With vaccination testing requirements being removed international travel is expected to grow even more.
Vancouver and Calgary in the west, and Montreal and Toronto in the east, depending on the industry. However, business travelers should in most cases bring an international mobile plan with them because Canada has the highest mobile data costs in the world.
- The United Kingdom
The UK serves as a hub for international trade, with the highest business bookings in Europe this year. In mid-March, the UK lifted the last of its travel Covid restrictions (including arrival tests and passenger locator forms), and the bounce in business travel has already been evident. The demand for coworking spaces and other forms of flexible facilities that are suitable for short-term stays has increased. Business travelers can stay in hotels that promote sustainability to offset some of the carbon expenses of international commuting.
Corporate travelers should familiarize themselves with each country’s (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) guidelines.
- India
India continues to lead Asia-Pacific business bookings, coming in second behind Australia. Additional nonstop flights have been created between the two countries, further facilitating commerce and tourism. There are visible signs of business recovery however, travelers should be aware of substantial modifications made by hotels to strengthen security, such as thermal scanning, contactless check-in and check-out, and digitized menus in restaurants. PCR test upon arrival isn’t required but travelers must submit their information via an online self-declaration form and wear a mask in most settings. This varies from state to state.
- Spain
Spain has seen various sorts of business travel – in particular, corporate retreats – emerge even stronger post-pandemic, especially in the economically crucial Catalonia region, with the second-most business travel bookings in Europe this year (behind the UK).
The way people travel is also changing. Previously, groups preferred to be close to Barcelona and spend more time there; however, today’s activity requests are more rural. Corporate travelers to Spain are taking environmental issues more seriously than ever before. Companies are increasingly requesting electric or hybrid vehicles and preferring local firms over big corporations.
- Mexico
With the largest corporate travel bookings of any Latin American country, Mexico maintained arguably the most liberal travel policies during the pandemic. They allowed anyone, regardless of vaccination status, to fly in for business or pleasure. As a result, the country has seen an inflow of digital nomads as companies implement broader remote-work rules, as well as an increase in corporate retreat bookings as employees take advantage of the opportunity to get away from the office.
While Mexico City remains the country’s most important economic center, Guadalajara, the country’s second-largest city, has made significant business investments in recent years. During the epidemic, the country’s largest convention center, Expo Guadalajara, committed more than $23 million in Mexican pesos to improve hygiene measures, create testing processes, and construct isolation spaces.
The region is growing and has been one of the go-to countries for bleisure.
