UK SMEs are leaning into ‘bleisure’ travel. New research shows 76% now typically extend overseas business trips for personal time. That’s up from 48% in 2024. The findings come from a Travel Counsellors for Business survey of 1,000 UK SMEs, conducted in Manchester.
Most extensions are short. 57% add 1-2 days. 32% add 3-4 days. For organisers, this shift affects travel policies, budgets and room blocks, as delegates add shoulder nights and bring companions.
Family travel is growing. 58% say they would bring a partner or family member, up from 42% last year. 96% report they enjoy travelling overseas for business, with only 4% saying they never enjoy it.
Companies are starting to formalise the trend. One in five SMEs (20%) now encourage employees to extend trips for leisure. Other wellbeing steps include reducing indirect flights (20%) and minimising travel outside working hours (18%), indicating a move toward people-focused travel rules alongside cost control.
“The move to actively build leisure time into business trips reflects a fundamental shift in how SMEs value corporate travel,” said Melanie Quinn, director, Travel Counsellors for Business. “Travelling for work is no longer just about productivity and profit, it’s also about people. Whether it’s taking time to relax and recharge after meetings, exploring new cultures, or spending extra days abroad with family, businesses are increasingly recognising that supporting employee wellbeing delivers long-term benefit.
“At Travel Counsellors for Business, our ‘high-tech, high-touch’ approach means we can tailor travel.”