The stereotype of a business traveller is someone focused purely on work. They don’t have time to explore new places or enjoy local culture. They just want to get the job done and get back home.
But, perhaps this isn’t the case. When it comes to experiencing other cultures, business travellers find engaging in activities like seeing key landmarks, having conversations with locals and learning the language more important than leisure travellers.
A recent survey by Booking.com* also revealed that more business travellers consider accommodation location and choice as important when connecting with local cultures than leisure travellers. Let’s look at the results in more detail.
Seeing the local sights and sounds
Perhaps it’s not a surprise, but the majority of both leisure and business travellers both see visiting key landmarks as critical to connect with local cultures. However, it’s business travellers that take the lead, with 54% seeing it as important, compared to 51% of leisure travellers.
A home from home
When it comes to getting immersed in local culture, a staggering 46% of business travellers see the location of their accommodation as important, compared to only 38% of leisure travellers.
Being in the right location can also make participating in local events much easier – something which 37% of business travellers and 25% of leisure travellers see as important.
And, did you know that for 39% of business travellers, staying somewhere other than a hotel is very important? It is actually only very important for 25% of leisure travellers.
Having a meaningful conversation
For 35% of business travellers, learning the local language is important, which is a contrast to leisure travellers, as only 23% agree. Getting to grips with the local lingo also makes conversing with locals much easier – something which is important to 39% of business travellers, compared to 32% of leisure travellers.
Are you surprised by this?
Business travellers are known for trying to get as much as possible out of their trips – but, usually, their focus is on their work. They typically have to deal with a lot last minute changes, which makes planning cultural excursions more difficult.
However, perhaps it’s because they know that plans can change at any moment that they realise the importance and value of connecting with local cultures – whenever and wherever they can.
* This data was taken from a survey of 44,878 respondents across 22 different markets. To participate in this survey respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to have travelled at least once in 2016, be planning at least one trip for 2017 and either the primary decision maker or involved in the decision making of their travel.