Three new trends that should be on every corporate travel manager’s radar

A new chapter of business travel is emerging as employees return to the road, companies tap into current flexible working preferences, employees desire to reconnect with each other, and companies focus on building authentic company cultures.

Hilton has evolved with its customers' new wants and needs, reimagining areas like extended blended stays. communal spaces, loyalty rewards, contactless technologies, and beyond. And as companies continue to assess changing internal needs and goals, Hilton is consistently pursuing new ways to best align with business travel and meet the changing demands of travel buyers, corporate travel managers, and travelers themselves.

SkiftX spoke with Hilton sales leaders to explore the emerging trends that are top of mind for business travelers and how they will carry into the year ahead.

Business travel is central to building company culture

As business travel regains momentum, companies are reminded of the importance of in-person engagement whether with clients or among employees and how that can improve the health and wellness of an organization.

"As people have moved to remote work and corporate locations have shifted, there is significant demand to bring people together. It is core to company culture, employee engagement, and retention," said Christiane Cabot Bini, Hilton's Executive Director, Business Travel Sales, Hilton Worldwide Sales.

With this rising demand to bring people together, corporate travelers are creating travel itineraries that include longer stays so they can accomplish more per trip and blended business and leisure activities that can be customized and expanded. "Business travelers are seeking more balance and seamless, stress-free experiences. They want to stay with purposeful brands that resonate with their values. Hilton has done a lot of work to address these needs, from innovations around wellness and partnerships - such as our new program with Peloton® - to technology and the environment, added Cabot Bini.