77% corporate bookers prioritise wellbeing, Hand Picked Hotels reveals

Hand Picked Hotels has revealed that 77% of corporate bookers, whose role is booking offsite meetings and events, stated wellness facilities for delegates is now a priority for companies when selecting a venue for a meeting or conference. The research conducted by One Poll on behalf of Hand Picked Hotels, a collection of 21 luxury country houses and coastal retreats across the UK and Channel Islands, examined the priorities for 500 respondents booking meetings, events and conferences offsite in 2024 Over three quarters (77%) of those surveyed stated the top five things planners look for include a nutritious food and beverage offering (48%), a wellness walk (34%), a wellness experience such as breathing and relaxation techniques or yoga (25%), access to spas and health club facilities (24%) and outdoor activities (19%). With more companies leaving remote working behind, the popularity of face to face meetings has returned to pre pandemic levels; and with it the focus is now ensuring meetings and events support and aid employees’ physical and mental wellbeing. The study also unveiled the 2024 market is all about late bookings, with 43% of planners admitting to booking offsites between one and four weeks out from the meeting or event date and only 2% booking six months out, evidence of more spontaneity in the marketplace. Ignace Bauwens, chief executive officer of Hand Picked Hotels, said: “At Hand Picked Hotels we appreciate the demands of a fast-paced corporate life, and the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Our 21 unique venues each offer a variety of meeting spaces and facilities, meaning we can ensure delegates smoothly connect in a seamless way between business and well-being, and we put the guest experience top of our agenda every time. “Thanks to our beautiful grounds, our hotels provide the ability to connect in nature, from taking some time together outside or going for a simple walk. For the more energetic delegates, our hotels also provide first class health club facilities for those pre or post meeting agendas. We really recognise and appreciate the power of mindful movement whatever your pace and we’re delighted to be able to offer a plethora of meeting solutions across the UK.”