Leisure travel remains strong, Cheval Collection survey reveals

Almost 72% of travellers have reported planning at least three leisure trips over the next year, up from just over 45% in the previous year, the latest travel survey from Cheval Collection has revealed. 

However, the ‘bleisure’ trend – which combines business and leisure – has yet to be embraced by respondents, of whom at least half did not travel for business purposes. 

Cheval Collection’s survey received approximately 2,600 respondents, of which 75% were from the UK.

The study also found that more than 75% of guests preferred to book directly, with a “significant” number also drawn to loyalty programmes.

Meanwhile, only 18.5% expressed a preference to always book with an online travel agent, such as Booking.com or Expedia. 

Just over 30% of travellers indicated a preference for a provider with an attractive loyalty programme.

Value remained a factor for guests and, when booking accommodation, between 43% and 45% of respondents said they would either book the cheapest, non-refundable rate or they would wait for a sales event before committing to a purchase. 

Robert Speirs, director of marketing at Cheval Collection, said: “It is reassuring to see that there is still strong demand from the leisure market, at a time when we are seeing headwinds in other segments.

“Serviced apartments have proven resilience and are now part of the mainstream for guests and investors, as we are hearing through the conversations we are having in dynamic locations around the world. The combination of flexible, luxurious accommodation and limber, efficient operations is only growing in popularity.”