Business travel enquiries in the UK saw an 11% surge at the start of the year, says Hyatt.

The hotel brand secured more than 31,000 meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) enquiries across Europe in the first quarter of 2024. This figure is an 8% increase compared to the same period last year. 

Hyatt’s properties in the UK accounted for more than 5,500 of these enquiries.

There was also a 25% increase in business requests across 2023. This totalled to more than 19,500 enquiries for room nights and/or meeting spaces for business purposes.

Paul Dalgleish, VP of Sales, Revenue and Business Development – EAME at Hyatt, said: “The world and hospitality industry has changed post-Covid. Business is back, and there is greater focus by companies on the creative ways in which they can deliver innovative and quality events. Bleisure, a combination of business and leisure, has been a key driver in the boom of business travel bookings post-Covid and is a trend that isn’t expected to slow down.

“Leisure elements are becoming more desirable for corporates which are looking to provide inspiring environments, keep their audience motivate and incorporate wellbeing activities into a business event, such as through sporting activities or spa breaks — aspects that many MICE-ready hotels are developing in order to benefit from this trend.”

hyatt.com