STAMFORD, Conn. – Business travelers stay social while on the road, according to a recently released survey from Four Points by Sheraton, a Starwood Hotels and Resorts brand.
For example, nearly two-thirds of those surveyed said they stayed in contact with someone they met on the plane or at the hotel.
Corporate travelers sought out other networking opportunities. About 42 percent of respondents said visiting the hotel bar or restaurant with colleagues or business partners was their number one free time activity. Other popular free time activities were exercising in the gym (38 percent), visiting the spa (37 percent) or shopping (34 percent).
However business travelers also want some time away from coworkers while flying. Some 61 percent reported that they would rather not share the same flight with a colleague.
The 2012 hotel business travel survey studied 6,000 worldwide business travelers, including 1,000 from the United States. In August, Four Points by Sheraton released the first half of the study, which chronicled the mobile device habits of business travelers. This survey revealed that most corporate travelers bring three or four mobile devices with them while traveling to stay connected to coworkers, family and friends.
“Business travelers have a real need to connect on the road – both virtually and in person,” said Brian McGuinness, vice president of Starwood’s specialty select brands. “Our survey results reveal that road warriors are social, preferring to network or to relax in the company of colleagues rather than just enjoying solitary pursuits.”
For more information, read Starwood Resorts and Hotels press release.
