Millennial Business Travelers Are Driving Hotels to Improve Fitness Centers

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A recent trend to improve hotel fitness facilities may be directly tied to how millennials travel for business, according to the American Express-GBTA Business Travel Sentiment Index Global Report.

The semi-annual survey asked 3,220 business travelers based in eight nations about their attitudes on travel and personal habits when on the road. Millennials are the most likely demographic to work out while on business trips, with nearly half of these respondents saying they would hit the hotel gym on a daily basis. This is compared to 41% of those between ages 35 and 54 and 38% of Baby Boomers.

More importantly, business travelers are considering the quality of fitness facilities and ability to walk to other places when booking their hotels. Approximately two-thirds of those surveyed who were regular exercisers say they take the hotel gym and the ability to walk to other attractions into consideration when they decide on bookings.

Improving fitness facilities is a priority for many mid- to high-end hotels looking to attract younger travelers. For example, the Hyatt Regency Orlando offers group classes such as spinning, separate cardio and strength-training rooms and a tennis court. Other trends in hotel fitness include high-intensity interval training spaces and fitness-themed guest rooms.

Technology and connectivity are also top priorities for business travelers in the millennial demographic and beyond. Nearly four out of five travelers surveyed say a wireless internet connection is crucial, and 83% are happy with the amount of connectivity available at hotels — compared to just over half on airplanes and trains.