News for the Hospitality Executive |
Bethesda,
Maryland – August 14, 2012 – According to new research that
captured data from more
than 1,000 of the nation’s most frequent business travelers, time on
the road
adds value to their lives beyond business and is a source of personal
happiness. The first-of-its-kind study, conducted by Fairfield Inn
& Suites
by Marriott, explored the emotions of the nation’s most experienced
road
warriors before, during and after a business trip.
“We feel the best way to help our guests succeed is to understand how they operate, so we can maximize their experience at our hotels,” said Shruti Buckley, vice president and global brand manager, Fairfield Inn & Suites. “They demand an environment that allows them to be productive, yet one that is also inviting, upbeat and personal, so that’s what we deliver.” Key Finding 1: Frequent Business Travel Enhances Your Life Along with its ability to boost one’s professional development, the study found that frequent business travel has significant personal benefits.
Key Finding 2: Frequent Business Travel Leads to Happiness Frequent business travelers experience positive emotions, such as happiness and confidence, on the road. Despite experiencing travel delays; missing their families, pets and home-cooked meals; losing their luggage; or even skipping a family event, the vast majority of frequent business travelers report positive emotions when preparing for (86%) and during (88%) a trip. The most common emotions reported include feeling confident, knowledgeable, interested, calm, excited, eager, well-connected and happy. “While more than half of frequent business travelers say they work twice as much when on the road, they also experience a certain feeling of freedom,” said Buckley. “Sixty percent report feeling free to do whatever they want, which is empowering, as is getting their job done.” Some frequent business travelers might be smiling because they often travel with a colleague. According to those who travel with others, there are both physical and psychological benefits to companion business travel, including:
Key Finding 3: Frequent Business Travelers Can Teach Us a Lot Study participants provided insights into strategies for success on the road. Not surprisingly, when preparing for an average business trip, frequent business travelers report feeling prepared (62%) and confident (54%). The Fairfield Inn & Suites study unearthed some tips and tricks of the trade – from knowing where the local grocery store is to creating a workout routine so they can maintain their weight. “We credit our frequent guests with developing best practices for business travel,” said Buckley. “And, we’re setting out to share their know-how with everyone who travels for business.” For example, some of the most frequent business travelers create an “always pack list” to make preparation easier. And, in addition to cell phones, computers and reading material, items that frequent business travelers always keep on hand include business cards, medication, nutritional supplements, power cords and snacks. Activities they prioritize when notified of a trip include booking a hotel and travel arrangements, checking the weather and obtaining seasonally-appropriate attire, paying bills, and taking care of pets.
Study Background Fairfield Inn & Suites conducted this research study to discover how frequent business travel impacts one’s perspective on work, home life and personal well-being. An online survey of 1,001 frequent U.S. business travelers was conducted from May 1-11, 2012, using the field services of TNS. The margin of error for this sample is +/- 3.1% at the 95% confidence level. About Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott is designed for today’s traveler who is looking to be productive on the road, whether for business or leisure. In addition to free breakfast and high-speed Internet access, Fairfield Inn & Suites offers thoughtfully designed rooms and suites that provide separate living, working and sleeping areas. With more than 675 properties throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, Fairfield Inn & Suites hotels participate in the award-winning Marriott Rewards frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information, visit www.fairfieldinn.com. Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. |
Contact: Nina Herrera-Davila Marriott International (301) 380-2691 [email protected] Carol Lyn Colón SoHo Square PR (202) 729-4293 [email protected] |