Join Me at the Hotel Bar, But Don't Fly With Me: Survey
Most business travelers prefer to hit the hotel bar with a colleague rather than exercise in the fitness center, according to survey results released Wednesday on the hotel business travel industry.
But when flying to their destination, the majority of travelers surveyed preferred to fly alone rather than with a business associate—in many cases networking with someone new on the flight, according to the study commissioned by Four Points by Sheraton, a Starwood Hotels and Resorts brand.
The survey polled 6,000 business travelers globally—1,000 each from the United States, United Kingdom, China, India, Germany and Brazil.
The first phase of the study, released in August, explored how road warriors use mobile technology when traveling—in some cases for sexy video chats with their spouse or partner (Read more: Some Mobile Habits of Business Travelers are NSFW: Survey)
The second phase of the survey focused on road warriors' leisure activities. Among the key findings:
Social Activities
Aside from sleep occupying the largest share of travelers' time at a hotel, 42.9 percent of respondents reported hanging out at the hotel bar or restaurant with colleagues or business partners as the top ranked activity on the road. (Read more: From NYC to LA: Hotels Open Profitable Rooftop Bars)
Following that were going to the gym (39 percent), visiting the spa (37.5 percent) and shopping (34.2 percent).
A large number of respondents—64.4 percent—indicated they had stayed in touch with someone they met in-flight or at a hotel while traveling.
And while business travelers enjoyed throwing a cocktail back with a co-worker, the majority (61.1 percent) reported they would rather not share a flight with a colleague. (Read more: Your Drink: Now the Most Pleasant Part of Flying)
Differences by Nationality
U.S. business travelers hit the road more often than their international counterparts. More than a third (36.4 percent) reported taking an average of more than 10 trips per year for business. Conversely, Chinese travelers took more than 10 trips annually only 7.1 percent of the time.
Chinese business travelers reported being most receptive to sharing a flight with a co-worker (49.5 percent) and 70 percent stayed in touch with someone they met on the road. Indian road warriors ended up being the most likely to hang out at a hotel bar or restaurant with co-workers (61.1 percent), or visit with friends who live nearby (52.6 percent).
And Brazilians were reported to be least open to traveling with a colleague (31 percent) or hanging out at a hotel bar or restaurant (30.9 percent).
Tell us what your habits are when traveling. Are you more social, meeting new contacts in-flight and kicking one back with co-workers at the hotel, or do you prefer to go it alone?