THE EVOLVING LANDSCAPE OF 21ST CENTURY BUSINESS TRAVEL: BLEISURE, DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION, AND RESILIENCE AMIDST GLOBAL CRISES

Abstract

Business travel has been a cornerstone of the global economy in the 21st century, undergoing profound transformations driven by technological advancements, evolving workforce demands, and the burgeoning Bleisure travel phenomenon. Valued at $1.28 trillion in 2019, this sector disproportionately contributes to tourism revenues despite its lower volume. This article systematically reviews the evolution, adaptation, and future trends of business travel from 2001-2025. It employs a multi-dimensional framework—covering economic, technological, psychological, legal, and sustainability dimensions—to analyze three key periods: pre-COVID-19 (2001-2019), during crisis (2020-2021), and post-COVID-19 (2021-2025). The pre-pandemic era saw robust growth and the nascent emergence of Bleisure, blending business with leisure pursuits. The COVID-19 crisis prompted massive disruptions but also catalyzed rapid digital transformation, accelerating remote work and virtual meetings, further embedding Bleisure as a viable travel modality. The post-pandemic landscape is characterized by uneven recovery, a sustained embrace of Bleisure travel and digital nomadism, smart airport ecosystems, and an intensified focus on sustainability and duty of care. The article synthesizes lessons learned, emphasizing the need to balance economic growth with social and environmental responsibility, strategic technology leverage, and adaptability to new traveler behaviors to build a resilient, future-ready business travel sector.

Keywords: Business Travel, Bleisure Travel, COVID-19 Impact, Digital Transformation, Sustainability