Four out of ten business travellers add extra days to their work trips so they can enjoy personal travel without incurring any extra cost according to LateRooms.
In a nationwide study, almost half (46%) of British business men and women admit to picking the higher-rated, more exclusive hotels when they travel for work compared to what they would book on personal trips they would have to pay for themselves.
One in ten staff say they would be unable to afford the same class of hotel on a personal trip that their employer funds routinely for work trips.
22 percent of the poll of 2,000 business women and men admit they take advantage because someone else is paying. A further 13 percent say they would always choose a more expensive hotel while away on work because they have a generous budget.
The study also reveals that 30 percent of those in relationships with business men and women say they ‘hate’ when their partner goes on a work trip. This results in many businessmen and women taking their partner on work trips with them.
6.5 percent of business travellers admit they always take their partner with them on business trips and 27 percent regularly take their partners with them when their schedules allow them to.
LateRooms.com business spokesman, Greg Mannix, said: “The average British businessman or woman travelling on a work trip will stay away from home for 8.8 nights per year, according to our research.
“Indeed, 30% of British business travellers stay away even longer – between 10-20 nights per year.
“Tax rules mean companies claim VAT back on the cost of employees staying in hotels on work trips – something personal travel doesn’t have the advantage of. This means that, for some, the standard of hotel they stay in on a business trip can be much higher than the ones they would choose for personal travel.
“Given that they are staying in a higher standard hotel already, it seems many businessmen and women understandably take advantage and tack some personal travel time onto their work trip – sometimes even inviting their partner to stay and enjoy the extra luxury alongside them.”
Amie Filcher is an editorial assistant at HRreview.
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