IRVING, Texas
It may come as no surprise to the dedicated road warrior, but most business travelers struggle with maintaining healthy habits when out on business trips, according to a recent report from Omni Hotels & Resorts.
The Wellness Report offered a number of findings, including:
- DIET: More than a half (56%) of participants admit to indulging in various food or beverages when traveling for business and slightly regretting it–particularly women (71%) more than men (50%). More than half would like more low-fat options on hotel restaurant menus (also 56%) and about one in ten are looking for specialized dietary needs such as dairy (12%) or gluten-free (13%) choices.
- IN-ROOM CHOICES: The basics matter. Results found business travelers wishing for healthier in-room options, with seven in ten respondents wanting healthy snacks or fresh fruit to eat on-the-go (73%) and free bottled water (70%) in their room. Again, women were more likely than men to emphasize health with healthy snacks or fresh fruit to their in-room "wish list" (83% versus 70%).
- FITNESS: Omni's Wellness Report also found that travelers have good intentions when it comes to workouts–and many follow through. While nearly one-third (32%) embark on a trip with workout gear but never find the time or energy, 39% find themselves fitting in extra workouts because they have extra time. While more than two in five (45%) describe their on-the-road workout at the hotel fitness center as sufficient, 26% wished their hotel could help with nearby yoga or spinning studios. Eight percent said their on-the-road fitness centered on a "thumb workout" with their Smartphone.
- SLEEP: At the end of the day, business travelers say a good night's sleep is priceless. Nearly a third of respondents (30%) find themselves waking up tired due to lack of sleep, with half dreaming for ways to help them sleep more soundly such as specialized pillows.
Omni seeks to counter these trends via a variety of guest programs for members of its complimentary Omni Hotels & Resorts' Select Guest loyalty program.
Members who have achieved Platinum and Black level status now have access to several unique wellness amenities, including dietary, fitness and sleep comfort options.
Top-level members can update their profile to include a range of personal preferences to participate in during their stay, from a spinning class, yoga, boot camp or Pilates—and they will receive a fitness plan in their key packet with local, handpicked exercise studio locations and times.
The Dallas area-based chain has also revamped its menus to offer healthy cuisine options.
