SPENDING LOCALLY TIES IN TO HAPPIER, MORE PRODUCTIVE BUSINESS TRAVELERS

The 2014 Workstyles Study by Homewood Suites by Hilton, the third edition of the biannual survey, found 55 percent of business travelers relax by participating in and spending money on local activities, in part contributing to a projected 6.8 percent increase in business travel spending this year according to the Global Business Travel Association.

According to the Homewood Suites survey, respondents are getting out to explore, as on average only 34 percent of total trip time was spent in a hotel room. Once out-and-about, travelers are likely to spend on several forms of entertainment that specifically reflect their travel destination including dining out (45 percent), sporting events (18 percent) and museums/art galleries (17 percent).

While dining out was the most popular activity to experience local culture - 77 percent of respondents said trying local food was important - travelers are staying close to “home” in the morning as more than half seldom eat breakfast outside of their hotel.

“Homewood Suites is seeing that many of our business travel guests are taking extra steps in planning trips to make sure they have opportunity to experience and discover what makes their destinations unique,” said Christian Kuhn, vice president of marketing for Homewood Suites by Hilton. “By providing our guests value-added amenities such as free daily breakfast and evening dinner and drinks* Monday through Thursday, we allow them the opportunity to stretch their travel budgets to include these activities during their stay.”

Booking Bottom Line: It's All About Location
When choosing a place to stay, travelers aren't relying on loyalty points or positive online reviews to sway them but rather location. The survey found that 66 percent of travelers are booking based on locality and 56 percent base it on price.

Travelers are also factoring in proximity from hotel to areas of entertainment when making reservations. Fifty five percent of respondents said they'd prefer walking to taking a cab or shuttle as a form of transportation. And when planning how to explore, 75 percent rely on social media for information on local activities, behind online research and recommendations from friends and family.

Kuhn added, “Opening new hotels in urban locations such as New York, Chicago, Denver Dallas and Atlanta, Homewood Suites is tuned into this trend and the travel experience guests seek. Business travelers want convenience and comfort over bells and whistles that don't deliver on their basic needs.”

Trends here to stay
Reaffirming the need to be comfortable, productive and maintain parts of their normal routine, survey respondents were definitive when it came to what matters most.

• Internet connectivity (87 percent) and bed/pillows (80 percent) were the two in-room amenities that help maintain comfort and a feeling of home
• Business travelers like to maintain their fitness while on the road, as 76 percent try to exercise
• The “bleisure trend” is alive and healthy, as sixty two percent of respondents were likely to extend business trips to enjoy local activities

The Workstyles Study was conducted in June 2014 using a Research Now online consumer panel. A total of 559 business travelers responded to the survey, representing an even male/female split. All respondents have taken three or more trips, or one trip of four or more nights in the past 12 months.

Full survey results and additional information can be viewed at www.HomewoodWorkstylesStudy.com

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About Homewood Suites by Hilton^™
Homewood Suites by Hilton, Hilton Worldwide's upscale, all-suite, residential-style hotel with more than 350 hotels open in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Homewood Suites by Hilton is proud to be a J.D. Power 2014 Customer Champion – one of an elite group of 50 U.S. companies to be named to this list. Also voted “Top Upscale Extended-Stay” hotel by J.D. Power and Associates and Business Travel News, Homewood Suites by Hilton is the first choice for guests seeking comfortable, home-like accommodations when traveling for an extended stay. Beyond its spacious suites, which feature separate living and sleeping areas, and fully equipped kitchens with full sized refrigerators, additional value-driven amenities include: complimentary Internet, a daily full-hot breakfast, and healthy, delicious evening meals with drinks every Monday-Thursday. The brand is focused on guest satisfaction and stands behind each stay with its 100% Suite Assurance^® guarantee. For more information, please visit www.homewoodsuites.com.

*Service of alcohol subject to state and local laws. Must be of legal drinking age.

About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxury and full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and focused-service hotels. For 95 years, Hilton Worldwide has been dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences. The company's portfolio of eleven world-class global brands is comprised of more than 4,200 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties, with more than 690,000 rooms in 93 countries and territories, including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Curio & A Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors^®. Visit news.hiltonworldwide.com more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.facebook.com/hiltonworldwide, www.twitter.com/hiltonworldwide, www.youtube.com/hiltonworldwide, www.flickr.com/hiltonworldwide and www.linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.

CONTACT:
Jennifer Hughes
Director, Brand Public Relations
Hilton Worldwide
+1 901 374 6518
[email protected]

Shawn Warmstein
For Hilton Worldwide
+1 305 444 3383
[email protected]