The phenomenon known as bleisure—a blend of business and leisure—is becoming increasingly popular. Participants in conferences and work meetings are more and more often choosing to stay an extra day or two after the official program ends. To relax, experience something new, and soak up the local atmosphere.
No intensive planning, no complicated decisions—just a few extra days to switch from presentation mode to relaxation mode. And South Moravia is made for exactly this kind of transition.
Bleisure – A new way of travelling for work
A 2022 report on the bleisure phenomenon, published by Kongres Magazine, confirms that the trend of blending work and relaxation has become an integral part of modern professional life. At a time when we place increasing emphasis on work–life balance, many people no longer see business travel as a necessity, but as an opportunity to discover new destinations from a different perspective.
Staying an extra day after a conference, whether with a partner or family, means making the most of your time – to explore, to taste, and to slow down. It is precisely bleisure travel that is transforming the way people think about travelling for work.
How the pandemic changed our approach to travel
The Covid pandemic accelerated this trend even further. After months without in-person meetings and with limited opportunities for leisure travel, people were eager to rediscover the world once restrictions were lifted. When the chance to travel for work arose, many turned it into an experience in its own right.
Another way the pandemic contributed to the rise of bleisure travel is through the normalisation of remote work. Today, it is no longer a problem to extend a stay at a conference destination and work there for part of the week.
Sustainable travel also plays a role – one flight instead of two. Combining a business trip with a private stay is therefore not only convenient, but also more considerate towards the planet.
Benefits for travellers and destinations
For conference participants, bleisure often means saving both time and money – the trip is usually covered by their employer, leaving more resources for experiences.
From the destination’s perspective, it is a win–win situation: visitors spend more, get to know the region more deeply, and naturally become ambassadors for the place, eagerly sharing their experiences with others.
Bleisure also helps to balance visitor numbers throughout the year and brings additional guests to the region – partners or family members – which translates into increased revenue for local businesses.
What conference organisers can do
Many European destinations are already actively supporting bleisure. Examples worth drawing inspiration from include:
- a dedicated landing page offering trip suggestions or programmes for conference participants,
- partnerships with hotels that provide discounted package rates even outside the official conference dates,
- post-conference tours – a selection of organised one-day or weekend excursions around the region,
- and the option of creating a personalised video for each event, showing participants why they should stay longer (a great example can be found in the city of Glasgow’s campaign).
Here in South Moravia, we are embracing the concept as well. In our mobile app for event organisers, we offer visitors free admission to tourist attractions and a conference ticket for public transport. With prior agreement from the organiser, conference participants can make use of these benefits up to two days before or after the event.
Tips for extending your stay in South Moravia
To finish, we’ve gathered a selection of inspiring tips to help you turn your time in South Moravia into a truly memorable adventure—if you decide to stay a little longer.
For wine lovers
Visit Mikulov, Znojmo or Slovácko, where vineyards blend seamlessly with picturesque wine-making villages. Open-air tastings, views of Holy Hill, or a boat ride along the Baťa Canal – the perfect way to round off your work programme and ease into holiday mode.
For those seeking tranquillity
Head to the Moravian Karst, where cool underground caverns hide natural wonders. Treat yourself to wellness in the heart of nature or follow the St James’s or Cyril and Methodius trails. And if you’re after a true escape from civilisation – Bílé Karpaty will enchant you with their purity and silence.
For city enthusiasts
Brno will draw you in with its energy. Speciality coffee shops, industrial heritage sites, galleries, design boutiques and the iconic Villa Tugendhat – all within walking distance of the city centre.
For foodies
South Moravia is a gastronomic paradise. Whether you enjoy fine dining or local bistros, the region will not disappoint. Pack the latest edition of the Gourmet South Moravia guide for your journey.
For the active
If movement is your best form of relaxation, set off on cycle routes through the vineyards, try paddleboarding on the Nové Mlýny reservoirs or the Brno Dam, or climb one of the region’s lookout towers. In the Moravian Karst, you can even try a via ferrata that leads you beneath the earth’s surface.
So, will you turn your next business trip into a little holiday?