Bleisure travel gains momentum across Asia-Pacific, Agoda report finds - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Bleisure travel is firmly on the agenda for business travelers across Asia-Pacific. According to Agoda’s newly released 2026 Travel Outlook Report, 76 percent of surveyed business travelers in the region plan to combine work trips with personal leisure time, underscoring a shift in how professionals approach corporate travel.

The findings point to a broader rethinking of business mobility, as meetings and conferences are increasingly paired with time to explore destinations beyond the boardroom.

Strong demand in Southeast Asia

Interest in bleisure travel is especially pronounced in Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, more than 85 percent of business travelers say they intend to extend their stays to include leisure activities. Filipino respondents lead the ranking, with 95 percent planning to add personal time to business trips, followed by Thailand at 92 percent and Vietnam at 86 percent.

Business travel itself remains a priority in several markets for 2026. Indonesia leads in terms of respondents planning business trips at 27 percent, followed by the Philippines at 20 percent and Vietnam at 19 percent. However, the report highlights that the most notable trend emerges once work commitments conclude, as travelers look to turn short stays into longer, more experience-driven journeys.

Changing attitudes in traditionally conservative markets

Markets known for more reserved business travel cultures are also showing growing openness to bleisure. In Japan, 58 percent of business travelers plan to add personal time to their corporate itineraries. South Korea shows even stronger adoption, with 76 percent expressing interest in combining work and leisure. Indonesia likewise reflects this shift, indicating that the trend is not limited to traditionally leisure-oriented destinations.

The data aligns with wider industry projections, which estimate the global bleisure travel market could reach up to 1.71 trillion US dollars by 2032.

Platforms adapting to new travel patterns

“Across Asia-Pacific, we’re seeing professionals plan to intentionally extend their work trips with personal days to enjoy local experiences and make the most of their time on the road,” said Omri Morgenshtern, Chief Executive Officer at Agoda. “At Agoda, we’re focused on making it easy for travelers to seamlessly plan both the business and leisure parts of their journey, all in one place and at great rates.”

Agoda’s platform reflects this integrated approach, offering access to more than six million accommodation options, over 130,000 flight routes and more than 300,000 activities that can be combined within a single booking. Whether staying close to a convention venue or extending a trip to explore local attractions, travelers can plan both elements of their journey through Agoda’s website or mobile app.

Overall, the report highlights a structural shift in business travel across Asia-Pacific, with bleisure evolving from a niche preference into a mainstream expectation.

Image Credit: © Agoda