The secret to a happy business trip? sunshine and

Remember when business travel wellness meant a gym with treadmills and a fruit basket in the room? Fast forward to today: South African business travelers are increasingly in demand for well-lit rooms and the holy grail of sleep aids – memory foam pillows. Yes, you heard it right.

“We are seeing more and more customers coming forward with specific preferences, such as hotel rooms with good natural light or views and not facing other buildings, and of course personalized pillow selections,” confirms Rategang Moroke, Corporate Traveler Operations Manager. She said the requests go beyond comfort – it’s about overall well-being. “Travelers want to look their best, and that starts with feeling good physically and mentally,” she says.

Science supports this. Natural light isn’t just good for the eyes, it can also have a positive impact on mood, productivity and even sleep patterns. For business people commuting between airport lounges and hotel conference rooms, natural light is becoming as important as Wi-Fi.

“People are naturally drawn to sunlight because it improves their physical and mental well-being. If you’re spending hours on the road or in a meeting, exposure to natural light can instantly improve your mood,” Morok explains. It’s not just a matter of aesthetics – this simple tweak in hotel selection can go a long way to improving the traveler experience.

Let’s not forget to get a good night’s sleep. On a long business trip, the right pillow can mean the difference between a productive meeting and a sluggish, blurry ride due to jet lag. Not only does poor quality sleep drain your energy, it also makes it harder to cope with the inevitable setbacks of business travel, such as flight delays and long layovers.

“When you have trouble falling asleep, even the smallest inconveniences become more difficult. A memory foam pillow may seem insignificant, but it can really help travelers get the rest they need,” notes Morok. It’s all part of recognizing how physical fitness builds mental stamina.

However, health means more than just comfort on the road, it also means avoiding burnout during frequent work trips. While travel agencies don’t directly manage customers’ health records, TMCs like Corporate Traveller have developed systems to monitor how often travelers fly and how many days they spend away from home. “For example, we’ll notice if someone has traveled 60 days out of the last 90 days. We’ll flag that and our team will take action,” Moroke said.

“Perhaps we ask the hotel to upgrade their room, or arrange something special like a bottle of champagne for them when they check in. These thoughtful little details can really change how they feel about their trip.” This kind of initiative can provide a welcome boost to their experience. Customers show that their health is taken seriously, even on the road.

The growing focus on health also extends to the dining experience. “Customers are starting to ask if hotels offer à la carte dining instead of buffets,” Morok shared. He noted that today’s business travelers don’t just care about convenience; after hours of negotiations or presentations, they also think about their healthy. “People are now mindful of what they put into their bodies.” Travelers want food that works with their health habits, not against them — something that was barely discussed a decade ago.

Interestingly, the growing demand for better health options doesn’t just come from travelers themselves. Companies are realizing that investing in their employees’ health while traveling not only makes employees happier, but also creates a more loyal workforce.

“Some of my clients have a company policy that any trip longer than five hours must be in business class. It doesn’t matter who the employee is,” Morok explains. Another example? A company that partners with airlines to provide luxury shuttle services to and from the airport. “It all adds up to creating a travel experience that says ‘you’re valued here.’ This is critical for employee retention,” she added.

But it’s not just about comfortable perks. These choices have long-term effects on employee happiness and productivity. Corporate loyalty often hinges on these health measures, and travelers are willing to stay in their jobs longer if they feel a company is genuinely taking care of them while on the road. “Customers are not afraid to spend money, but they have to see a return. They want travelers to return with good headroom and not be completely exhausted,” Morok concluded.