Absence really does make the heart grow fonder

*Three quarters of business travellers say ‘I love you' more often when away from home

*40% admit to texting romantic messages to their partner during business meetings

*Having the space to think about loved ones when travelling can actually promote domestic bliss, reveals Crowne Plaza

Research released today by Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts has proved that absence really does make the heart grow fonder.

Crowne Plaza asked more than 700 business travellers how travel away from home affects their relationships. According to the survey, a whopping 76% tell their partner they love them more often when away on business. Distance is also an important factor, with 60% of those surveyed saying that the further they are from their loved one the more likely they are to call them.

A heart-warming 40% admitted texting ‘I Love You' to their partner during a business meeting. A fifth of women and a quarter of Londoners also admitted to texting ‘something saucy' whilst in a work meeting.

The news comes in stark contrast to their usual domestic habits. Astonishingly on a typical evening at home, a third of people prefer to unwind in front of the TV rather than talk to their partner, with over a quarter admitting that dinner may be the only time spent together in the same room all evening.

Over half the 25-55 year old business travellers questioned agreed they would ‘check in' with their loved one at least once a day, with two thirds waiting until the evening to call from the comfort of their hotel room so that they could catch up properly - and privately.  

Meanwhile, over 50% of Londoners revealed that, whilst away, they learn more about their partner's day through phone conversations than they would normally. They observed that catching up on the phone allows them to move away from the mundane and instead enjoy a more meaningful and focused conversation.
 
Despite the findings showing that business travel can help nurture and enhance relationships, women still feel guiltier about travelling on business than men.

"This is really refreshing news for business travellers who have to spend time away from home and their families due to work commitments," said Chris Hale, spokesperson for Crowne Plaza and IHG's VP Marketing & Communications EMEA. 

"Contrary to popular belief, business people seem to be enjoying better relationships with their partners thanks to time spent apart. As our survey indicates, it can be all too easy to take a partner or loved ones for granted when you fall into a domestic routine. 

"Being away can actually lead to better communication and give couples space to think about what brought them together in the first place," Hale concluded.

For further information please contact:

Suzanne Seyghal
PR Manager EMEA
Tel:       +44 (0) 1753 410 247
Email:  [email protected]

Jade Adnett
Communications Coordinator EMEA
Tel:      + 44 (0) 1753 410 259
Email:  [email protected]

Notes to Editors:

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IHG) of the United Kingdom [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is one of the world’s largest hotel groups by number of rooms. IHG owns, manages, leases or franchises, through various subsidiaries, almost 4,000 hotels and more than 585,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world. IHG owns a portfolio of well recognised and respected hotel brands including InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn® Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express®, Staybridge Suites®, Candlewood Suites® and Hotel Indigo®, and also manages the world’s largest hotel loyalty programme, Priority Club® Rewards with over 37 million members worldwide.

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