The pursuit of sleep is big business. In fact, Statista predicts that the global sleep industry will be worth 585 billion US dollars by 2024. We’re talking mattresses, luxury bedding, pillows (the pillow market alone was valued at about 15.6 billion US dollars worldwide back in 2019), block-out blinds, soundproofing, supplements and apps. And in a world where people are increasingly dissatisfied with both the quantity and quality of the sleep they’re getting – according to the CDC, one in three Americans are sleep deprived – sleep tourism is one of the hottest trends of the year. Sleep tourism covers everything from sleep retreats (where people travel to destinations specifically to rest and catch up on sleep) to hotels investing heavily in a guest’s sleep experience. But it’s not just tourists hoping to catch up on some much-needed sleep – the concept of sleep tourism is gaining traction in corporate travel too, with ‘strange bed syndrome’ and erratic sleep patterns no longer accepted as part and parcel of business travel. Business travellers want to make sure they’re well rested too, and Bonnie Smith, GM Corporate Traveller, says many hotels are working hard to give business travellers a comfortable place to sleep and catch their breath. “We’re seeing more and more properties invest in the sleep experience, from soundproof rooms to air filtration and temperature control – and delivering a good night’s sleep can set you apart from your competitors,” says Smith. For Smith, it’s particularly important for frequent fliers. “You…
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