New Wellness Report Released by Omni Hotels & Resorts Reveals On-The-Road Habits of Business Travelers

Most Struggle to Keep Good Intentions and Habits Intact

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Sep 20, 2011, 05:09 ET

IRVING, Texas, Sept. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent survey from Omni Hotels & Resorts of business travelers reveals their challenges when it comes to staying healthy on the road. The Wellness Report contained a number of findings, including:

DIET – More than a half (56%) of participants admit to indulging in various food or beverages when traveling for business and slightly regretting it – particularly women (71%) more than men (50%). More than half would like more low-fat options on hotel restaurant menus (also 56%), and about one in ten are looking for specialized dietary needs such as dairy (12%) or gluten-free (13%) choices.
IN-ROOM CHOICES – The basics matter. Results found business travelers wishing for healthier in-room options, with seven in ten respondents wanting healthy snacks or fresh fruit to eat on-the-go (73%) and free bottled water (70%) in their room. Again, women were more likely than men to emphasize health with healthy snacks or fresh fruit to their in-room "wish list" (83% versus 70%).
FITNESS – Omni's Wellness Report also found that travelers have good intentions when it comes to workouts – and many follow through. While nearly one-third (32%) embark on a trip with workout gear but never find the time or energy, 39% find themselves fitting in extra workouts because they have extra time. While more than two in five (45%) describe their on-the-road workout at the hotel fitness center as sufficient, 26% wished their hotel could help with nearby yoga or spinning studios. Eight percent said their on-the-road fitness centered on a "thumb workout" with their Smartphone.
SLEEP – At the end of the day, business travelers say a good night's sleep is priceless. Nearly a third of respondents (30%) find themselves waking up tired due to lack of sleep, with half dreaming for ways to help them sleep more soundly such as specialized pillows.

To answer the needs of the every growing health-conscious road-warrior populations, Omni Hotels & Resorts is pumping up their wellness and fitness options. Travelers enrolled in Omni Hotels & Resorts' complimentary Select Guest loyalty program who have achieved Platinum and Black level status now have access to several unique wellness amenities including dietary, fitness and sleep comfort options. The top level members can simply update their profile to include a range of personal preferences to enjoy during their stay. On their profiles, guests can specify a fitness interest—from a spinning class, yoga, boot camp or Pilates—and they will receive a fitness plan in their key packet with local, handpicked exercise studio locations and times.

Healthy eating also became easier. Additions to the morning beverage service include Greek yogurt and fresh fruit. Healthy welcome amenities include gluten-free snacks from Hail Merry® such as seasoned nuts from various regions of the country as well as fresh fruit; complimentary bottled water is already a benefit of the loyalty program.

Platinum and Black Select Guest members can sleep more soundly by choosing from a "pillow bar" complete with buckwheat, Swedish memory or hypo-allergenic options. White noise machines and sleep kits are also available to help guests get a good night sleep.

"Fitness and healthy choices are increasingly important to our guests and most have come to expect options to help them continue their wellness routines while they are traveling," said Jeff Smith, vice president of operations for Omni Hotels & Resorts. "We are pleased to provide unique ways for guests to easily maintaining a healthy routine while traveling."

Omni also offers a variety of other health and wellness offers – from running maps for each local destination to trans-fat free menus, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, Get Fit Kits and Get Fit Rooms with treadmills. Omni also updated its "Art of Breakfast" menu earlier this year to create a highly popular gluten-free station with muffins, cereals and other options.

For more information or to book an overnight stay, guests may visit omnihotels.com or call 1-800-The-Omni. Follow Omni Hotels & Resorts at twitter.com/omnihotels or at twitter.com/omnihotelsPR.

About Omni Hotels & Resorts

Omni Hotels & Resorts creates genuine, authentic guest experiences that take guests on "A Total Departure" to 50 distinct luxury hotels and resorts in leading business gateways and leisure destinations across North America. From exceptional golf and spa retreats to dynamic business settings, each Omni showcases the local flavor of the destination while featuring four-diamond services, signature restaurants, Wi-Fi connectivity and unique wellness options. Known for its award-winning, personalized service, Omni leaves a lasting impression with every customer interaction, with a heightened level of recognition and rewards delivered through its Select Guest loyalty program and the company's "Power of One" associate empowerment program. Earlier this year, Omni's loyalty program was further expanded with the launch of the GHA Discovery® loyalty program expanding numerous benefits on a worldwide basis as a member of the Global Hotel Alliance. The brand is frequently recognized by top consumer research organizations such as Harris Interactive's most recent EquiTrends® report which ranked Omni as the Top Luxury Hotel Brand in 2011.

To get additional information or book accommodations, visit omnihotels.com or call 1-800-The-Omni.

SOURCE Omni Hotels & Resorts