H&A 7-8 Jun5 1/6/09 16:29 Page 46
knowledge accommodation
ttglive.com
Serviced apartments
Scratch
beneath
the service
The hotel sector may be struggling but, as Samantha
Mayling reports, serviced apartments providers are
bullish about the earning potential they offer agents
S
erviced apartment providers claim NEWS: Recent openings at Orchard Place, in
the sector, particularly four and Esher, Surrey, and Lapa Apartment, Lisbon.
five-star properties, is weathering More apartments have opened in Vienna,
the recession better than hotels. London, Leeds and Dubai. Other new locations
Bard Vos, The Apartment Service marketing include Croatia, and Pune and Jaipur, India.
executive, says: “We have seen more enquiries USP: Claims to be largest serviced apartment
for corporate apartments from business booking company in Europe, with more
agencies which before would have booked than 700 locations worldwide. Has “best
hotels. On the leisure side, families enquire available rate” on the day for Roomspace
about apartments, as they offer cost savings.” Serviced Apartments and promotes
BridgeStreet is still receiving and converting discounts on dedicated page on website.
the same number of enquiries as in 2008, Features online booking and is introducing
its best-ever year. But sales and marketing a white-label facility. Offers agents online
vice-president Jo Layton admits: “The length training about its website.
of stay has decreased. We are forecasting to
be about 10% down year-on-year.” SACO APARTMENTS.
Frasers Hospitality says occupancy is 5-7% SALES: Worked with about 100 agents in
down this year, but rates haven’t fallen. Guus 2008 and is working with more than 130
Bakker, Europe and Middle East chief operat- this year. Commission rates start at 5%.
ing officer, says: “Summer is strong because of NEWS: New website simplifies leisure sales. A
training courses and Middle Eastern tourists.” corporate/agent area is under development.
The Cheval Group director George West- USP: Features 11,000 apartments in more
well says: “We had three consecutive record than 35 countries. London, Bath, Glasgow,
years, so we are not doing as well as 2008, Cardiff and Bristol apartments cater for
but better than 2007. Short-term stays [seven rising self-catering demand from families.
days or fewer] are affected most.” Encourages business travellers to extend
The recession offers switch-selling opportu- stays for leisure and bring families.
nities for leisure agents, says Clare Ace, Saco
Apartments business development manager. FRASERS.
SALES: Bookable via GDSs and works with
THE APARTMENT SERVICE. travel management companies (TMCs)
SALES: Offers 8-10% commission plus such as HRG, American Express and
apartment tours for agents. Will be on Carlson Wagonlit. Pays 10% commission
HBAA stand (number 340) at Business Travel and features promotions such as its current
Market (June 17-18) to meet agents. GDS banner with Amex and CWT.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64