SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES ARE GROWING IN IMPORTANCE Many serviced apartment providers are implementing eco-friendly practices, such as energy-efficient appliances, sustainable building materials and waste reduction programmes. Rebecca Gunn of Icon Relocation says smart lighting,
sustainability and environmentally friendly buildings are becoming more prevalent and that assignees are acutely aware of their environmental footprint. “There is a growing focus on sustainability, including
waste reduction and recycling initiatives, among corporates and individuals,” she says. “Clear labelling and separate bins for different types of waste could also help promote better recycling practices within serviced apartments.” Fruzsina Hodson says Santa Fe Relocation evaluates
each property based on its green credentials. This includes metrics like energy use, proximity to the office in terms of walking or public transport and the number of solar panels. “We are looking at the potential of a green destination
services programme as an option,” says Fruzsina Hodson. “That might mean clients wash their own linen when they need to, for example.” Many assignees are looking to be within walking
distance of their office for convenience and safety, as well as reducing the need to drive to work. “There is a strong desire on the part of individual travellers to ensure they leave as small a footprint as they can,” says Carrie Hartman of 3Sixty. “Most people moving to major cities do not want
to drive, even when given the opportunity to not have to depend on public transport. It then becomes more convenient for accommodation to be within a several- block radius of work and amenities. “So, depending on the location, we actually put a lot
of intention into eliminating some of those transportation issues. If, for example, they are moving to Dublin for six to 12 months, their preference will be to walk anywhere they need to go.” There is also a rising demand for wellness amenities,
including fitness centres, yoga studios, meditation spaces and healthy dining options. James Brown of TrustedStays says this can also include fully equipped kitchens, promoting healthier eating habits for assignees. Fruzsina Hodson says wellness amenities such as fitness centres and yoga studios are becoming more common, especially in properties where the owner owns the entire building. However, they may not be as prevalent in properties where only a few apartments are owned in a block.
RELOCATION THROUGH THE LENS OF ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY POLICIES Moving possessions, people and furniture across the world has a significant environmental cost. Mobility companies are keen to take steps to reduce this. Crown World Mobility is working on a carbon calculator
tool to assess the carbon footprint of household goods moves. This tool will help clients make sustainable choices and minimise carbon footprints associated with relocations. “We have a client advisory board with regular meetings
in which we discuss how to manage the carbon footprint of mobility programmes,” says Caitlin Pyett, director of
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account management APAC and consulting lead, client advisory board at Crown World Mobility. “It is a group of 13 of our key clients and we have virtual meetings and a face-to-face meeting with them throughout the year.” She says that while global organisations may have a
sustainability approach to business and a roadmap to net zero as part of their overall strategy, it does not always filter down to the mobility teams. “When they are moving their own people, whether
that is for assignments or for business travel, not all organisations are looking at it from a sustainability angle just yet, although it is something that some forward- looking companies are now very aware of.” James Brown of TrustedStays says serviced apartments
can take a more sustainable approach by optimising space, repurposing unused space and prioritising future available space for public services or green areas. “This approach contributes to sustainable urban
development and benefits property owners, managers and communities,” he says. “Ensuring that property running and maintenance costs are used to support year-round occupancy supports the local community, rather than that property being vacant and not contributing to the local economy (whether for leisure, tourism or corporate travel).”
A SECTOR THAT CONTINUES TO BOOM The ‘Global Serviced Apartment Industry Report (GSAIR) 2024’ finds that occupancy rates have boomed since the pandemic. Its survey compiles data from 3,000 corporates, serviced apartment operators and agents. Its analysis reveals that 2022 saw a significant rise in business as demand returned. In 2023, travel, assignment and relocation business continued to grow, despite inflation and rising energy costs driving rates up. “The traveller and assignee demographic is changing,” the report says. “Gen Z now make up 30% of the world’s
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