Quest refocuses on changing needs of corporate travellers
The evolving needs of the corporate traveller mean serviced apartment providers must adapt to changing trends in order to capitalise on the huge opprtunities offered by the sector, according to Quest.
In an interview with The Nibbler, executive chairman Paul Constantinou explained that the 25-year old firm is “refocusing” on its core target market of extended stay corporate travellers in order to ensure it is meeting their needs.
“What was a great looking room in 1988 with floral bedspreads and cushioned couches, that was great then but times have changed and things have moved on,” he said.
“What corporates are demanding is quality – that doesn’t have to be gold and marble, it just has to be quality, clean and comfortable.”
Motels “just don’t cut it” anymore, creating significant opportunities for the serviced apartment sector in regional areas which are experiencing economic growth, accoding to Constantinou.
But he underlined the need for franchisees to continually invest in their product and to not leave refurbishments until properties are “falling apart”.
“The issue that we are confronting is the quality of accommodation in Australia – it was poor and now it’s worse,” he said. “Properties in markets that people travel to that are now very close are putting a lot of ours to shame.”
As a result, the company is working closely with its franchisees to ensure the product being delivered is up to scratch.
“It’s always the bottom 10% of your properties that aren’t performing that are going to hurt the rest of the group,” Constantinou revealed.
Although he described the corporate sector an “easy market to service” because of the lack of discretion in the purpose-driven travel plans, he highlighted value as another major consideration.
“Corporates are now very cost conscious – they’re spending other people’s money so they want to be seen to not be overspending,” he continued.
Although he added that sometimes it is more the perception of expense than the actual price which is being shied away from.
Meanwhile, younger corporate travellers that are increasingly dependent on technology require connectivity, although primarily to access their own content carried on mobile devices.
But Constantinou warned against overproviding technology to the point that it becomes a hindrance for guests, or that it requires extra resources in the form of onsite tech staff.
“Technology is changing at such a rapid pace that you have to be careful of change just for change’s sake,” he said. “Guests just want to use things that are workable.”
Although disruptions this year as a result of the election process meant an erratic 2013 that didn’t necessarily confirm to the usual trends experienced by Quest, Constantinou is confident of the outlook for the serviced apartment sector.
He welcomed growing competition in regional areas from companies such as Far East, Toga and Oaks, which he said is helping serviced apartments become “respected” rather than seen as a “cottage industry”.
Travel managers and corporates have developed an understanding of the sector and now recognise when it offers a suitable solution for their accommodation needs.
“Serviced apartments are not a fad, they are something that is needed and while they haven’t really been acknowledged before, now they are starting to be acknowledged,” Constantinou said.
The company is targeting 11 new properties over the course of the year.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Latest News
SKYE Suites gets behind Australian Fashion Week, partners with Shark Beauty
SKYE Suites has partnered with IMG, the owner and operator of Australian Fashion Week (AFW) as the official accommodation partner for the fourth year in a row. This year SKYE Suites will again host international fashion buyers, designers, and models and are delighted to have Shark Beauty, an innovator in the personal care industry with their […]
Aussies a hit on the conference floor for IPW 2024
Diana Ross on opening night, Keanu's Dogstar band and a dozen lobster rolls. All in a week's work at IPW 2024.
Premium hotel operator ERDI launches it’s own academy in heart of Melbourne
ERDI expects to be shaken not stirred with the launch of its ERDI Academy in its Melbourne hotels.
Tropical North Queensland action-packed events calendar for adventure enthusiasts
Hanging out for that next dose of adrenaline? It's time for you to head north!
Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024 opens with a vibrant ceremony at Sofitel Fiji Resort, Denarau
Two days in Fiji! If you didn't attend this conference we're sure you've got FOMO.
$230m joint Novotel & ibis Styles Melbourne Airport hotel prepares to open
Dear all business travellers, you're Melbourne experience just got a whole lot better.
IPW 2024: 960,000 Aussies took the trek to the Land of the Free last year
Nearly 6,000 travel industry reps descend on LA. Thankfully for all of their bosses, it's not in Vegas.
Travel DAZE Exec Agenda REVEALED: top execs to speak on airline competition
As the industry reels from Bonza's implosion, it is more important than ever to ask the big questions.
Skroo says Rex will need deep pockets to fill lost Bonza slots
The door is open for Rex, and anyone else who wants to launch a regional Aussie airline...
Hilton Expands Presence in North Queensland with the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Townsville
Heading to a North Queensland Cowboys clash? Hilton Garden Inn Townsville is set to open, but not until 2026.
Amy Poehler joins Vivid Sydney event
Oh Joy! Hit comedian Amy Poehler will make an emotional appearance at the Sydney Opera House for Vivid.
Emirates unveils future plans with new hub at Al Maktoum International Airport
We've also been looking into our future. It involves plenty of famils, we hope.
Two thirds of Australians support introduction of tourism tax, survey reveals
Can you guess which generation was the most outraged at the news? Hint: It is exactly who you think!
“The consumer really just wanted more classic reward availability” – customers underwhelmed by Qantas FF shakeup
All this consumer wants is to sit behind someone that doesn't push their seat back to near-horizontal levels.
Aussie travellers warned of ‘significant’ visa shifts in destinations including Chile, US and Vietnam
To be honest are biggest advice for having a layover in the US, is just don't.
Profile: Delta CEO Ed Bastian
Bastian says the airline business isn't for the faint hearted. We're sure Alan Joyce would agree!
Final Call: Travel DAZE Exec early birds are about to expire
Much like the auctioneer at the hottest sale of the year, we're giving you one more chance to jump at this deal!
Forget the weekend! Experience Gold Coast launches mid-week travel campaign
Your boss might be a bit bothered if you jet off mid-week, but you'll be the envy of all of your Instagram followers.
Victorian Tourism Industry Council warns of losing tourism dollars to NSW & QLD
Trendy cafe's hidden in CBD laneways can only get so many tourism dollars, clearly!
AIME 2024 rustles up $330m for APAC economy
This figure is a 65 per cent increase on 2023, much alike The Nibbler staff's alcohol consumption.
Amex GBT to purchase CWT for $871m
It's big deals like this that get a firm handshake - hence the sore hands over at the CWT and Amex GBT offices.
Boeing cleanout: CEO, chair to go as safety crisis plagues the manufacturer
CEOs are falling thick and fast these days. We should have started up a bingo game with their headshots in the office.
Star boss resigns, admits retaining NSW casino licence unlikely under his leadership
The CEO resigned after 18 months in the role. 'Another one bites the dust' rumoured to be heard playing in Pyrmont.
Corporate Traveller swings amateur golfers around the globe for World Golf Competition
How're your golf skills? Consider yourself a Tiger Woods or often get quadruple bogeys? We take after the latter.
Corporate travellers to spend big on Melbourne F1 despite financial pressures
Part of the attraction is sick days after the event as corporate travellers suffer creaked necks and blown eardrums.
Bonza officially kicks off Gold Coast-Darwin route
The Flying Purple Thumb is back at it with another route. We swear, we're going to make this nickname stick!
South West Sydney Tourism launches Western Sydney Tourism Awards
Penrith's 3 consecutive NRL premierships wasn't enough? The people of Western Sydney could fill the trophy cabinet more!
Hotels vs. Airbnb: Industry leaders at odds over who should pay accommodation levy
There's not as much gore in the Hotels vs. Airbnb saga as there is in Alien vs. Predator, but it's just as thrilling!
Singapore Airlines revamps premium economy with new menu, amenity kit
Felt Singapore Airlines was lacking "the sauce" (as the kids say). Bolster belief in the carrier's je na sais quoi here.
Business Events Adelaide set for 20th Destination SA event
Destination SA turns 20! Hopefully it's not celebrated with vodka cruisers and vapes like most 20th birthdays.
Boeing’s woes delay massive Virgin Australia order
This delay means Virgin staffers will be without that new plane smell, inspiring us to sell it in a can.
All the winners from the 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards
Somehow missed this news recently? Good thing you're subscribed to our fabulous newsletter!
Corporate international travel from Brisbane up 30% YOY: Flight Centre
Queenslanders seem keen to go somewhere that actually serves good beer! Sorry, we actually like Great Northern.
Amora Brisbane undergoes $30m remodelling, geared up for MICE offerings
When $30m goes into an amazing hotel to get it geared up for MICE offerings, that's amore!
Corporate Travel Management’s CEO Laura Ruffles steps down
CTM confirmed that Ruffles will be stepping down due to a personal health issue, effective immediately.
Qatar Airways crowned World’s Best MICE Airline at World MICE Awards
You could say Qatar Airways really 'nabbed the cheese' with this one! Alright, we'll see ourselves out...