A fifth of European travel managers book more serviced apartments in 2015
By George Sell
04 December 2015 | Updated 04 December 2015
UK: Nearly one fifth (19 per cent) of travel managers booked more serviced apartment accommodation this year, an increase of four per cent on 2014.
A survey of 182 European buyers compiled by the Business Travel Show revealed that the number
of buyers for whom serviced apartments accounted for more than 50
per cent of their bookings doubled from one to two per cent, though
for 89 per cent of buyers they account for 10 per cent or less (84
per cent in 2014).
The survey also found that 19 per cent booked more, or
significantly more, serviced apartment rooms this year compared
with 2014; 73 per cent booked the same amount; and eight per cent
booked fewer.
Nearly half (48 per cent) of buyers insist travellers stay in
serviced apartments when their trip exceeds a certain
duration.
More than a third (38 per cent) of respondents had more money to
spend on accommodation this year, compared to 30 per cent in 2014.
One third will have more budget again in 2016. Over half (51 per
cent) of buyers will book in excess of 5,000 room nights during
2015, an increase of 12 per cent on last year.
James Foice, managing director of the Association of Serviced
Apartment Providers (ASAP), said: "It's fantastic to see 20 per
cent of European buyers surveyed by the Business Travel Show
reporting that they have booked significantly more room nights in
serviced apartments in 2015. This supports our own research, which
confirms that the sector is entering a very significant period of
growth with many serviced apartment operators opening new
developments across the UK in the next two years. It is extremely
heartening to see such positive feedback from the business travel
sector who are clearly finding the serviced apartment product
really does deliver what the business traveller wants: a more
flexible way to stay away with more living space and kitchen
facilities. Prospects for 2016 are extremely encouraging and I am
confident the market will continue to expand."
www.businesstravelshow.com
