INSIGHTS FOR THE EVOLVING LANDSCAPE
GSAIR 2024 : AMERICAS 10
BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN MOBILITY AND BUSINESS TRAVEL :
INSIGHTS FOR THE EVOLVING LANDSCAPE
By ROBERT WYATT Vice President , Global Client Partnerships , Synergy Global Housing
Robert Wyatt is Vice President of Global Client Partnerships for Synergy , a global leader in serviced accommodation program management . Based in the U . S ., Robert shares his expertise on the changes occurring in mobility and corporate travel programs .
The mobility and business travel sectors have traditionally been managed separately , each with distinct priorities and objectives . However , with increased globalization and a focus on efficiencies , these departments have aligned to optimize their operations and leverage opportunities . Here , in an interview with Robert , he sheds light on how these changes are reshaping the landscape and what it means for clients and service providers alike .
Credit : Stay Sojo
Changes in client expectations
Clients today are more focused on value and costefficiency than ever before . With global mobility and corporate travel teams both moving employees across state lines and global borders , companies are looking to mitigate duplicative efforts .
According to Robert , “ We ’ re definitely seeing mobility and business travel being brought under the same umbrella . This consolidation brings added buying power , which allows companies to reduce costs while offering more streamlined services .”
“ We ’ re definitely seeing mobility and business travel being brought under the same umbrella . This consolidation brings added buying power , which allows companies to reduce costs while offering more streamlined services .”
Couple this with great advances in digital travel management tools , along with the necessity to view more wholistic data across the organization , and it ’ s clear there are advantages to having these once separate departments work closely together .
Length of stay influences product recommendations
There ’ s a stark difference in the accommodation needs between a short-term business traveler and a long-term assignee . Business travelers often stay in suite hotels that provide basic amenities , such as kitchenettes and laundry facilities , and can cater to stays of days up to a few weeks . On the other hand , assignees , who may be relocating for months or years , generally need fully furnished corporate apartments that offer a more home-like experience .
“ No one wants to be stuck in a hotel for months ,” Robert explained . “ Extended stays , whether for