Collective Strength
Business Traveller Middle East|September - October 2017

Independent hotel collections are hoping to attract modern travellers with experiential stays that cannot be replicated by mainstream hotel brands, writes Craig Bright

Craig Bright
Collective Strength

Among the many acronyms, phrases and travel industry jargon that business travellers have to contend with, perhaps the most common in recent years is “bleisure”, the slightly unseemly portmanteau indicating the combination of business trips with down time.

The rise of this (irritating-to many) term does have some basis. In a survey released earlier this year, Booking.com for Business found that 49 per cent of business travellers in 2016 extended a work trip to enjoy the destination more, with 27 per cent intending to do so again in 2017.

One sector of the travel and hospitality industry ready to capitalise on this trend is independent hotels. An independent hotel is generally defined as a hotel that is owned and operated individually and not by a larger company. However, over the past decade numerous “collections” of independent properties have started to emerge. These curated groups essentially allow individual players to compete against major chains – thanks to the strength of combined marketing and distribution forces – while also offering travellers an enticing alternative to mainstream hotel offerings.

With over 650 properties, Preferred Hotels and Resorts is one of the biggest such collections. According to Josephine Lim, the company’s managing director for Southeast Asia, being able to offer a different experience is a key strength: “This is the era of personal choice and there’s been a coming of age for businesses that have a more unique, bespoke and individualised approach to supporting the travel experience,” says Lim.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BUSINESS TRAVELLER MIDDLE EASTView all
Onwards and upwards
Business Traveller Middle East

Onwards and upwards

In an exclusive interview with Ian Fairservice for Business Traveller, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and CEO and Founder of the Emirates Group, provides insight into the current and future state of travel and Emirates’ pivotal role in getting the industry back on track

time-read
5 mins  |
July - August 2021
Cleaning up the crisis
Business Traveller Middle East

Cleaning up the crisis

How hotels have risen to the challenge of keeping guests safe during the pandemic

time-read
10 mins  |
May - June 2021
The Great Vegas Meetings Magic Act
Business Traveller Middle East

The Great Vegas Meetings Magic Act

The city is working hard to conjure up events and make millions of visitors reappear

time-read
9 mins  |
May - June 2021
TAKES OFF
Business Traveller Middle East

TAKES OFF

Corporations are seeking new travel solutions that put safety and convenience first

time-read
5 mins  |
May - June 2021
TEE TIME IN TOKYO
Business Traveller Middle East

TEE TIME IN TOKYO

The Tokyo Olympics may be delayed, but the golf courses around Japan’s capital aren’t slowing down

time-read
5 mins  |
May - June 2021
KEYS TO THE KINGDOM
Business Traveller Middle East

KEYS TO THE KINGDOM

New and upcoming hotels to check out when you next visit Saudi Arabia

time-read
10+ mins  |
May - June 2021
QATAR CALLING
Business Traveller Middle East

QATAR CALLING

A swathe of hotels are opening in the Gulf State in the run-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup

time-read
10 mins  |
March 2021
MEMPHIS CON BRIO
Business Traveller Middle East

MEMPHIS CON BRIO

Music and history flood through the heart and soul of this quintessential American river town

time-read
6 mins  |
March 2021
Sofitel Mumbai BKC
Business Traveller Middle East

Sofitel Mumbai BKC

BACKGROUND Sofitel Mumbai BKC is one of Accor’s most prominent addresses in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The French hospitality group’s other hotels in the city are operated under the Novotel and ibis brands.

time-read
3 mins  |
March 2021
Taking Scotland in Stride
Business Traveller Middle East

Taking Scotland in Stride

A walk through the Highlands and Borders is the best way to touch this country’s history and nature

time-read
5 mins  |
March 2021