The Advantage Travel Partnership has announced a partnership with the Association of Serviced Apartment Providers (ASAP) to provide assurance that accommodation meets infection control hygiene standards.
The agreement includes WIN Global Travel Network, the international network of corporate travel experts of which Advantage is majority shareholder.
It means that travel management company (TMC) members will have the assurance that when booking an accredited ASAP serviced apartment that it is safe, secure and meets infection control hygiene standards.
The partnership supports the ongoing focus on duty of care, diversity, equality and inclusion as well as the focus on mental health and wellbeing, which are some of the key features of Advantage’s Global Accommodation Programme – 2021.
TMCs using the Global Accommodation Programme – 2021 can identify accredited ASAP members when looking for serviced apartment providers.
Accredited ASAP members have been assessed by ISAAP, the International Serviced Accommodation Accreditation Process, the leading global provider of quality assessment, reporting and recognition awards for the serviced accommodation, corporate housing and executive suites sector of the hospitality industry.
Leigh Cowlishaw, global supplier partnership director at the Advantage Travel Partnership, said: “Our partnership with ASAP is further confirmation of our continued focus on duty of care, safety and security for guests and travellers. Increasingly we all want assurances and to ensure that our wellbeing is considered and agreed protocols are being met.
“When we are able to travel again and stay away from the safety of our own homes in accommodation providers, selection criteria must feature such standards to ensure that we feel safe.
“It is paramount that travel policies mirror such recognised standards to pre-empt traveller concerns and anxiety, as well as providing them with assurances. Our Global Accommodation Programme – 2021 is a key part of our Global Business Travel Proposition.”
James Foice, ASAP chief executive, said: “Our industry has taken a huge hit during the pandemic.
“One of the most significant factors that will drive recovery will be the confidence both travel buyers and guests will have in accommodation providers and their duty of care.
“As the UK’s largest independent travel agent group representing hundreds of agents, coupled with their global members, they magnify our own passion for delivering exceptional, and exceptionally safe, guest experiences.”