SilverDoor has identified five key takeaways from its annual Partner Engagement Day:
Around 200 property partners and sector representatives attended for panel discussions and presentations covering the topics of technology integration, data and sustainability.
The key takeaways were:
- Data sets are diversifying – Clients are demanding even more enriched dashboards and in-depth metrics to track programme performance. Data sets are diversifying beyond cost and rates for operators to include sustainability performance and end-user reviews.
- Appetite for live rates is accelerating – Corporate travel buyers, TMCs and RMCs are demanding greater access to live rates to track cost projections against budget, as well as build integration with online booking for better programme efficiency.
- End-user influence is evolving – Alongside consultancy from TMCs, RMCs and agents, the end-user experience is set to influence the evolution of online content and programme management. Managers are increasingly paying attention to guest satisfaction reviews, arrival experience, issues resolution and security to maintain visibility on performance, support compliance and reduce friction.
- Cost versus value – Buyers are benchmarking cost against the quality of the accommodation within their programme, with value becoming a more important metric. Buyers recognise the opportunity to justify higher costs with a higher standard.
- Greater collaboration needed on sustainability data – There’s an opportunity for more in-depth collaboration of sustainability measurement and reporting. With sustainability legislation intensifying, accommodation and wider travel and relocation programmes must be able to demonstrate sustainability performance to better support end-user behaviour beyond the RFP process.
Alex Neale, Chief Supply Officer, SilverDoor said: “Buyer preferences and requirements are changing rapidly, shaped by evolving expectations, technological advancements and legislative developments.
“To stay aligned as an agent, it’s essential that we work closely with our property partners, sharing insights into current challenges and exploring practical solutions so we can continue to deliver accommodation programmes that meet today’s needs effectively.”
