UK: The Altos, which were held last night in central London’s Ham Yard Hotel, saw AltoVita recognising innovative serviced apartment companies, as well as rewarding those with the best sustainable and DEI initiatives.
The event opened with a welcome note from Karolina Saviova, COO & Co-founder, AltoVita.
Saviova said: “It’s been a very complicated year with geopolitical conflict, supply chain reorganisation in China and Asia Pacific, and a boom in clean tech and the rise in AI. The reality is we have stabilised volatility.”
She said the trends for the year ahead would be for extended stays – longer length of stay globally because of fewer relocations and more project work rather than short term assignments. More purposeful travel and community-oriented accommodation and sustainability ranking high on the agenda.
Saviova said there had been an enhanced focus on compliance and that 2025 will also see AltoVita focus on data.
In a panel discussion about enhancing augmented content on AltoVita Kim Winter key account director edyn and Justin Ford director short term rental safety and certifications programmes Breezeway discussed how the enhanced features on AltoVita’s platform allowed operators to show their sustainability, DEI and safety features.
When asked why is it important for operators to enhance their augmented content, edyn’s Winter said: “Clients are asking for it. We are good at listing the amenities but it’s the extras we need to add. Add sustainability and DEI features and make sure the client can make choices on the content and choose the options which best suit them.”
She added: “KPIs are coming into it and TMCs and corporate buyers need to find the right operator.”
Another panel looked at how to be more bookable on AltoVita’s site with the Alto search and curate tool showing, as an example, how to get wheelchair accessibility properties that match with other key criteria for the traveller. The demos also showed that properties were less likely to be booked if operators failed to supply detailed content on amenities – or have the right images.
The afternoon event turned into an evening celebration as the winners of The Altos were announced.
Aparthotel Birmingham won “Best Sustainability Initiative” award.
Judges declared an “outstanding achievement” with its commitment to eco-conscious design and sustainable operations, decision to use 100 per cent renewable energy sources, and thoughtful guest-facing initiatives that include refillable toiletries and bamboo stationery, as well as eco-friendly transport options.
Charles Hope Apartments was awarded the “Best Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiative” award as it demonstrated “real leadership diversity” and made a positive impact to employees and the people in the community. Initiatives carried out for woman and children in South Africa were also lauded.
A full list of winners at The Altos can be found here.
Earlier this year Felicity Cousins hosted a panel at AltoVitas event on CSRD and the importance of sustainability data transparency.
Image: Boodle McDougall