Why Alternative Accommodation Still Has Room to Grow in Corporate Travel
The availability of alternative accommodation has never been greater. Serviced apartments and short-term rentals offer corporate travellers flexibility, space, and value—yet they still represent a relatively small part of most travel programmes.
So, what stands in the way of greater corporate adoption?
1. A Complicated Supply Chain
The alternative accommodation sector was built on intermediaries. In its early days, this made sense—there was little technology to bring operators and buyers together efficiently. But today, this legacy structure is holding the sector back.
Multiple layers of intermediaries drive up costs and dilute communication. Operators lose margin. Buyers lose visibility. And everyone pays the price.
Research shows that up to 20% of cost could be saved by eliminating third-party layers and facilitating direct connections between buyers and property providers.
With platforms like Optimise by Mysa now offering streamlined procurement, these middle layers can be bypassed—allowing corporate bookers to access the properties they want more easily, and operators to retain more value.
2. Outdated Distribution Channels
Corporate travel thrives on ease. If booking an apartment requires extra steps or platforms, even the best properties can get overlooked.
TMCs and corporate travel managers need simple, seamless booking solutions that integrate into their workflows. Unfortunately, many operators are still limited by outdated tech or platforms not built for corporate integration.
With smarter property management systems and real-time connectivity, it’s never been easier to open up direct access to the corporate market. Operators who invest in the right tools can position themselves exactly where buyers are searching.
3. A Need for Greater Reassurance
Duty of care has never been more important. And while alternative accommodation offers real benefits—private spaces, fewer communal areas, self-catering, better wellbeing—there’s still a perception gap.
Buyers often view hotels as the safer, more transparent option. To shift this mindset, operators must go beyond features and actively demonstrate their safety, security, and sustainability standards.
This isn’t just about compliance—it’s about credibility. Verified, evidence-backed credentials can build confidence and differentiate your property from the crowd.
4. Lack of Differentiation
For many buyers, alternative accommodation options can feel like a sea of sameness. Without reliable markers of quality, safety, or service levels, it’s hard to know which providers are best-in-class.
This is where technology-led verification becomes a game-changer. With tools like mysaSure, operators can clearly demonstrate that their properties meet the highest standards—helping them stand out in a crowded field.
A direct connection between operators and bookers also opens the door for deeper relationships, repeat business, and a higher level of trust.
How Mysa Helps Operators Reach More Corporate Buyers
At Mysa, we believe that alternative accommodation has enormous untapped potential in corporate travel—and we’re building the tools to help you unlock it.
With our technology, operators can:
- Streamline procurement and eliminate intermediaries
- Integrate easily into corporate booking workflows
- Verify properties through mysaSure for credibility and compliance
- Stand out to buyers who value transparency and quality
Want to get your properties in front of more corporate buyers and TMCs?