FREE TECHNOLOGY THE KEY

RESULTS from Corporate Traveller’s online survey has found that free Wi-Fi and breakfast at hotels are the most important elements in securing business.

According to the research, which received 172 respondents, business-related hotel guests consider Wi-Fi, breakfast and early check in and late check out the top three free services.

However they aren’t concerned about a complimentary newspaper or access to corporate facilities.

Respondents ranked the hotel amenities or services in the following order of importance: Wi-Fi; breakfast; early check in and late check out; parking; access to corporate facilities; and finally newspapers.

Corporate Traveller national marketing manager Chris Preston, says value-add services play a big role in what hotels are chosen by business travellers.

“While convenience and price of a hotel are generally the most important factors for corporates to consider, when it comes to value-add services it’s no surprise that travellers rated technology as the most important complimentary hotel service,” he says.

“The growing reliance on technology for enabling business, staying informed and communication is becoming far more visible across all industries.”

Preston says companies also looked favourably on hotels that offered a quality breakfast menu or buffet breakfast.

“When you’re on the road you never know when or where your next meal is going to come from. So if you can fuel up at your hotel for free before you head off for the day, it’s not only time efficient and convenient but also provides a good start to the day,” he says.