Looking back at the In Focus series from 2020, we have highlighted two of the biggest stories this year, the Travelodge saga and Airbnb IPO.  Join us for a glimpse into the many conversations between Alexi Khajavi. Julie Rey-Gore and Katherine Doggrell and just a few of the many guests who joined us to review the latest news and developments in the sector.  Never miss a thing, you can view the full In Focus series over here. 

Robert Alley, COO at Roomzzz Aparthotels joined Katherine Doggrell last week to discuss how the pandemic has affected their organisation and expansion plans.  An example of a company who have managed to retain some healthy occupancy levels and perhaps a bright spot during the difficult results season we are hearing about elsewhere. Roomzzz supported the NHS initiative during the height of the pandemic and went after the the extended stay side of their business. "The beauty of aparthotels is that we could do something that hotels couldn't, offer a solution which people still needed" averaging a 70% - 75% occupancy through lockdown and sustained these numbers ever since.  Robert foresees the extended stay sector to remain strong despite the loss of the leisure market due to lockdown restrictions.  The lease structure is something they have discussed with their landlord through open dialogue however he describes the need for a convergence of healthy lease models such as hybrid leases that work for all stakeholders. If you missed our weekly In Focus episode, catch up here now. 

We were lucky to catch a moment with Ben Harper after his session at The AHC Reimagined. Although he missed the live audience he said it was really good fun, good to be back at an event that he had missed hugely. "Now is the time to come together and help and support each other through it - this is a good forum as any to network and connect, we must keep talking." The future of lifestyle brands in the UK is very positive and the demand to travel remains.  Don't miss Ben's full session "In Conversation with a British Hotelier" with Emily Newman, available on demand now. 

With the traditional hotel investment moving into the mainstream, investors looking for greater returns have shown themselves prepared to take greater risks and look on the periphery, at what has become known as ‘adjacent spaces’.

The ability of serviced apartments and extended stay to breakeven at 20% made them more attractive to investors and developers, according to a session at the recent AHC Reimagined.

This week Katherine is joined by Vrbo's Karen Mullins, Director Market Insights EMEA, Expedia Group to discuss the group's performance in the home rental sector. They look at demand drivers, destinations and what sets them apart from rival group Airbnb. Don't miss the full In Focus episode roundup here. 

Mak Hoe Kit, Managing Director, Ascott Global Serviced Residence Fund & Head, Business Development, The Ascott Limited, discusses the company's position during the pandemic.

We asked and our investors answered. All you need to know about the results of our third instalment of Questex Hospitality & Travel's Investor Sentiment Assessment with Thanos Papasavvas.  Dry powder, transactions, yield expectations, sad investors, and all of the wit that Alexi and Katherine bring to our weekly In Focus episodes.  And we have more updates on the Travelodge saga. Join us.

The Ascott Limited reported that it signed more than 2,100 units across 12 properties over the last three months in China.

Serviced apartments and extended stay have fared better than hotels during the Covid-19 crisis, cementing their value in the hospitality market. This interactive session will look into the opportunities in the market.