20 Jun GSA named a finalist at Business Travel Awards Europe 2022
Following our recent shortlisting for the Business Travel People Awards, we are proud to announce we have also been named a finalist in the ‘Accommodation innovation’ category at this year’s Business Travel Awards Europe. After careful consideration from its independent panel of judges – comprised of 25 experienced travel managers – our global security assessment scheme for hotels and serviced accommodation was handpicked for its significant contributions to the industry.
Plugging the gap
When it comes to sourcing information on the quality of accommodation, things like catering, cleanliness, and the courtesy of its staff are relatively easy to find. However, information on security policies, practices, and track record is much trickier, despite the fact it is a major concern when travelling. There is clearly demand from wary travellers for an honest and independent assessment on an accommodation’s security that provides reassurance that best practice is being followed.
With our independent global security assessment scheme, corporates are offered a single source of unbiased risk-based assessments for accommodation security. This not only gives clarity to corporates looking to ensure their compliance with the new ISO 31030, but allows accommodation owners to demonstrate and market their security credentials.
Honesty and consistency assured
Our risk-based standards are designed to ensure consistent and appropriate levels of security. The six standards cover three key pillars: (1) Strategic Planning, Policy and Procedure, (2) Physical and Technical Security, and (3) Workforce.
The assessment scheme went through a robust research and development process via a sister company in 2018. Feedback was sought from an advisory group consisting of corporates, hoteliers, travel management companies and other industry specialists. The scheme also undergoes continuous improvement as we welcome vital, regular feedback from these parties.
The future is bright
Despite having only launched in 2019, just months before COVID-19 placed all hotel activity on hold, our security assessment scheme has been well received by hotels and serviced accommodation providers. Following the pandemic-related dip in business travel, the hotel industry is showing green shoots of recovery and activity levels are picking up once again, with hotels, like The Strand Palace, enlisting us to ensure they are delivering to the highest standards of excellence.
The winners of the 27th annual Business Travel Awards Europe will be announced at its evening ceremony at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London on 30th September.
