New Quest partnership to boost franchisees

Nick Hall

Franchisees at accommodation business Quest Apartment Hotels can expect greater advocacy and stronger support, thanks to the chain’s latest announcement. A new Quest partnership with industry body the Accommodation Association of Australia (AAoA) promises to deliver a significant boost for the group’s franchisee network.

Currently, the AAoA represents the accommodation industry at state and federal tourism boards, industry committees and statutory agencies.

The new three-year agreement helps to future-proof the Quest franchise model, ensuring franchisees are represented in key industry discussions. Franchisees will now have a seat at industry roundtables around investment barriers, business opportunities, labour shortages and sustainable operations.

David Mansfield, Quest chief operations officer said the partnership was a significant step in improving serviced apartment standards across Australia.

“The Quest franchisee network manage a large number of assets, staff and guests that support the tourism industry in Australia. It is, therefore, vital that hotel franchisees are taken into consideration by Australian regulators and policy makers when matters that affect the tourism industry are being addressed,” he said.

Mansfield revealed that while the Quest partnership helped to improve representation, it also opened the door for future investment.

“This partnership will also help reduce barriers to investment, generate business opportunities and ensure franchisees understand their rights and obligations,” Mansfield said.

Quest partnership initiatives

The new Quest partnership follows a series of franchisee-focused initiatives launched by the Australian chain in recent years.

In 2017, the accommodation franchise partnered with Singapore-based serviced residence network The Ascott Limited. The Singapore-listed company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CapitaLand Limited – one of Asia’s largest real estate companies.

The partnership offered guests a choice of more than 250 serviced apartments globally, in addition to all Quest’s properties, translating to over 400 serviced apartments worldwide.

However, the latest Quest partnership provides a much-welcomed boost to the domestic market.

David Long, CEO of the AAoA said the strength and size of Quest’s network would significantly bolster the organisation’s insight and advocacy efforts, while at the same benefitting franchisees.

“Quest Apartment Hotel’s decision to embark on a three-year partnership is joining other leading accommodation brands and owners seeking to ensure the sector is represented by a united and concerted voice on issues affecting their businesses,” he said.

“Quest Apartment Hotels is one of the fastest growing accommodation brands in Australia, with over 10,000 beds in city and regional locations, strengthening our insights to drive government action and assist in the continued growth of the accommodation sector to benefit the Australian economy.”

Established in Melbourne in 1988, Quest has a network of 173 properties across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and the UK.

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