When it comes to booking accommodation for business travel, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution. Each industry has its own priorities, constraints, and expectations – and understanding these differences is essential for Travel Management Companies (TMCs).
Our recent white paper, created in collaboration with YouGov, ‘Mind the Gap,’ showed that sector can often outweigh individual preference. For instance, employees in construction and engineering are frequently based in remote areas where standard hotels aren’t an option, leading them to choose non-hotel accommodation such as single-family homes, whether or not this would be their ideal choice.
This highlights how travel needs are often shaped by the nature of the work itself. Whether it’s a consultant staying in the heart of a financial district, a group of contractors working on a remote site, or a production crew filming on location, the accommodation must work for both the traveller and their business. At Situ, we work with organisations across a wide range of industries, and we’ve seen first-hand how these varied requirements influence every booking – as we explore in this article.
Finance and professional services
Travellers in this sector are often senior executives or consultants working on high-value projects. They tend to expect high standards and central locations, with accommodation that supports both long hours and the need for privacy. Confidential work means discretion is essential, and properties must provide professional yet comfortable environments where travellers can focus, host calls, and unwind at the end of the day.
For TMCs, this means prioritising properties in financial hubs with fast connections to offices. Apartments should combine home comforts such as kitchens and laundry with premium touches like concierge services and security.
Individual one-bedroom units are often the most popular choice, offering executives privacy. This traveller type expects any issue to be resolved quickly and discreetly, so efficient communication channels and reliable on-the-ground support are key. Proximity to the office is a major factor in satisfaction, as is an effortless check-in process, strong Wi-Fi, and access to on-site amenities such as a gym. Conversely, properties that involve long commutes, weak internet connections, or unreliable self check-in systems can quickly undermine the guest experience and, in turn, client confidence.
When Situ supported a large financial company headquartered in London, the emphasis was on home-like, spacious apartments within easy reach of offices (so that international employees would not have to navigate the tube system). By curating options that balanced convenience with comfort, we gave their travellers the right base for both productivity and rest.
Construction, energy, and infrastructure
Contractor stays are often unpredictable, have short lead times, and are typically Monday–Friday business. They also tend to require more bespoke solutions than the standard serviced apartment offering, as projects are driven by site location rather than city-centre offices. Because projects frequently involve large groups, accommodation costs can quickly mount, making budget control a key priority in this cost-conscious industry.
Accommodation choice makes a big difference here. Single-unit hotels are costly, whereas apartments or houses with multiple bedrooms can help to reduce overall spend. For instance, see how we supported a construction client in switching from hotels to serviced accommodation, saving the company tens of thousands of pounds over the financial year. In addition to lower housing costs, the client also reported fewer instances of employee sickness, as workers no longer needed to spend time in hotel receptions or rely on crowded public eateries.
For TMCs, these needs translate into sourcing practical, cost-efficient properties close to worksites – often in remote locations – while paying close attention to the client’s specific requirements. Parking is a regular necessity, as are properties with zip-and-link beds for shared accommodation. Flexibility is crucial, as bookings often need to be adapted, extended in short increments, or cancelled altogether depending on project progress.
A partner with an extensive and diverse network shines in this area. Contact Situ if this is what you’re searching for – we’ve sourced housing all the way from East London to the Arctic Circle.
Production and entertainment
Production schedules are famously unpredictable. Projects often begin with a three-month plan but almost always extend once in-house, and cast and crew numbers can shift quickly as filming progresses.
For TMCs, flexibility is the guiding principle. Accommodation providers must be able to hold options, extend stays at short notice, and adapt bookings as schedules change.
Competition shows are a good example of this unpredictability. They come with a very specific set of requirements – contestants are eliminated each week, so flexible cancellation policies are non-negotiable. Here, TMCs benefit from a housing partner who takes the lead in negotiating these terms with accommodation providers, ensuring that production teams aren’t slowed down by accommodation concerns. Our dedicated Guest Care team manages in-house extensions, while our account managers handle the administrative workload (such as managing rooming lists) on behalf of clients.
Logistics aside, there are other ways accommodation should support cast and crews. For one cooking competition series, our team liaised directly with accommodation Partners to confirm that kitchen facilities met contestants’ exact needs – multiple hobs, a full-sized fridge-freezer, and an oven suitable for professional use. These details allowed contestants to focus on honing their culinary skills, a thoughtful touch TMCs can provide to their clients when they work with the right provider.
The bigger picture for TMCs
Across all industries, one thing remains constant: travellers need accommodation that supports their work and wellbeing, while businesses need solutions that align with budgets, duty of care, and operational goals. The details differ, but the principle is the same.
At Situ, our role is to understand the nuances of each sector and deliver accordingly – whether that’s premium city-centre apartments for consultants, bulk bookings for project teams, or adaptable housing for production crews. By blending global reach with sector-specific expertise, we help TMCs add real value to their client programmes.
All while maintaining an understanding of what TMCs themselves prioritise:
- Quick turnaround on availability and quotes
- The ability to put options on hold – we know it can take time to get approval for a booking, so we leverage our close relationships with accommodation providers here
- Competitive rates and innovative, value-for-money product
- Flexible terms because plans can change frequently
- Concise responses – you’re busy, so we know you appreciate quick and simple replies
Final thoughts
For TMCs, recognising how accommodation requirements shift by industry is a powerful way to add value to clients. By working with partners who understand these differences, you can deliver solutions that go far beyond just providing a place to stay.
If you’d like to learn more about how Situ can help you support clients across different sectors, get in touch with our team today.
