1. Secure Access and 24/7 Monitoring

Key Card or Code Entry: Ensure the apartment features secure entry systems such as key cards or access codes. This restricts access to authorised guests only.

24/7 Security: Our serviced apartments are located in buildings with 24/7 security personnel and CCTV surveillance, ensuring that you feel safe no matter the time of day. Whether you’re returning late from meetings or need assistance, help is always available.

2. In-Room Safety Features

Deadbolt Locks and Chain Locks: Look for apartments that feature secure locks on the door, such as deadbolts and chain locks, for added peace of mind when inside.

In-Room Safe: We ensure all our serviced apartments include in-room safes to securely store your valuables, from passports to business documents, so you can focus on your work without worrying about security.

3. Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Contact Information: Make sure the apartment provides emergency contacts, such as local authorities, medical services, and management support, in case you need assistance.

Clear Evacuation Plans: Our serviced apartments are equipped with emergency response systems, including fire alarms and clear evacuation plans, so you can feel confident in any emergency.

4. Privacy and Discreet Guest Access

Strict Guest Policies: Ensure that the apartment has strict guest policies, so you can maintain your privacy during your stay. At MyResidence, we ensure all our serviced apartments are discreet and secure, giving you the comfort of hosting colleagues or friends in a private setting, without worrying about uninvited guests.

When travelling alone on business, your safety should always be a priority. By choosing a serviced apartment with secure access, emergency preparedness, in-room safety features, and privacy, you can ensure your trip is both successful and stress-free.

At MyResidence, we are committed to providing secure, vetted serviced apartments to meet the needs of women travelling for business across Africa, allowing you to focus on your work while feeling safe and comfortable.

The post Safety Checklist for Women Travelling Alone on Business: Essential Measures for Secure Stays in Serviced Apartments appeared first on My Residence Africa.

A significant focus of the event was the role of Travel Management Companies (TMCs) and their ability to navigate these complexities. The varying approaches by airlines, the high costs involved, and the need for effective partnerships were highlighted as essential for overcoming barriers to successful implementation. A case study from Kenya demonstrated that collaboration between airlines, TMCs, IATA, and travel agents can lead to smoother adoption, emphasising the power of communication and shared goals.

Corporates also expressed concerns about the fragmented nature of NDC and the lack of clarity around its benefits. Clear, accessible content and a transparent roadmap for implementation are essential to securing corporate buy-in and ensuring a smooth transition to NDC-enabled systems.

René Stegmann, our director, emphasised the importance of managing change effectively within the African context. He underscored that the key to progress lies in enhanced collaboration, sharing of global best practices, and ongoing education for all stakeholders in the travel ecosystem.

At MyResidence, we believe that embracing NDC, while challenging, is crucial for the long-term growth and modernisation of the African travel sector. It is only through collaboration and a shared commitment to innovation that we can overcome these barriers and unlock the full potential of NDC in Africa. The future of travel in Africa hinges on our ability to navigate these complexities and work together for lasting change.

The post New Distribution Capability (NDC) and its impact on the African travel industry appeared first on My Residence Africa.

my residence Africa provides short and medium-term executive accommodation for business travelers throughout Africa. We understand the needs of our clients and therefore prioritise privacy, flexibility, comfort, and convenience to provide business travelers with the best possible temporary stay. This approach also benefits our property partners as it opens up the possibility of securing long-term corporate tenants, typically staying between 30 days and 6 months, sometimes even up to a year!

As of March 2024, my residence Africa proudly presents over 13,000 temporary accommodation options across 52 cities in Africa. This milestone includes a remarkable 693 properties and 13,141 rooms in total!

my residence Africa maintains and exceeds the standard of quality expected by our business travelers, actively expanding our property portfolio to include accommodations in all major African cities. Our services span numerous African countries, including South Africa, Botswana, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, and Zambia.

Property Requirements:

When scouting for property partners, we look for specific apartments that tick all the boxes on our advanced and detailed criteria. We deliver services of a high quality and standard, and therefore only present the best properties in our portfolio and we personally vet each property to ensure they align to our high standards for the business traveler.

The criteria for securing your property with us and becoming our property partner is as follows:

• Executive / Luxury
• Fully furnished
• Fully serviced (or with potential)
• WIFI
• Cable TV/DSTV
• Kitchen facilities
• Lounge area
• Dining area
• Free Parking
• Laundry services / Washing and Drying facilities
• 24hr assistance for guest support

my residence Africa and Safety

my residence Africa also pays specific attention to safety.

We ensure that our properties meet all safety standards dictated by the industry and adheres to all health and safety regulations and guidelines at all times.

We also ensure that our property partners are well educated on these safety rules and regulations so we can continue to provide the best possible services seamlessly and efficiently.

my residence understands that every client’s needs with regards to safety are unique, and that’s why we have two strict safety compliance checklists that we always adhere to. We have a my residence security compliance checklist, which we mold to the individual needs of the client, as well as the Health, Safety, Security and Evacuations (HSSE) European Security Standards checklists, which we also strictly adhere to.

We educate our property partners on safety regulations and guidelines and ensure that they either meet the HSSE European Security Standards or adhere to the my residence Compliance standards. We share our safety documentation with potential property partners and liaise with them to determine how to best achieve this to ensure the safety of our business travelers, across all our locations in Africa.

Our attention to detail and hard work in these areas of respect are nothing but a result of staying true to our vision to be the provider of choice for companies requiring vetted executive temporary accommodation on the African continent for their mobile talent or business traveler.

If your property aligns with the above criteria and you are eager to work with a proudly African company of a high caliber, consider becoming our property partner. The process is simple, hassle-free, and outlined below!

Become a Property Partner in 4 Easy Steps:

1. Visit our website to reach out to us via the Contact Us page or email us on properties@myresidence.africa. 
2. Our trusted Property Acquisitions Specialist will reach out to you via email to set up a call in which you will discuss all the necessary and important information to ensure alignment.
3. Once the listing has been completed, our Property Acquisition Specialist will send you a link to your new profile, and the process is complete!
4. Your property will then be on our system making them bookable to our client base.

It’s as easy as that!

Additionally, there are also a range of exclusive benefits that you can access by becoming our property partner. We ensure our property partners get the most profit, advantages, and support out of our relationship, and remain appreciative of the healthy ties that we maintain with them.

Benefits of Being a my residence Property Partner:

• Corporate stays
• 24/7 Support
• Minimising risk by handling all the administration
• Long stay bookings
• Smooth payment processing

If you would like to reap these benefits and get more bookings for your property, then register your property with us today!

It’s as easy as following steps 1, 2, 3, and 4!

Our property acquisitions specialist is waiting to answer your call/email.

To set up a call, contact properties@myresidence.africa

The post How To Become a Property Partner with my residence Africa appeared first on My Residence Africa.

What is a Pet-Friendly Apartment?

A pet-friendly apartment is one that specifically caters to the needs of pet owners and their animals. It provides a welcoming and cordial environment for business travelers and their favourite four-legged friend. Pet-friendly Apartments are desirable for their pet amenities, which are not usually found in the average apartment complex. However, they can sometimes be hard to find since many landlords are nervous about renting to pet owners.

Although some apartment buildings may allow pets, there is a huge contrast between pet-friendly apartments and apartments that allow pets. While the latter may be open to the idea of pets, it does not have any of the convenient amenities that pet-friendly apartments have, often have strict rules against loud animal noises, and might even put breed restrictions in place.

In the past a pet-friendly apartment might have been an anomaly, making business traveling especially hard for pet owners who have to go through the heartbreaking experience of watching a fluffy pouty face stare with sad eyes as they leave home. Now, ‘’pawrents’’, as pet owners are being called, no longer need to make the compromise of leaving their pets behind when travelling for business. The nature of pet-friendly accommodation is that it allows pawrents to take their furry babies along with them on unforgettable adventures!

The notion of pet-friendly accommodation has gained great traction all over the African continent post COVID. While there are some establishments that make travelling with a pet difficult or nearly impossible, there are also establishments that are exceptionally welcoming. However, finding such establishments is not as easy as it sounds, especially when you are trying to do so while sitting in an entirely different country.

This is where MyResidence Africa seeks to help you. Over the past years, we have collected a portfolio of information across all the countries on the African continent. Our task is to provide you with all the information you may need on the availability and locations of pet-friendly apartments in the country that you plan to travel to, so that you can have a comfortable stay with your furry loved one. MyResidence has worked hard at building trusted relationships with their property portfolio to encourage establishments to accept pets and guide them on how they can best manage a furry friend’s stay. This has had a positive impact on the establishments and certainly for those traveling with their furry loved ones.

Amazing Benefits of Staying at Pet-Friendly Apartment

Travelling with a pet is not only a relief for the business traveler, but also works in everyone’s favour. There are plenty of benefits to staying in pet-friendly apartments, some of which we have outlined below:

• Pet-friendly amenities: Pet-friendly apartments are often furnished with an array of suitable amenities for the little creature’s enjoyment and the business traveler’s convenience. Pet-friendly apartment amenities include cleanup stations, on-site pet-sitters, an in-unit washer, a dog door, and a yard or dog run.

• Pet-friendly neighbours: Staying in a pet-friendly apartment will inevitably mean that your neighbours will be likely to either have pets of their own or be accepting of your pet. What’s great about this is that it means you will be less likely to have to listen to annoying complaints if your pet gets a little noisy.

• A pet-friendly landlord: You are much less likely to encounter a Cruella Deville-type character if you live in a pet-friendly rental. However, you will still be responsible for any damage that your pet may cause to the rental unit.

• Socialisation: Living in a pet-friendly community is a wonderful way for you and your pet to make new friends wherever you are staying. This is especially helpful if there are communal play areas or pet-friendly events planned.

The Best Pet-Friendly Options for Business Travelers

• Corporate housing: Corporate housing is a great option for business travelers who need a place to stay for a few weeks or even months. Corporate housing providers typically offer furnished apartments or homes that are fully equipped with everything you need, including kitchen appliances, bedding, and towels.

• Extended-stay hotels: Extended-stay hotels are another good option for business travelers with pets. Extended-stay hotels typically offer larger rooms or suites than traditional hotels, as well as amenities like kitchens and laundry facilities.

• Pet sitters: Pet-friendly accommodations often have in-house pet sitters that are there for your convenience. If you prefer not to leave your pet alone in your room, you can always take them to be cared for by the pet sitter while you are away.

MyResidence Africa can assist in finding the best serviced apartment for extended stay options for you and your pet. Our services are conducted in such a way that we give priority to your needs. Whether you choose to stay at one of our many serviced apartment options, or whether you choose to stay at our extended-stay hotels, we are committed to finding you the most favourable lodgings for you and your furry plus one. You’ll never have to choose between business and your pet again!

Let us help you Lodge with Love!

MyResidence Africa has numerous partners all over Africa and South Africa that provides pet-friendly accommodations of all types to suit the needs and preferences of business travelers. For options for your business traveler with pets please contact our team.

MyResidence Africa is dedicated to constant service improvement, and gaining new partners is a great way to do so. We are constantly liaising with property partners and seeking new opportunities to improve our service delivery. In all our years in the serviced accommodation industry, we have learned that every business traveler’s needs are different, and we devote ourselves to meeting those individual needs.

So, if you are tired of having to compromise between business travelling and your tiny tot, join the MyResidence family today!

Click here to read up more on our services, or email info@myresidence.africa to reap the benefits of our hard work!

Written by Saudika Hendricks 

The post Why Serviced Apartments Are the Best Choice for Family-Friendly Corporate Travel appeared first on My Residence Africa.

After Europe and the Americas, Africa is the most popular location for business travellers to venture to. Serviced apartments in some of Africa’s most buzzing cities are in high demand as they continue to attract more business travellers and appeal to a larger crowd. This may be due to the low availability of serviced apartments in some cities.

What are the Most Booked Corporate Destinations?

Lagos, Nigeria

Nearly half of the city’s population conduct active business, and its citizens are reported to have a mutual ‘’commercial mindset.’’  70% of new business owners all around the world target Lagos for future business endevours.

Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Being the most politically stable country on the continent is a huge reason why many business tycoons choose to extend their projects to its capital city.

Casablanca, Morocco

Amongst the countries with the highest numbers of business investments, and it is also the first African country to invest in other African countries.

Johannesburg, South Africa

It is the largest city in the southern half of the continent. Given the government’s continued efforts and investments to improve the city’s infrastructure, we predict that Johannesburg will certainly continue on this steadfast trajectory.

Nairobi, Kenya

This city has the largest stock exchange in Africa, and the influx of tourism in this region certainly contributes positively to its economy.

What are the Biggest International Industries in Africa?

Agriculture

This industry makes up 15% of the continent’s GDP.

The Banking Sector

Africa’s banking assets are comparable to that of European nations’ such as Russia.

Mining

Most of the natural resources that the continent produce is traded globally. Africa has the majority of the world’s most precious resources and minerals including diamonds, gold, phosphate and platinum.

Oil and Gas

19 out of 54 African countries are amongst the world’s most significant producers of oil and gas.

Telecommunications

With this industry being both competitive and lucrative, businesses in Africa are planning to develop this industry by extending into rural areas as well.

Traveller’s Preferences

• Most business travellers are eager to travel again. Especially those who make up the Gen Z and Millennial age group, as opposed to older business tycoons with families at home. In fact, many of them plan business trips up to a year in advance.
• Contactless Services. This includes making bookings online, self-service check-ins and check-outs, and mobile payments. These quick and seamless processes make traveling for business so much more convenient and keep digital nomads motivated to travel.
• Sustainability is also a priority for most business travellers. In an effort to reduce their carbon footprint most companies and business travellers are willing to make sacrifices such as using smaller cars or foregoing the daily cleaning services that hotels offer.

Any Specifically Popular Accommodation Models in Each Market

Generally, people will tend to prefer options that are most available to them and resonate with their lifestyle. One such example is that when abroad, some business travellers might want to experience the local culture of the city they are visiting by dining out at restaurants and getting an authentic taste of the country’s cuisine. However, the desire to have a kitchen and a homecooked meal is just as important to others. Other important amenities that business travellers prefer are designated workspaces, 24/7 facilities, and family accommodation. These factors all tie into the reasons as to why aparthotels are gaining popularity and are the preferred housing model to stay at.

Predicted Annual Pricing Increase in Each Key Destination

Lagos

The prices of food and transport have been soaring as of recently owing to the removal of the fuel subsidy. From this we can predict that the country will witness an overall increase in prices in all sectors, including the housing and hospitality sector

Abidjan

Ivory Coast gains more revenue from business travellers than tourists. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, the tourism sector contributed 4.5% to the total GDP of the country.

Casablanca

Morocco witnesses an increase in its number of visitors every year and we predict that they will continue on this trajectory. Visitors coming from European nations might find the prices for business and bleisure here to be cheaper. Casablanca presents amazing investment opportunities that provide for even more growth in the sector.

Johannesburg

South Africa has always had a high number of visitors coming into its capital city. Johannesburg is becoming more hands-on in bidding for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) business, supporting growth in international tourism.

Nairobi

Business travel in East African countries is predicted to endure a steady increase, and Nairobi is at the centre of this development. Kenya’s positive investment climate has made it an attractive destination for many international firms who seek a location for regional or pan-African operations.

Future Outlook

Countries in African in which business travel continue to grow are none other than the continent’s most popular corporate destinations. However, Gabon, Botswana, and Ethiopia have been experiencing an influx in business travellers since recently. According to a recent article by Brookings, the key factors that indicate this trend is that these countries are said to have the most ease in terms of regulations by which to conduct business, better overall infrastructure, better resources, and more active competitiveness in business sectors.

Reference list

• Top 7 Business Destinations in Africa. How Africa: The Rise of Africa, 2015. Available here. 
• Africa’s Path to Growth: Sector by Sector. McKinsey & Company, 2010. Available here. 
• 10 Things Business Travellers Want. Amadues, 2021. Available here. 
• Africa’s Tourism: A Global Destination for Investment and Entrepreneurship. Brookings, 2019. Available here. 

If you thought this was informative and would like to read more interesting blogs and articles, please click here.

Written by Saudika Hendricks

The post Serviced Apartment Hotspots for Business Travellers in Africa appeared first on My Residence Africa.