Charlie - Just read the 2010 GSAIR (exceptional!) and it is a great compliment to last year's inaugural issue. Your Overview, in particular, was perhaps one of the best summaries of the current state of the industry that I have read.
Your insight into the "new" factors impacting supply, demand, and rate were right on target. Your coverage of the new sources of property (unsold homes, condo developers, private owners...) was a key point. While in the short term, 'more product' may mean more inventory competing for the traditional customer, I believe there is a long-term benefit. Corporate housing as a 'hotel alternative' is gaining visibility, as a new generation of individuals, companies, and developers are being exposed to its value, many for the first time. As the economy improves in future months / years, this heightened awareness will find our industry more well-known, more understood, and especially more valued, by a much broader segment of the population. If that holds true, it will be a refreshing achievement for those of us that have worked toward that goal for so long.
Congratulations to you and your team on an excellent 2010 Report. Truly, The Apartment Service covers the global industry from a perspective that no one else can match!
Elaine Quiroz
Corporate Housing Strategies / USA
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Mr. McCrow,
Although serviced apartments are being looked at as 'hotel alternative' especially for a short stay of less than a week, I notice in India a number of guests still prefer a hotel for short stay.
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