Quest Apartment Hotels is widening the net in its recruitment of franchisees, opening up greenfield opportunities to first-time franchisees.
Previously only current franchisees in the Quest network could purchase a brand new site.
However the expectation of an aggressive growth pipeline, a steady focus on business innovation, and the completed integration with parent company The Ascott Limited, have been the catalysts for the switch in recruitment strategy.
General manager of franchise operations, David Ridgeway, said “With The Ascott Limited in our corner, we are embarking on a period of growth and advancement”.
“What we know is that the franchising sector is rife with talented, entrepreneurial individuals who have the business acumen and passion to own and run a Quest Apartment Hotel successfully, joining an esteemed line up of existing operators.
“With the new approach to what remains a rigorous recruitment process, we will consider greenfield opportunities for entirely new franchisees with the aptitude to take the reins in some of Australia’s most sought-after locations among the domestic corporate and leisure traveller.”
The Melbourne-based business now has more than 140 Quest apartment hotels across Australia and is eyeing up further expansion.
While the accommodation and tourism sector faced an extremely challenging year in 2020, based on industry data (STR) Quest has outperformed the wider market.
“There is no denying that the past 12 months have been incredibly challenging, but fortunately Quest is focused on the domestic market rather than international,” said Ridgeway.
“Our franchisees were bolstered by the strength of the Quest model, extensive franchisor support and a fast-acting national sales team which secured accommodation contracts for essential workers across healthcare, mining, infrastructure and government.”
Quest was a first time exhibitor at the Sydney Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo, last week.
David Ridgeway told Inside Franchise Business Executive “The two-day expo was a great opportunity to meet with existing and aspiring franchisees, discuss opportunities and share more about the exciting future of Quest Apartment Hotels.
“The event underscored the immense talent we have within the franchising sector, and we look forward to tapping into that with a broader approach to recruitment.”
