Page 61 - Port Douglas Magazine 26

Freedom

AND
Flexibility Sea Temple Resort

Port Douglas

Boutique Collection director Rob Whyte talks to us “More recently, the letting of houses and fl ats has developed quickly with
websites such as Stayz and Airbnb providing platforms where owners
about the privately-owned accommodation sector can register and display their property, along with photographs and
information,” says Rob. “Potential guests can search all available properties
AUSTRALIAN travellers looking for comfortable accommodation have – with their preferred features, in their preferred location – and make
become familiar with the concept of staying in privately-owned properties, enquiries by email before committing to a booking,” he says.
rather than the traditional, commercial options such as hotels and motels.
Owners avoid the additional work involved in running a bed and breakfast,
Titles such as holiday cottage, holiday rental, bed and breakfast, apartment, but retain the fi nancial benefi ts.
farm stay and cabin give some indication of the
“Some websites ask both guests and owners to post
various styles of privately-owned accommodation
comments about the accommodation and services
available.
provided, allowing information from guests and
Concepts such as time-sharing selfregulation,” says Rob.
While the inclusions, fi ttings and fi nishes vary
greatly from property to property, they are all It can be predicted that a growth in the quality of
privately-owned and operated and are usually fully and the provision of concierge services available to holidaymakers will continue
services further increased to expand in privately-owned residences. However,
furnished and self-contained.
Lettings are controlled by the owner, who either accessibility to a wide range of there are some challenges to be faced.
communicates directly with guests or appoints a “Th e industry is self-regulating at present,” says Rob.
personal agent to do so. privately-owned accommodation
“Regulation increases standardisation and decreases
for travellers – from the basic
Director of the Boutique Collection Rob Whyte freedom.”
says many factors have facilitated the development “While on the one hand, the industry as a whole
in the availability, advertising and marketing of and functional to the lavish and needs to protect its status and credibility as a reliable
luxurious. alternative to commercial operators; on the other
privately-owned accommodation.
“Th e most essential contributing factors have been hand, both owners and guests value the fl exibility
the accessibility of the internet and the availability off ered by a wide range of unique, privately owned
of more aff ordable travel options,” he says. and operated properties.”
Th e introduction of Strata Title in Australia in the 1960s enabled the Rob says it is likely that the sites off ering direct bookings with owners will
development of luxury high-rise apartment buildings and with additional continue to expand.
facilities including swimming pools, gyms, tennis courts, shops and
“Owners are more aware of the advantages of setting their own rates and
restaurants, the rise of resort-style living .
tailoring terms and conditions to create a niche in the market, while guests
Concepts such as time-sharing and the provision of concierge services continue to recognise the power they have in selecting
further increased accessibility to a wide range of privately-owned
accommodation that is more suited to their particular preferences,” he says.
accommodation for travellers – from the basic and functional to the lavish
Find out more about Th e Boutique Collection
and luxurious.
at theboutiquecollection.com.au or call 4099 4482
PORT DOUGLAS MAGAZINE 61