The Association of Serviced Apartment Providers (ASAP) sought expressions of interest to turn accreditation body ISAAP into an independent organisation. ASAP is delighted to announce the new owner – GSA.
Almost a decade ago, when the sector was in its infancy, the Association of Serviced Apartment Providers introduced a programme of compliance and quality accreditation to provide credibility with travellers looking for safe, professionally run serviced apartments.
There was clearly a demand for this differentiator, which has seen significant support from apartment operators in 27 countries engaged in the process known as the International Serviced Accommodation Accreditation Process (ISAAP).
ASAP has now grown to become a globally recognised representative trade association, collaborating with many other synergistic organisations. And it now recognises the need to detach itself from the commercial elements of delivering accreditation, freeing itself to focus on driving standards, and representing the sector to both corporate buyers and leisure guests.
After an extensive RFP process Global Secure Accreditation (GSA) has acquired ISAAP and will take over full ownership from 1st September 2021.
James Foice, ASAP CEO says: “I am immensely proud of what we have achieved over the last nine years and my heartfelt thanks go out to all the team and everyone who has been involved in getting us to this point. I am sure that this separation will remove any potential
conflicts of interest we may face as we continue to grow.
“As an independent but mutually supportive entity, ASAP can now objectively collaborate with our global partners to set standards and continue to improve the quality and service product for our customers, right across the accommodation industry.”
Bob Quick, Founder Director at GSA adds: “GSA is delighted to acquire ISAAP, who have developed and delivered accreditation to the serviced apartment sector over the past nine years. We look forward to welcoming the ISAAP team to GSA where we will soon be able to
offer fully independent and authoritative accreditation for hotel and serviced apartment accommodation, which will be overseen and validated by a UK Government (Ofqual) approved standards body – SFJ Awards.
“We look forward to working closely with our partners ASAP in raising safety, security and quality standards for stakeholders across the sector ensuring the serviced apartment sector becomes ever more appealing choice for the corporate and leisure customer.”
Quick continues: “GSA specialise in delivering global security, safety and health security accreditation products to the hospitality industry, and training and audit to the corporate travel sector. GSA will build on ISAAP’s success to widen the scope of services and appeal to the sector. We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with ASAP and others to help drive our aspirations of making the serviced accommodation a safer and more reliable option for the traveller”.
Foice concludes: “I am absolutely delighted that GSA will now help ISAAP deliver accreditation products to the Serviced Accommodation industry, and beyond. We have for many years realised the need to position ISAAP in the commercial space, to not only grow but to allow the traveller to understand the importance of due diligence, safety and duty of care responsibilities, our members deliver.”
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
