In an exclusive interview, Yoana Petit, talks about Moviltex, Tech-Driven Solutions for the Housing Industry

Moviltex is developing the first Short Term/Corporate Housing Rental Platform like Airbnb but without booking fees through its SaaS robust two-way API, connecting in real-time corporations, entertainment venues, staffing agencies, and property management firms.

In an exclusive interview, Yoana Petit shares about Moviltex, a company that is developing a state-of-the-art corporate housing solution. It will connect corporations, entertainment venues, recruiting agencies, and property management companies without booking fees to the end user through its SaaS robust two-way API.

Q. Hello Yoana, please share something about yourself for our readers first.

Yoana Petit. Hi, my name is Yoana Petit, I’m a world traveler, and foodie who loves to live like a local anywhere I go. I’m the founder of Moviltex, a platform for developing enterprise-grade software and mobile applications that do not need coding. Using our platform, non-programmers in any business can rapidly transform their mobile ideas into native, unique applications and test them in motion instantly. Previous to Moviltex I founded CouProm and Dx Technologies, an intuitive access mobility platform that facilitates the mutualization of resources within a convenient, seamless, and transparent marketplace, achieving an intrinsic value exchange and optimal monetization of assets within the sharing economy.” In 2011 I was recognized by BETABEAT as one of the Top 25 Women in Tech in New York. 

Q. How would you simplify the meaning of Temporary Housing for our viewers?

Yoana Petit. Corporate/temporary housing, often known as serviced apartments, are completely furnished with all utilities included. It’s a short-term rental property with basic services and amenities, including a washer and dryer, a cleaning service, and a fully equipped kitchen. Typically, stays are from two days to twelve weeks. Short-term rental property management companies are becoming more popular as temporary housing is driven by relocations and project assignments. They are more profitable with higher yields and bring a trusted caliber of clients, frequently workers of the world’s biggest multinational corporations such as Amazon, Microsoft, Tencent, Tesla, and smaller businesses. This is a welcome concept for property managers because these tenants do not have the sometimes-horror side of classic short-term rental stories.

Q. Regarding Moviltex, could you explain why you believe technology plays such a significant role in the housing industry?

Yoana Petit. Technology has revolutionized the management and distribution of the hotel and vacation rental industries, with customer satisfaction as the core of their business objectives. Consequently, why can’t we achieve the same in the temporary housing sector by offering employees/tourists/students the accommodations they need, including amenities, space, and attractions with real-time rates and the option to live like a local at a lower cost than hotels?

Q. How did you come up with a positive spin on the situation and conclude that you should establish a platform for temporary housing in an industry that is so slow to absorb new technology?

Yoana Petit. Primarily because of my knowledge and experience with the GDSs (Global Distribution Systems), pioneered by Amadeus, Sabre, and Travelport, which are the bridges connecting travel agencies with numerous travel service suppliers. Hotels, airlines, cruises, car rentals, and other services are already linked to this advanced computer system. Prior to COVID-19, the Global Business Travel Association anticipated that the API-connected GDS business travel sector would surpass $1.6 trillion by 2020. There remains, however, one industry to connect, the $70 billion market for temporary housing.

Q. Why temporary housing hasn’t evolved to take advantage of modern technology?

Yoana Petit. Exclusive, long-term contracts are common between relocation businesses and multinationals. RMCs (Residents Management Companies) subcontract tax and immigration, shipping, real estate, and temporary housing services. These long-term contracts breed complacency and discourage innovation. The old approach has onerous administrative processes and outdated software. It’s based on contact centers and quotation processes from the 1990s, and bids take a lot of time and effort. One employee booking may need 25 suppliers’ time, implying a poorer conversion rate. PDFs and emails are the most typical way to communicate property details to employees, while spreadsheets track rates and availability between corporate housing providers and RMCs. This could become chaotic, and data may become irrelevant due to the dynamic pricing system used by most serviced apartment and alternative housing providers. Without seamless communication, it’s time-consuming and inefficient, inflating temporary housing costs. Multinational corporations waste up to 50% of their temporary housing budgets on middlemen, leaving staff with inadequate housing.

Q.  In what ways do you think the hospitality industry is embracing technology?

Yoana Petit. Hotels leverage technology. These technology-driven services enable hotel administrations and staff to improve time efficiency, security, cost, and guest experience. Vacation rental companies leverage digital to streamline operations, marketing, distribution, and guest communication. Smart-home technology and yield management are offered. SaaS and Two-way API technology synchronize rates and availability with property management systems. Every update is instantly synchronized, eliminating human processes. Offline booking leads revenue with 70% in 2021. Gen X and baby boomers book offline. Internet and smartphone adoption may influence consumers’ booking choices. Online booking is estimated to climb by 60%. Consumers want detailed information on lodgings, amenities, and other benefits. Value, convenience, and authentic travel experiences drive online booking growth. Startups and travel booking companies offer apps and online services.

Q. Thank you, Yoana, for giving us the time for this interview. If a business owner wants to explore Moviltex, where can he/she go? 

Yoana Petit. Thank you. Anyone can visit https://moviltex.com to learn more.