Travelport agents get access to Booking.com hotel inventory
Travel agents using Travelport Rooms and More hotel booking engine can now access accommodation offers from Booking.com, which joins a number of other hotel content aggregators on the portal, including Agoda, Hotels.com and LateRooms.
Travel agents continue to play a significant part in hotel distribution
Travel agents are still in demand, despite the growth in consumer use of online travel agencies and the rise of mobile travel bookings. And there are a growing number of tools for agents to help them compete with the other distribution channels.
Starwood: Business travel will drive hotels’ success
Continued strength in business travel bodes well for the hotel industry despite economic uncertainty, the chief executive of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide said.
Orbitz launches new hotel iPhone app
The new Hotels by Orbitz app for iPhone, gives customers an intuitive search-and-book experience designed specifically for iPhone and offers travelers powerful comparison tools, secure booking in just three taps and Orbitz Mobile Steals ? exclusive, mobile-only discounts of up to 50% off hotel stays in popular cities worldwide.
European hospitality results 2011: between satisfaction and a question mark
The dynamic that was seen until Spring 2011 slowed in the last quarter, ending with the start of decline last December. Europe is facing the challenge of renewing its hotel supply and of taking back control over distribution by the hotel operators.
Site review: Four Seasons $18m redesign
Four Seasons unveiled its new website earlier this month, with many eyebrows raised as a result of the reported $18m pricetag. The important point is whether or not this website will help it achieve its aim of improving its online revenues, which currently stand at 12% of overall sales.
Google+ impact on hotel SEO strategies
Like it or not, but Google has the power to dictate what businesses must do to be successful. At least online. For hotels, Google's latest "Search Plus Your World" personalized search feature is a clear message to launch that Google+ Page for your hotel, and start to actively interact with other Google+ users.
Starwood Hotels adds customer reviews to Facebook
Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide has started including customer reviews and ratings on the Facebook page for its Westin brand, using a new tool from Bazaarvoice and Buddy Media.
Starwood setting out to reinvent hotel loyalty programs
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide is raising the stakes in the hotel loyalty landscape to win greater share from the world?s most prolific travelers, a powerful and growing group of global mega travelers. The company announced new benefits that make its loyalty program Starwood Preferred Guest the richest elite program in the industry.
TripAdvisor survey tracks hotel amenities trends
Results of a new TripAdvisor survey of more than 1,000 U.S. travelers and more than 600 U.S. hotel representatives shows that Wi-Fi Internet access and breakfast included with booking are king, while a turndown service offers very little value.