Orbitz New Merchant Hotel Program Makes it Easier, Less Costly for Hotels to Increase Web Bookings
CHICAGO, IL-- Orbitz, a leading travel website, today launched a new merchant program that will make it easier and less expensive for hotels to increase Internet bookings. Under the new program, Orbitz will enhance its existing inventory of merchant-rate properties by working directly with hoteliers to sell rooms on
"OrbitzSaver" rates, which provide consumers with discounts of up to 75 percent off rack room rates, are already available for purchase on
"Hotel booking is now one of the fastest growing online travel categories," said Jeff Katz, Orbitz president and CEO. "As one of the top three travel sites, Orbitz is well-positioned to assist hotels in strengthening their online marketing efforts while providing them with improved control over distribution."
Through a direct relationship with Orbitz, hotels will be able to dynamically update rates, room availability and website content via an extranet and receive reservation confirmations via e-mail.
"Orbitz has quickly established itself as the travel website that is friendly to suppliers as well as consumers," said Steve Hafner, executive vice president of Consumer Travel. "By participating in Orbitz' merchant program, hoteliers can sell more rooms, avoid booking fees and simplify the inventory management process via a convenient, Web-based environment. Just as our supplier-friendly approach encourages airlines to sell their lowest fares on Orbitz, a more flexible, hassle-free merchant program will incentivize hoteliers to provide Orbitz customers with the broadest selection of great hotel rates."
"As Harrah's leverages the Web's incredible growth, Orbitz will be an important partner," said Zan Miller, director of Hotel Revenue Management at Rio All-Suites and Harrah's Casino and Hotel. "Orbitz will provide us with reservation volumes that few other sites can promise, marketing our Harrah's and Rio hotels to millions of online buyers. At the same time, Orbitz is providing Harrah's Entertainment with the flexibility needed to maintain rate integrity and competitively manage our business." For more information about the OrbitzSaver program, interested hotels can call (866) 672-4891.