Markham, ON | NORTHWIND, provider of Maestro PMS Enterprise Property Management hotel software and reservation software solutions for hospitality, enabled hospitality professionals to address marketing challenges in today’s Web 2.0 environment through its sponsorship of the Online Revealed travel conference in Toronto, Canada. More than 200 attendees from every facet of the hospitality industry met May 28 through 30, 2007 at the second annual conference. Attendees heard nearly 30 speakers from Yahoo Canada, Orbitz Worldwide, TravelZoo and other companies share insights on the ever-changing online marketplace and its affect on tourism.

“Our promise is to continue to focus on the business requirements of hotel operators, which in this case means continued support of our clients in the online environment of Web 2.0., an environment that is typified by the influence of social media on travel decisions,” said Warren Dehan, President U.S. Operations for NORTHWIND-Maestro PMS. “Social media is a growing force on the Web with consumers turning to travel review sites, forums, wikis and blogs for trusted travel advice.”

Shelly Edwards, Senior Solutions Consultant for NORTHWIND and representation at the conference, referenced a statistic from conference presenter Trip Advisor. “Over 73 percent of all online bookings are researched on tripadvisor, a social community of over five million travelers who post reviews and opinions of hotels, vacations and more. What that means is the consumer is really setting the value of hotel offerings and affecting every aspect of the buying decision.”

Edwards suggests these tactics for hotel operators to be effective in the dynamic Web 2.0 environment, where their control seems to be lessened:

  1. Get Involved - make sure you know what is being said about you online and contribute whenever and wherever you can. Think outside the box.
  2. Focus on a total travel experience not only of your property but of your destination.
  3. Understand who your most valued guests are at a very granular level.

“Maestro’s Yield Management features enable our customers to offer BAR rates, best available rates that are viewed by the consumer as a fair way of offering value by market segment. Our full two-way integration to the GDS and third party suppliers ensures price parity across all channels,” said Warren Dehan. “Maestro’s ResEze booking engine also allows hoteliers to offer more than just a room for their guests; they can focus on creating the total guest experience with dinner reservations, spa appointments and third party activities such as theatre and jet ski reservations. The Maestro Business Intelligence module, Maestro Analytics, can supply detailed guest and group information at a very granular level, which is needed to create a successful value proposition in the dynamic Web 2.0 environment.”

For more information about the Online Revealed conferences please visit .

NORTHWIND–Maestro PMS is exhibiting at HITEC 2007, June 25–28 in Orlando. Visit booth #325 for a complete Maestro demonstration.

Maestro Enterprise Suite

We know how important it is that you provide your guests a consistent level of service and repeat recognition, while maintaining a 360 degree guest view at every point of contact. NORTHWIND empowers its clients by delivering robust Maestro application solutions sharing a single-image database. The Maestro Property Management Suite of solutions, with deployment options in Windows, Unix, Linux, Terminal Services, ASP and Web, is comprised of over 19 integrated modules including Front Office (PMS), Accounts Receivable, Analytics & Business Intelligence Tools, Sales & Catering, Multi-Property Mgmt., Condo Owner Mgmt. w/ Owner Web Functionality, Timeshare Owner Mgmt. w/ Owner Web Functionality, Spa & Activities Mgmt., Club Membership Mgmt., Yield Management, Golf Course Mgmt., Customer Relationship Mgmt., Central Reservation Office, Corporate Enterprise Mgmt., GDS Two-Way XML Connectivity or Integration, Web Booking Engine, Work Order Maintenance, Fine Dining & Retail POS, Table Res. w/ Web Booking, Concierge and Guest Experience Mgmt.

About Northwind

NORTHWIND, is recognized in the hospitality industry for its 'standard setting' Four Diamond Support Services and state-of-the-art Maestro technology. The company is widely respected for being a partner that understands how to help you boost productivity and strengthen management control for your hotel, resort, conference center or multi-property group by providing you with flexible software solutions that increase productivity and maximize ROI. With a network of dealers and offices worldwide, NORTHWIND is a leading supplier of software for all types of hospitality operations including hotels, resorts, timeshares, condominiums, retreats, state parks and clubs. Maestro applications are engineered for operators who need to manage their enterprise in a real time environment for the utmost operational control and profitability.

Audrey MacRae
905.940.1923