Newshound: Trends and Reports – Hotel Online Distribution

Sydney flat, Perth hot and Cairns in trouble – STR Report

The latest STR Global statistics for the six months to June 2011 reveal that Sydney remains flat, Perth is the hot market and Cairns is in trouble as a strong Australian Dollar continues to significantly affect the hotel industry.
http://www.hotelmanagement.com.au/2011/07/18/anzphic-sydney-flat-perth-hot-and-cairns-in-trouble/
Abu Dhabi hotels continue strong performance
Abu Dhabi’s hotels and hotel apartments continued their strong performance in the first five months of this year with increases in guest numbers, guest nights, occupancy, revenue and length-of-stay, according to the latest figures released by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA).
http://www.hotelmanagement.com.au/2011/07/04/abu-dhabi-hotels-continue-strong-performance/
Hotwire Reveals Hotel Rate Report for July 2011
Hotwire.com®, a leading discount travel site, today announced the results of the July 2011 Hotwire® Hotel Rate Report. The report features the top five cities in North America where hotel rates have dropped the most and the top five cities where rates have experienced the biggest price increases. While one report guides customers to the destinations that will maximize their travel dollars, the other highlights places where using Hotwire to save money is even more essential.
http://ahla.hsyndicate.com/news/4052199.html
3 keys to revenue management success
Demand is back and so is rate. STR reported an increase in all three key performance metrics for the first quarter of 2011: “The industry’s occupancy increased 5.7 percent to 54.9 percent, average daily rate rose 3.1 percent to US$99.37, and revenue per available room was up 9.0 percent to US$54.56.”
http://www.hotelnewsnow.com/Articles.aspx/5981/3-keys-to-revenue-management-success
OTA debate stresses better channel management
What’s the topic that never ceases to pack a room or stir up emotion? The role of online travel agencies in hotel room distribution. Such was the case during a breakout session Tuesday at the New York University International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference that aimed to address the influence and implications of these intermediaries. But at the (literal) end of the day, panelists agreed that it has always been up to the hotel owner to choose how to get business.
http://www.hotelnewsnow.com/Articles.aspx/5702/OTA-debate-stresses-better-channel-management

Hoteliers ‘up their game’ through SimpleDistribution

Australian hoteliers can now improve the management of online bookings and better target global travel markets with the arrival of integrated rate shopping, channel management and hotel and flight booking engine provider SimpleDistribution.

SimpleDistribution will remove the complexities of selling online and enhance visibility, exposure and revenue from the Internet. Before processing rate and availability updates, hotels can price shop theirs and competitors’ rates to assess optimal product prices for excellent positions across Online Travel Agents. The web-based channel manager simultaneously and in real-time updates the hotel’s selected multiple sales channels and roomtypes with rates, restrictions and room availability.


Newshound: Trends and Reports – Hotel Online Distribution


Small Independent and Boutique Hotels – Online Marketing and Strategic Revenue Management Levels the Playing Field!

There is no online marketing and revenue management potential without the GDS. Customer buying habits dictate that there has to be that connectivity to make a reservation and receive confirmations online instantly.
http://www.wiredhotelier.com/news/154000473/4052123.html

Understanding the ‘Micro-Tripper’ Trend

The Micro-Tripper—short-term, purely spontaneous travel enabled by the flash-sale, group buying, and private-travel sale start-ups, the new leisure travel market segment is on the rise. The new social e-commerce travel companies are not intruding upon the OTA’s business but are, in essence, capturing an undiscovered new segment of the travel market that I call the “spontaneous micro-tripper”.
http://www.eyefortravel.com/news/europe/understanding-micro-tripper-trend

Indian hotel industry expected to touch Rs 230 billion by 2015: Cygnus Business Consulting and Research

The Indian hotel industry is expected to reach Rs 230 billion by 2015 with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12.2 per cent, according to a report published by Cygnus Business Consulting and Research entitled, ‘Industry Insight- Indian Hotel Industry.’
http://www.hospitalitybizindia.com/detailNews.aspx?aid=11176&sid=41

eRevMax receives ISO recertification

After the recent ISO audits, eRevMax has been recertified ISO/IEC 27001:2005 for the quality of our Information Security Management System (ISMS) that ensures the product portfolio is compliant with international and local security best practices. The initial certification was completed in 2007. 

Stage I and II Pre-assessment Audits were performed by DNV. Following thorough reviews, DNV recommended eRevMax for re-certification in August 2010.

The eRevMax Kolkata office was fully examined during the process. The office was abuzz with activity during the audit days everyone curious to find out how other departments performed. It was important all the departments maintained conclusive records and adhered to all rules and requirements. The auditors were impressed with our awareness level and happy to recommend eRevMax.

The Information Security Management System has assured our systems are fully robust and effective providing our customers with ultimate data security.

Rajib Roy is Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Sr. Manager – Administration at eRevMax. He is based out of Kolkata, India and can be reached at rajibr@erevmax.com

eRevMax’s Monsoon Party in Kolkata

eRevMaxians in Kolkata had a fun filled day on the last day of July when we all went to Wet o’ Wild, Kolkata’s water park, to celebrate Monsoon. What better way to enjoy the season then getting drenched in a wave pool with family and colleagues!

The most popular water game proved to be handball; we split ourselves into teams and held a series of matches. With the DJ belting out popular dance numbers, it was a perfect scenario for a day out in the water. 


There were various water rides and a huge waterfall, since we were such a large group the park looked like we had booked all of it. After all the rides, water games, splashing, diving, and some rain dance as well, we changed for the evening party and assembled in a small banquet for more games, this time dry. 

Post-refreshments we hosted a series of party games including the old favorite musical chairs, dumb charades, dancing and talent contest. There were prizes for all and the kids had an awesome day. Check out some pictures to see us in action.


Sujay Ghosh is Sr. Content Writer at eRevMax and is based out of Kolkata. He can be reached at sujayg@erevmax.com

BHA Annual Luncheon

The BHA Luncheon event was an extension of our partnership with British Hotel Association. It took place in the Great Room of the Grosvenor House Hotel on 29th June and had a great turnout of over 700. 
We had the pleasure of inviting both clients and partners to intermingle over a great meal; we were joined by Bridgestreet Apartments, English Rose Hotels, Expedia, The Leonard Hotel, Supranational Hotels, and St. Giles Hotel. 
The BHA Luncheon this year was more special because it ended one era and welcomed another as the CEO Bob Cotton stepped down and the current CEO Ufi Ibrahim stood at the helm.

For us, this was another great opportunity to re-establish contacts with many hotel owners and directors and network with industry peers.

Casey Davy is Sales Manager – UK at eRevMax. He is responsible for sales of RateTiger products in the region. Casey is based out of London and can be reached at caseyd@ratetiger.com

AHP Hotel Distribution Seminario

The last day of June saw the Association of Hotels of Portugal (AHP) organizing a seminar on Hotel Distribution. It brought together a group of experts in the area of hotel distribution to advice hoteliers on best available tools and latest trends in hotel management, online distribution and channel management.

An increasing number of tourists make their hotel reservations via the Internet. Also though the economy is recuperating, it has not held back Portuguese people from traveling. According to “The Travels of the Portuguese in 2010” study conducted in May this year, the Portuguese say they want to travel at least once this year. This has further made hoteliers more optimistic about business and has enhanced the need to distribute online to ensure they get their fair share of bookings from this dynamic medium.
The seminar was therefore a great platform to present directly to owners and hotel managers, marketing managers and marketing directors who are the real decision makers. I conducted a presentation on RateTiger and the concept of our solutions which included the advantages of online distribution; how to distribute more and better without changing its structure; how to boost sales team and how to ensure price parity. 
Other presenters included Zoover (Hotel Review sites and their importance); Viatecla (advantages of integrating review sites and how to monitor them) and Travelport/Galileo Portugal (GDS and Hotels). With over 60 hoteliers present it was just the perfect sized audience for making a strong presence amongst them. 
Overall the seminar was excellent and very productive. I received a lot of questions which showed the interest level of the audience and I was also approached for more information on RateTiger products. I look forward to other sessions by AHP as these are quality events which are purely B2B and helps all involved find what they need.
Pilar Sanchez Aita is Sales Manager – Spain & Portugal at eRevMax and is responsible for sales of RateTiger products in the region. She is based out of Spain and can be reached at pilara@ratetiger.com

HITEC 2010

The RateTiger USA team attended the annual HITEC event last month. The Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC) showcased the integration of current technology trends and how the industry is being shaped like never before.

Orange County Convention Centre in Orlando was the hub of all the activities, events and power discussions from June 21–24 as it became a one-stop platform for technology experts, hoteliers, travel companies and industry leaders to network and find cost-effective ways to improve company bottom lines.

HITEC remains one of the best B2B platforms for RateTiger meeting many PMS and CRS companies who are looking to extend their existing products. This is our chance to present our powerful back-end tools for vendors and large hotel chains, RTCorp and RTConnect, though it amazes me how much of the industry is playing catch-up with new business revenue models through the internet.

The overall footfall at the show was much better compared to last year and that was a big relief for us. The main RateTiger attraction (apart from myself) was the RTSuite iPhone app demo that we showcased to visitors. Customers liked it very much and were interested in the application.

Tradeshows like these provide us an opportunity to see how customers and the industry in general perceive RateTiger. We always get to hear good reviews and appreciation, which further encourages us to innovate and develop new features and products to serve the sector better. I am already looking forward to HITEC 2011. Congratulations to HFTP for making HITEC so successful year after year.

Bill Goldsberry is Director of Int’l Group Sales at eRevMax. He is based out of Florida and can be reached at williamg@ratetiger.com
 

Publituris Portugal Travel Awards 2010

The Publituris Portugal Travel Awards 2010, considered the “Oscars of Tourism in Portugal” took place on 18th June at the beautiful Tivoli Victoria Hotel in Vilamoura.
Our client, the elegant Internacional Design Hotel was conferred with the Best Four Star Hotel in Portugal title. The hotel’s design concept, great location and extraordinary customer service makes staying here a truly memorable experience for guests. 
The impressive, classical facade reveals an exciting and contemporary interior. Each of the hotel’s four floors has a special theme inspired by world cultures. From minimalism and Zen to urban chic, pop art and African touches, each room is different with images, lighting, textures and colors creating a unique and stylish ambience. 
 
Celso Terra Assunção (in picture left), Director of Internacional Design Hotel was present to collect the award. The event was superbly hosted by José Pedro Vasconcelos and also featured a concert by Rodrigo Leão & Cinema Ensemble. The Gala was attended by Bernardo Trindade, Secretary of State for Tourism.
We at RateTiger are pleased to have winners on our side and extend our warm wishes and congratulate every member of the Internacional Design Hotel for winning the coveted trophy and making this chic hotel a truly world class property.
Pilar Sanchez Aita is Sales Manager – Spain & Portugal at eRevMax and is responsible for sales of RateTiger products in the region. She is based out of Spain and can be reached at pilara@ratetiger.com

RateTiger Academy Distribution Day, Frankfurt & London

After the launch of RateTiger Academy at ITB Berlin, we organized a couple of Distribution Day seminars this month. The first took place on 8th June in Frankfurt, Germany and the second on 15th June in London, UK. 
My colleague Ulf Guldi accompanied our CEO Sascha Hausmann and a couple of Xotels members for the German seminar; while I was at the London session which had our International Sales VP Keith Povah addressing the attendees.
The concept behind RateTiger Academy is to help hoteliers gain better control over travel channels in changing markets including pricing techniques, revenue management, competitor strategies and distribution management.

The Distribution Day was a full day programme focused on helping hoteliers to optimize their online and offline hotel distribution channels. The seminar focused on bringing renewed insight in today’s hotel distribution landscape and provided alternative techniques and ideas that can help to increase and optimize revenues and profits. 
The highlights included importance of online and offline business, marketing power of individual channels, cost of distribution & channel contribution and distribution power / yielding opportunities.
We planned to have a maximum 25 members for each session but the London seminar got a great response and we had 27 attendees. The session was very fruitful for the hoteliers and we received a lot of positive feedback. They were very happy with all the information and knowledge sharing on revenue management and online distribution concepts and available technologies.

The newly opened H10 Hotel in Waterloo, London proved to be the perfect location for the seminar. The Distribution Day turned out to be a very fulfilling experience for the attendees as well as the organizing team from eRevMax and Xotels.

Casey Davy is Sales Manager – UK at eRevMax. He is responsible for sales of RateTiger products in the region. Casey is based out of London and can be reached at caseyd@ratetiger.com