Denver, Colo. - June 21, 2004 - Hoteliers needing assistance with revenue management strategies and implementation should visit the Sceptre Booth No. 608 at HITEC, June 22 through 24 at the Dallas Convention Center. In addition to providing GDS connectivity through the major Internet channels through its acclaimed reservations technology, Sceptre now offers two next generation outsourced services: MaxE-Rev Channel-Management and MaxTotal-Rev Revenue-Management Consulting.

Based on industry demand and the need to fill an obvious void in the marketplace for channel- and revenue-management consulting, Sceptre is making these two services available independently to all hoteliers looking for help--regardless of the distribution technology used.

"Having a strategy and a call to action everyday to implement, monitor and adjust a hotel's sales presence throughout the global-distribution systems, the Internet and property direct sources is crucial to maximizing revenue " said Mark Ozawa, Sceptre VP. "Unfortunately, most hotels don't have the time, resources or the expertise to manage this task. That's where Sceptre steps in. Through MaxE-Rev, Sceptre will help hotels determine if they are positioned correctly to maximize their bookings and revenue. Likewise MaxTotal-Rev will provide a comprehensive approach to revenue maximization from all sources."

Connie Rheams, Sceptre managing director, business development and marketing, said navigating evolving distribution channels isn't getting easier. Hotels need solutions for optimizing top line revenues.

"According to Forrester Research and other industry sources, lodging will capture an estimated $10.7 billion this year in online leisure bookings, and this figure is projected to rise to $50 billion plus within the next five years," Rheams said. "With two-thirds of all travelers believing that the 'best buy' can be made online, owners are putting increased pressure on their revenue and/or marketing managers to do whatever is necessary to increase bookings online. The problem is, most hotels don't always have the staff necessary to manage this time sensitive task or the understanding of the various channels to promote and market their properties. Sceptre, however, has been helping hotels maximize revenues, increase market share and improve profitability online for many years."

Rheams said Sceptre has an innate understanding of lodging industry, local markets, travel agents and the on-line travel consumer. Sceptre's dedicated directors of e-commerce and distribution know what moves markets and clearly understand the many issues that affect travel trends and patterns.

"Through our new, stand-alone consulting services, Sceptre will help hoteliers create a strategic e-distribution strategy which will ultimately maximize production and exposure through the various on-line channels," she said.

Sceptre's MaxE-Rev Channel-Management Consulting group will assist with:

• Implementing and loading content and consolidating rates throughout the channels

• Adopting an effective e-distribution strategy

• Selecting appropriate distribution channels

• Improving on-line presence

• Maximizing selling opportunities

• Implementing standard revenue-management principles

• Conducting on-site and remote business reviews

• Identifying missed or displaced revenue opportunities

• Forecasting accuracy reporting

• Setting performance targets for each market

For more information on Sceptre's two new standalone consulting services we invite you to pre-schedule an appointment with the Sceptre team at HITEC in Booth No. 608. For more information, contact Connie Rheams at (940) 497-5300 or email her at [email protected].

About Sceptre
Since 1987, Sceptre has helped chains, management companies and independent hotels and resorts increase their sales and profits through GDS representation, private-label voice reservations and consulting services. Sceptre provides electronic distribution power and expertise previously reserved for branded or franchised hotels, with state-of-the-art reservations technology and a strong commitment to customer service and support. Sceptre is one of the key business units of SWAN USA, a multi-service company focused on the hospitality industry. Other hospitality services of SWAN include Richfield (hotel management), Shield (insurance and risk management) and Source (procurement of operating supplies and FF&E). Swan USA is headquartered in Denver with approximately 1,000 employees. The company's shareholders include City e-Solutions Limited (CES) listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and Millennium & Copthorne Hotels plc, a U.K.-based company listed on the London Stock Exchange, operating 91 hotels worldwide. 

Barb Worcester, President
PRPRO
[email protected]
440-930-5770