Located online at http://srs-worldhotels.net/travelagency, the portal features travel agent-related information such as a new familiarization rate that can be booked through the site; details on commission payments; contests for merchandise and travel prizes; recipes from culinary masters at SRS-WORLDHOTELS properties throughout the world; background on all SRS-WORLDHOTELS locations with contact information; fun facts about the hotels, the industry and other non-travel related trivia; and much more. 

�Travel agents touch approximately 65% of all the business being booked through our reservation systems to our hotels,� said Tom Griffiths, vice president, SRS-WORLDHOTELS, the Americas.  �We understand the tremendous impact travel agents have on our success, and want to recognize their contributions through increased communications and an open invitation to personally visit our member properties. We also welcome their feedback and recommendations for enhancing our offerings.�

Griffiths said the two key elements of the �Be Connected� campaign are 1) a new method for booking the travel agent rate, and 2) a monthly familiarization rate at a featured property to encourage agents to visit member hotels.  Information about both items is found on the new travel agent portal. 

�We want agents to know that when they refer a client to our locations, they will be well cared for and enjoy a first-rate experience. There�s no better way to accomplish this than to invite travel agents to personally experience the quality accommodations, service excellence and first-class amenities of our hotels and resorts throughout the region.�

Newly Redesigned Corporate Website

In addition to the dedicated web address, agents can also access the new portal by clicking the Travel Agent tab on the home page of the newly redesigned SRS-WORLDHOTELS corporate website at www.srs-worldhotels.com.

The redesigned site, which made its debut on March 1, offers a host of new user-friendly features, not to mention a new look that is both more stylish and more approachable. Far from a mere face-lift, the new website boasts a number of improvements to simplify online transactions. These improvements include:

• A new Quick Res Function on all pages that speeds up the booking process for returning users

• A section dedicated to WORLDEVENTS, the company�s innovative new meetings product. A powerful planning tool, WORLDEVENTS delivers the full SRS-WORLDHOTELS portfolio of 450+ hotels and resorts through an online venue finder. Guaranteed same-day quotes and guaranteed rates are available through its online functions, which also greatly simplify group RFPs

• Fast, simple and seamless group RFPs, through a completely integrated system solution using NEXUS products

SRS-WORLDHOTELS is one of the world's leading hotel sales, marketing and distribution organizations. This progressive and steadily expanding corporation represents over 450 member properties in 65 countries spanning all continents. Unique in its approach, SRS-WORLDHOTELS meets the requirements of business travelers and vacationers alike by providing hotels in three distinct categories: "The Deluxe Collection," hotels of refined elegance and luxurious comfort; "The First Class Collection," hotels of casual elegance, superior class and high quality; and "The Comfort Collection," hotels characterized by a casual ambiance, intimate atmosphere and moderate price.