New York, NY �
October 20, 2004 � Hospitality eBusiness Strategies (HeBS), a leading direct
Internet distribution and marketing consulting firm for the hospitality
industry, today announced a strategic consulting services agreement with
Phoenix Inn Suites, Wilsonville, Oregon. Phoenix Inn Suites, a leading
hotel group with premier all-suite hotels conveniently located in important
business and leisure destinations in Oregon, Washington and Arizona, will
work with HeBS to develop a comprehensive direct online distribution strategy
to substantially increase direct Internet bookings, and decrease dependence
on online intermediaries.
HeBS services will consist
of several components: Direct online distribution strategy, Website
optimization services, and comprehensive eMarketing services that include
online brand building, Pay-Per-Click and email marketing, link popularity
and link creation, and a destination Web strategy to leverage the popularity
and the exceptional features of the destinations in which Phoenix Inn Suites
are located. Implementation of this comprehensive strategy can deliver
a more profitable booking mix, higher revenue per available room (RevPAR),
and substantially lower distribution costs attributed to third party vendors.
According to Max Starkov, HeBS
President and CEO, "Many hoteliers appreciate how critical an effective
direct-to-consumer online distribution strategy is to the very existence
of their hotels. Phoenix Inn Suites clearly understands the competitive
advantages of lessening dependence on online intermediaries and discounters
and avoiding price and brand erosion for enhanced long term economic health,
combined with an aggressive direct distribution strategy and creative Web
initiatives."
The hotel website has become
the �first point of contact� with the overwhelming majority of hotel customers
in North America. This year 75% of North Americans will research travel
online and 44 million will book travel online (TIA). Unfortunately
for some hoteliers, on many occasions a visit to the hotel website turns
out to be the �last point of contact� with the customer.
Hoteliers are now committing
more resources to strengthen their presence in the Direct Online Channel,
including the hotel website, because they understand the substantial benefits
of reinforcing direct communication with their customers. Increasingly,
hoteliers are recognizing the importance of direct-to-consumer online distribution
and marketing, the long-term competitive advantages of creating direct
interactive relationships with their clients, and the opportunities of
leveraging the appeal of the hotel destination to create a center of attention
for customers.
HeBS has pioneered some of
the �best practices� in direct online distribution and marketing in hospitality.
HeBS has extensive experience managing and consulting on the eMarketing
activities for more than 200 hospitality companies, from large brand hotels
to small boutique properties. This expertise translates into saving precious
marketing dollars for its clients.
Developing a direct online
distribution strategy that strengthens direct channels can avoid price
and brand erosion, control distribution costs, and enable hotels to maximize
revenues by better managing their inventory. This is accomplished
by creating a pro-active strategy that combines evolving best Internet
practices with a comprehensive destination web strategy and an aggressive
direct web presence.
�We have long understood the
cost challenges with third party intermediaries and recognize the importance
of enhancing our direct distribution strategy and increasing direct bookings
by communicating directly with customers.� noted Greg V. McManus, V.P.
Operations, Phoenix Inn Suites. �Adopting a direct online distribution
strategy coupled with a destination-based approach will help us more effectively
manage the distribution of our product because we realize that direct online
distribution cuts costs, preserves brand and price integrity, attracts
affluent customers and lessens dependence on intermediaries.�
About HeBS
Hospitality
eBusiness Strategies, Inc. (HeBS), based in New York City, is a leading
Internet strategy consulting firm for the hospitality and travel verticals.
HeBS specializes in helping hoteliers build their direct-to-consumer online
distribution and eMarketing strategy. HeBS helps hoteliers regain control
of their online brand and price integrity from the online discounters and
lessen their dependence on the online wholesalers.
The firm has integrated the
latest research and developments in eCRM, eMarketing and eDistribution
into a comprehensive set of Internet-based consulting products and services
designed to help hotels increase occupancy rates, open new markets, attract
more affluent customers and reduce costs by utilizing the Internet to its
fullest potential. The firm brings a unique perspective in the hospitality
industry gained through working with over 200 hospitality companies: major
brands, independent hotels, casinos, convention bureaus and hotel management
companies nationwide and Europe, Asia, Asia-Pacific, North America and
Latin America. |