VFM helps travel and hospitality companies connect with highly sophisticated online travelers through the power of rich media and the company�s growing travel distribution network. As consumer demand for online travel services and bookings have grown so has demand from global travel companies for VFM�s services, which combines rich media production � videos, virtual tours, 360° images, and flash ads � with the fastest growing and broadest online media distribution networks in the travel industry. In the last year alone, VFM hospitality clients have grown more than 1,000 percent from 800 hotel properties to more than 8,000, which is expected to top 10,000 by the end of the year. At the same time, VFM has expanded its distribution network to more than 5,000 points, representing the most expansive network available to hoteliers today, including major travel sites, portals and search engines, and GDSs. This network includes some of the notable names in search and travel: AOL, Travelocity, Orbitz and recent additions Yahoo!, Priceline, CheapTickets.com and its first GDS, Worldspan. These third-party distributors are able to easily link to VFM�s feed of still images and rich media for thousands of hotel properties at no cost. The increase in VFM�s distribution network has fueled an increase in average monthly hotel image views by more than 300 percent, helping hotels reach more consumers with compelling rich media images and marketing pieces. �We are extremely pleased with our progress, but even more excited about the opportunities in the future as broadband penetration climbs and travel companies continue to look at more creative and interactive ways to engage consumers and convert sales,� said Paolo Boni, president and chief executive officer of VFM. �VFM offers our hotel clients and distribution partners the convenience of working with one company to satisfy all image and rich media needs that helps all of our partners in the supply chain increase consumer online views and sales.� A key driver of the company�s growth is Vscape®, VFM�s proprietary
management and distribution platform, which recently added free still image
distribution to its portfolio making VFM the only company that offers media
production, management and distribution services for both still images
and rich media. Through Vscape, hotel clients can now distribute up to
20 still images simultaneously across VFM�s network of travel sites and
portals. Using a new online management tool, Vscape also allows hotel representatives
to manage their photographs in real time while providing unparalleled control
in selecting where and when their images will appear. Le Meridien
and Best Western were early adopters of the still image distribution, and
VFM expects to make the free service available to more hotels this month.
VFM intends to augment its recent North American growth by broadening its presence and network in key international markets, particularly in Europe and Asia to take advantage of the continued shift to online travel sales. �We see incredible opportunity for our existing and new hotel clients and distribution partners in rich media emergence in key markets around the world,� adds Boni. �I expect we�ll see more travel brands embrace the power of rich media to efficiently market products and services to reach the growing universe of sophisticated travel consumers who expect better information and material online.� About VFM Interactive
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