News for the Hospitality Executive |
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Rich Media from VFM Interactive . VFM to produce and distribute new rich visual content for all ABVI properties . |
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CLEVELAND, OH AND TORONTO, ON, October 23, 2008. Americas Best Value Inn (ABVI) announced today that it has selected VFM Interactive as its exclusive provider of hotel rich visual content production and distribution services and has partnered with VFM to produce and distribute new rich media for all of its nearly 800 inns, hotels, and suites throughout North America. As part of the partnership, VFM will be producing and distributing new rich media � still images, 360 degree �virtual tour� images and PhotoFlicks® videos � that will enhance and better display the distinct features and services of each ABVI hotel to travel consumers both on the ABVI website as well as VFM�s network of more than 25,000 travel sites and other electronic distribution channels. ABVI will also be utilizing VFM�s Vscape® media management and distribution platform to store, manage and distribute its member hotels� new photos to the GDSs, Pegasus and VFM�s other distribution partners. �We are excited to announce the launch of our new rich visual media acquisition project that will further strengthen our brand and help our members continue to maintain a competitive advantage on the Internet. This initiative is another example of how we're always working non-stop to help our members drive their ROI upward and move the brand forward," said Roger Bloss, CEO, President and Founder of Vantage Hospitality Group, Inc., the 12th largest hotel company worldwide and parent company of Americas Best Value Inn and The Lexington Collection. Numerous studies have shown that quality rich visual media is essential for marketing a hotel online. Consumers not only increasingly demand this type of content when shopping for a hotel online but are far more likely to book a hotel if they view rich media. Through its new partnership with VFM, ABVI will ensure that its member hotels have the best visual content to showcase their properties to online consumers. Importantly, VFM�s vast distribution network will enable ABVI member hotels to reach and influence a much wider online audience with their new media, including thousands of travel and travel-related sites as well as key portals and search engines. �We have seen our web-direct bookings skyrocket in recent years, but knew that we could further enhance them by investing in strong visual content for our member properties. VFM offered us the most comprehensive solution, from quality rich media productions, to industry-leading media management and distribution technology, and an unparalleled distribution network,� said John Burkard, Vice President, Information Technology of Vantage Hospitality. �We are tremendously excited to have been chosen by Americas Best Value Inn,� said Paolo Boni, president and CEO of VFM. �It�s another great endorsement of VFM and our capabilities. Importantly, it�s also further evidence that quality hotel rich visual content is no longer a just �nice to have�.� About Americas Best Value Inn
About VFM Interactive
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Contact:
Anne Houdek
Mark Charlinski
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