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with VIP International to Outsource Call Center - Expects to Pass Along 8 Percent to 10 Percent Savings, Increased Revenue to Hotels 0 |
Calgary, Alberta, Canada � April 22, 2003 � VIP International Corporation,
a reservation channel marketing company, today announced that it has signed
a five-year contract with Interstate Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: IHR) to
take over all voice call center reservation services for the majority of
Interstate�s independent properties. Interstate is expected to transfer
the voice reservation call center�s booking operations for its 25 independent
and Doral-branded properties to VIP International�s state-of-the-art voice
center in Calgary.
�Interstate Hotels & Resorts, with more than 370 hotels, is the United States� largest independent hotel management company and a leader in the outsourcing trend,� said Kelly Blake, president of VIP International. �Interstate wants high call quality at the lowest cost per reservation, plus the ability to control which agents handle reservations and inquiries. VIP is providing Interstate with its own dedicated reservation agents to ensure that Interstate�s standard of service is maintained with the highest call quality and hotel knowledge possible. An added bonus to the relationship is that VIP�s efficiency and specialization in reservation services will substantially lower Interstate�s cost per reservation.� VIP will begin the first stage of managing Interstate�s reservation booking responsibility on May 22, 2003. Hoyt Bacon, chief marketing officer for Interstate Hotels & Resorts, said, �With a company like VIP handling voice reservation services for our independent hotels, we think this is just the beginning. We see many opportunities to outsource additional aspects of our business such as a Doral Hotels group desk and outbound telemarketing lead generation. In looking at multiple voice call center reservation companies, we were very impressed with VIP�s call quality and professionalism.� VIP International maintains an extensive voice reservation call center
at its offices in Calgary, where experienced agents receive ongoing training
in call handling and the specifics of brand reservation standards and policies.
VIP�s Kelly Blake explained, �Our reservation agents are monitored five
times each week for call quality. They are graded on how many times
they use the caller�s
By outsourcing their call center activity, a growing number of hotel companies are maintaining operational control and standards and providing the same high quality of service that they have in their own offices, but at a lower cost. �Interstate will pass along to our hotels a 8 percent to 10 percent savings in overall reservation costs as well as a projected revenue increase thanks to VIP�s dedicated and highly trained voice reservation call center�s team,� said Pam Streeter, Interstate�s vice president, electronic distribution. VIP International provides hotel companies with professionally trained dedicated agents to meet their specific reservation requirements. VIP International, known for its intent to be �the number one producer of bookings per client,� also provides Internet reservation channel marketing, GDS services, and travel agency consortia programs. Its clients include Candlewood Suites, Bradford HomeSuites, Clubhouse Inn and Suites, Regal Hotels and others. About Interstate Hotels and Resorts
About VIP International Corporation
Founded in 1979, the now privately held Calgary, Alberta-based firm pursues a mission of being "the number one producer of bookings per client." This is accomplished through mastering the electronic channel marketing environment, developing and implementing strategies for each client's unique position, and educating customers about how to optimize participation in the changing electronic marketplace. The company is a central distribution point to every viable Internet web site, and to all of the major global distribution systems including Sabre, Galileo, Pegasus, WorldRes, Amadeus, and Worldspan. VIP International has business development offices in Denver, Colorado; Kansas City, Kansas; Toronto, Ontario; London, United Kingdom; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Hong Kong. |
Contact:
Vice President, Sales VIP International Corp. (303) 674-1176 [email protected] http://www.vipintcorp.com Interstate Hotels & Resorts
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