The results of a commissioned �eBusiness readiness� study by HeBS of the HHA membership will be presented at the upcoming HHA annual meeting in New Orleans.   The purpose of the study is to help HHA assess how well its members are utilizing the Direct vs. Indirect Online Distribution Channel, and establish a benchmark on how members are performing in Internet distribution and marketing. 

HeBS president and CEO Max Starkov and VP of eMarketing Strategies Jason Price will present the study results and the latest industry trends in a session entitled, �Latest Trends in Implementing Internet Best Practices for a more Effective Online Presence� at the HHA annual meeting on November 18 in New Orleans. 

"This year over 20% of all revenues in hospitality will be generated from the Internet, and for the first time Internet hotel bookings will surpass GDS hotel bookings. Smart hoteliers are looking to build their Internet marketing expertise, and HHA in partnership with HeBS is determined to become the �best practices resource� for its members," commented Starkov.  "HHA is a �hotel-friendly� channel of distribution that adds genuine value to member hotel marketing efforts by delivering a unique historic aspect of their message, and enabling hoteliers to maintain control over rates and inventory, in contrast to the more familiar third party merchant models."

Many hoteliers appreciate how critical creating the right mix between a direct-to-consumer and indirect online distribution strategy is to a successful Internet strategy. The benefits can be substantial. Developing a robust total online distribution and marketing  strategy that strengthens both direct channels and the right indirect channels can avoid price and brand erosion, control distribution costs, and enable hotels to maximize revenues by better managing their inventory. 

By partnering with an organization such as HHA, hoteliers marketing strategies are being supported in ways that help meet both revenue and occupancy goals as well as enhancing market position.

�Our goal for the new year is to become a more relevant source of reservations for our member hotels,� commented Shirley Talbert, director of marketing distribution for HHA. �This is an important initiative and critical to the success of our long range strategic plan.  We look to HeBS to provide valuable expertise as we increase online reservations.�

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 in Europe, Asia, Asia-Pacific, Canada and Latin America.

About HHA
Founded in 1989 to promote heritage tourism, National Trust Historic Hotels of America is an exclusive program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Historic Hotels of America has identified more than 200 hotels that have faithfully maintained their historic integrity, architecture and ambiance.  To be selected for this program, a hotel must be at least 50 years old, listed or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places or recognized locally as having historic significance.