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Engaging Enhancements to Brand Websites Attract and Empower Guests BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., October 30, 2006 -- Hilton Hotels Corporation expects more than $2.5 billion in revenues generated from bookings on its proprietary websites for the full-year 2006 compared to $709 million five years ago, in 2002. The company further reports that bookings through its websites have increased at a steady 30 percent year over year since 2002, and accelerated to a 39 percent increase in the third quarter of 2006 versus the third quarter of 2005. This represents a 60 percent increase in revenues and a 43 percent increase in room nights for third quarter 2006 vs. prior year. Website bookings currently represent 17.2 percent of the company�s overall distribution of bookings, compared with 9.1 percent in 2002, making it the most dominant central delivery channel for the company. In contrast, contribution of third-party online agencies has remained flat at 3 percent of reservations, and now represents just 15% of the company�s Internet business. Websites contributing to the record-breaking increases in bookings include: www.hilton.com, www.conradhotels.com, www.doubletree.com, www.embassysuites.com, www.hamptoninn.com, www.hiltongardeninn.com, www.hgvc.com, www.homewoodsuites.com and www.scandichotels.com. �Our brand site bookings have increased at a staggering pace since 2002 and will continue to show compounded increases through the remainder of 2006 and beyond,� said Tom Keltner, president � brand performance and development group, Hilton Hotels Corporation. �With its acquisition of the lodging assets of Hilton Group plc and a growing international presence, website bookings outside of North America represent the next frontier for significant growth, where we are in the process of implementing our successful online distribution strategy and enhanced features.� �The Hilton Family of Hotels has made numerous enhancements to its websites that place more choice and control in the guest�s hands, making it even more convenient for them to find the right hotel accommodations and services at the best value,� said Bala Subramanian, senior vice president - distribution and brand integration for Hilton Hotels Corporation. �From a business standpoint, these enhancements will enable our company to continue increasing the percentage of website bookings across all of its brands. Already, our Hilton Family of Hotels websites collectively rank among some of the largest revenue-generating commercial/retail sites in the world, excluding those that generate advertising revenue.� Recently Introduced Industry-Leading Website Enhancements The following online booking features have been introduced or enhanced within the past 18 months, resulting in the increased bookings on the company�s brand websites:
Encouraging loyalty to its brand websites, Hilton Hotels Corporation introduced Our Best Rates. Guaranteed. in 2003. If consumers who book confirmed reservations for a Hilton Family hotel stay within the U.S., having booked their reservation through any of the Hilton Family booking channels � (i.e. brand websites, Hilton Reservations Worldwide toll-free reservations or directly at a Hilton Family hotel) and find a lower publicly available rate on some other booking channel within 24 hours of making the reservation, the Hilton Family of Hotels will match it, plus give the guest a $50 American Express® Gift Cheque.* Hilton Hotels Corporation (NYSE:HLT) is the leading global hospitality company, with more than 2,800 hotels and 490,000 rooms in more than 80 countries, including 150,000 team members worldwide. The company owns, manages or franchises a hotel portfolio of some of the best known and highly regarded brands, including Hilton®, Conrad®, Coral by Hilton®, Doubletree®, Embassy Suites Hotels®, Hampton Inn®, Hampton Inn & Suites®, Hilton Garden Inn®, Hilton Grand Vacations�, Homewood Suites by Hilton®, Scandic and The Waldorf=Astoria Collection�. |
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