Under the agreement, HMS will function as the exclusive representative of Unirez in Italy. Unirez will provide its ASP reservations technology, voice services and electronic distribution, both GDS and Internet, to all of the HMS hotels. Additionally, all hotels will be bookable through other major alternate distribution channels including Travelweb (www.travelweb.com). Reservations also can be made to hotels direct via their own proprietary Web site linked to the Unirez booking engine.

"We are very excited to begin expanding our representation network into Europe. Our original business plan called for us to begin expansion in 2002, but due to our explosive growth and Europe's interest in leading-edge technology, the time is right for us to launch our expansion. Our discussions with European hotels have shown that Europe is looking for a new reservation services alternative, one that is browser-based and provides a high level of functionality", Hendrickson said. "The principals of HMS have an excellent, long-standing reputation in the Italian hospitality industry, and will provide Unirez clients with not only our technology solution, but an unparalleled level of support and service throughout Italy. "
 
Guido D'Ugo, HMS Partner, said he is delighted at the opportunity to market Unirez in Italy. "Hotel Marketing Solutions was created to provide hotels with the best marketing opportunities available to the international hospitality industry. Unirez's sophisticated, yet 'user-friendly' technology compliments our goal of creating quality and efficient service to our growing network. We are very excited about this new relationship, and strongly believe that Unirez's innovative technology will be a successful outlet in the Italian hospitality industry."

Rodney Wise, Unirez executive vice president and c.o.o. agreed. "Europe has embraced the Internet and is prime to take advantage of the power of ASP technology. Our entire system runs globally via the Internet, so any hotel with access to the Web has complete functionality. In addition, our system's ease of use will prove to be a huge competitive advantage and contribute to our success with international hotels. HMS has executed 12 reservation service agreements in their first month of operation, which further validates not only the professionalism of HMS, but the acceptance of the Unirez ASP system technology and services".
 
Dallas-based Unirez is a leading provider of reservations services and Application Service Provider technology to independent hotel, resorts and chains.  

Hotel Marketing Solutions, based in Rome, was founded to provide leading-edge solutions for the Italian hospitality market.