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WINTER PARK, FLA. � SEPTEMBER 3, 2008 � Driftwood Hospitality Management, owner, operator and developer of 44 hotels in major resort destinations and top business travel and convention markets, boasts a proven track record in all aspects of the hospitality business, including Internet distribution and eMarketing. The North Palm Beach, Fla.-based company attributes its success in part to the technology partnership it holds with Resource Technology Management (RTM), based here. With more than 150 years of collective hospitality industry experience, RTM has earned a reputation among leading hotel companies for its expertise in providing outsourced technology consulting and management. The 15-year-old company provides hotel Internet / guest support services, telecom services, eCommerce management, and HDTV upgrade project management to more than 1,200 hotels. �Like most owners and management companies, Driftwood Hospitality is addressing three major areas: Guest preference for High Speed Internet Access, Distribution Channel Maximization, and HDTV conversion,� said Sean McMeel, Driftwood Hospitality Regional Director of Operations. �We have achieved outstanding results in all these areas through the support and expertise of RTM. They know our objectives and execute them. �For example, today�s guests are demanding quality and reliable HSIA,� he said. �The primary issue is replacing old first-generation systems with enterprise-level equipment to meet the growing demand. RTM takes the burden of managing the process off our shoulders, from establishing the budget to engineering/sourcing the equipment and coordinating the installation. � With the softening of the economy and downturn in travel, Driftwood Hospitality also is focused on maximizing revenues and reservations via the various distribution channels. By working with RTM�s eMax Internet Marketing group, (http://1emax.com/) traditional marketing expenditures for yellow pages, directories and business travel are being channeled into a wide range of e-commerce initiatives. �RTM recognizes the importance of partnering with companies such as Driftwood Hospitality to ensure that a consistent message is being presented to its guests across all Internet distribution channels,� said Steven Farina, Vice President and developer of eMax. �Via eMax, we are helping Driftwood Hospitality to expand its presence on the Internet from grass-roots level to its overall image while ensuring compliance with all franchise guidelines.� eMax is the hospitality industry�s leading brand.com content management provider. RTM�s eMax division is dedicated to providing full-service management and support for Internet marketing, search-engine optimization, Web site maintenance, e-commerce and brand compliance. �We applaud RTM and eMax for generating room-nights at our hotels,� McMeel said. �Our brand.com websites have exceeded year over year brand averages and provide a high ROI multiple. In addition, our telecommunications and Internet band-width costs are among the lowest in the industry.� Tuned in to HDTV As prices for HDTVs continues to drop, timing is everything when it comes to getting the best possible price for purchasing flat panel TVs. According to McMeel, RTM is helping Driftwood Hospitality to not only get the best price, but also streamline the installation process. �There�s a lot to consider when converting from traditional TVs to HDTV,� said RTM COO and Partner Donald Shouldice. �Theft of the new sets by employees and guests, furniture to accommodate the sets, cable infrastructure to support the required HDTV programming standards, and existing agreements with the program providers all are areas that need to be addressed.� Obtaining the necessary HDTV programming, combined with the obstacle of existing provider contracts, also is a significant industry challenge, he said. That�s where RTM can assist � the company provides full brand-compliant project management to meet franchisor requirements. �When you have a multi-branded portfolio such as Driftwood Hospitality, it can be challenging at best to get each hotel out of its existing pay-per-view and free-to-guest contracts,� McMeel said. �RTM has a strategy for eliminating upgrade infrastructure expenses and not rolling over on recommendations provided by the suppliers. They even negotiate with HD content providers on our behalf. It�s great.� RTM provides the following scope of service for HDTV conversion:
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