HotelClub changes tack with new team
Australian online hotel-booking company, HotelClub has launched a major rebrand headed by a new leadership team.
In a media release, HotelClub said it is "moving away from the more conventional travel focus of range, reviews and discounts" to focus on "going above and beyond what competitors offer".
Nicolas Chu, HotelClub president, said: "With more and more travel bookings being done online, consumers have had to compromise personal service and extra inclusions for convenience and deals. HotelClub wants to change this."
HotelClub said it is seeing year-on-year growth of more than 350% in people making reservations on a mobile device since early 2012.
HotelClub membership includes exclusive deals and pre-sale alerts; inclusions such as free breakfasts, upgrades, Wi-Fi, parking and accommodation for children; seven percent back on hotel bookings and a dedicated 24/7 call centre.
Joining Chu – most recently Expedia’s managing director for Australia and New Zealand – in the new management team are Roman Kesseli as senior director, hotel services Asia and Joana Barros as director, regional brand and consumer marketing. Both are ex-Expedia.
Other new additions are James Mooring from OO.com.au as senior director, online marketing and CRM; Kirsten Mort from WeAreDigital and Wotif as head of SEO; Nic Bryant from ebookers in Europe as senior director, hotel services Pacific; Jackie Birch from Bravura Solutions as HR director and Graham Mason from RP Data as senior finance director.
Ian Jarrett
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