Hoteliers less ‘lazy’ about agent programmes, says Utell
Hoteliers are being more proactive about working with travel agents and travel management companies in the current economic downturn, according to bosses at Utell.
Speaking at World Travel Market, Ric Leutwyler, president representation services for Utell’s parent Pegasus Solutions, said Utell’s 11,000 hotels worldwide are now more keen to participate in its programmes.
“When times are good there is always a sense of laziness about making the most of the opportunities that are available to them, but at times like these people realise they need all the business they can get,†he said.
“Hoteliers are now more actively looking at how they can improve their content and participate in our programmes with agents and TMCs. We are now seeing a much better response to our initiatives.â€
But he said although hotels were seeing occupancies drop, there were no immediate signs of rates falling.
“So far, rates are holding firm,†he said. “People, at least so far, have learned from past errors and have avoided chasing the market down with rates. We have definitely seen a drop off in overall travel, particularly in certain regions, but some hotels are doing much more business.
“It remains to be seen what happens next. We are in for tougher times and I hope the industry can maintain integrity of rates.â€
By Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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