Listed on the Singapore Exchange, Banyan Tree Holdings Limited is manager and developer of premium resorts, hotels and spas in the Asia Pacific. As of 31 October 2007, the group managed and/or had ownership interests in 23 resorts and hotels, 61 spas, 62 retail galleries and two golf courses. Following the recent launch of its independent GDS chain code (BY) in September, Banyan Tree has signed up to Galileo’s BAR programme to ensure that its lowest unrestricted public rates are made available in the Galileo system.

“We are very happy to participate in Galileo’s Best Available Rate programme which complements our sales and marketing objectives through increased brand share and bookings, and provides a consistent rate policy across our distribution platforms,” stated Melinda Yeoh, Group Director Distribution of Banyan Tree Hotels. “Additionally, with this programme, we will be able to assure our guests that the rate they get from a travel agent is the best available,” she added.

Banyan Tree joins other major hotel chains participating in the programme in the Asia Pacific including Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc.; Marco Polo Hotels; ANA Hotels International; Langham Hotels International; Sol Melia Hotels; Meritus Hotels & Resorts; Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts; Oberoi Hotels & Resorts; Raffles Hotels & Resorts; Mandarin Oriental Hotels Group; and Millennium & Copthorne.

According to Joe Lim, Regional Director - Hotel & Car Service, APAC Galileo by Travelport, Galileo introduced the BAR programme in August 2004, and currently more than 30,000 hotel properties worldwide represented by over 150 brands participate in the programme. “This latest participation from one of Asia’s leading luxury hotel brands to our BAR programme reinforces our leadership in the hotel content arena and commitment to providing our travel agents with the best available rates through our GDS.”