Galileo International, Inc., a global distribution system (GDS) and subsidiary of Cendant Corp. announced…
Galileo International, Inc., a global distribution system (GDS) and subsidiary of Cendant Corp. announced an agreement with Accor Hotels to add over 2,000 properties to Galileo`s Best Available Rate (BAR) program, which increases the BAR inventory to almost 30,000 properties. Galileo is the first GDS to sign contractual agreements with major hotel chains to provide travel agents with access to the best available published, non-restricted rates offered either online or over the phone via the hotel chain`s reservation line.
With Galileo Best Available Rate, we have addressed one of the major pain points for agents – the inconsistency of hotel rates across distribution channels, said Eileen Kennedy, vice president, marketing, the Americas, Galileo. With an agent having the assurance that through this one-stop-shop they are booking the best available rate for a client, we`ve put an end to extra searches and tedious steps in the booking process. And with the increased efficiency, agents are able to shift their focus to merchandizing other components of a trip to drive agency revenue and provide an enhanced level of customer service during the booking process.
Galileo BAR is an exclusive program for all Galileo-connected agents that offers the convenience of one-stop shopping by giving agents the confidence that they no longer need to shop outside the GDS for the best rates at almost 30,000 participating hotel properties. As a cornerstone of Galileo`s suite of hotel products, Galileo BAR exemplifies the power and possibility for agents by providing the extensive revenue generating content right in the GDS.
Properties participating in BAR are now identified with an exclamation mark in the display screen. This new BAR indicator makes it easy for agents to identify a BAR hotel, ensuring that they are booking at the best available non-restricted rate. In addition to Accor Hotels, Galileo has signed contractual agreements with major hotel chains including Marriott International, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Hilton International, Cendant Hotels, Outrigger Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton Hotels, Carlson Hospitality, Omni Hotels, Minto Place Hotels, Destinations, WestCoast & Red Lion Hotels, Best Western, and Kempinski Hotels & Resorts to provide access to their best available non-restricted published rates through the GDS.
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