Accor Lodging North America, the nation`s largest owner and operator of economy lodging properties, today announced a distribution partnership with SideStep (http://www.sidestep.com), a new online travel service.
Through this relationship, ALNA expects to expand the distribution of its Motel 6 and Red Roof Inns economy brands, representing more than 1,100 properties throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as to reduce costs and enhance its relationships with the brands` customers.
Through this new partnership, Accor Lodging North America expects to improve the economics of its business by driving increased traffic to its Web sites (www.motel6.com and www.redroof.com), the most cost-effective sales channels for its economy brands. SideStep will enable the company to reach consumers that previously may not have seen Motel 6 lodging options when shopping for travel online and, by connecting Motel 6 and Red Roof Inns directly with travel buyers, SideStep will facilitate closer, more valuable relationships with the brands` online consumers.
SideStep offers a wide selection of flights, hotel rooms and rental cars, including Web specials, in one location. The service brings travel buyers directly to supplier sites to book their travel, taking them to within a few clicks of purchase from brands they trust. SideStep also gives consumers the opportunity to receive valuable special offers and promotional deals.
``Through SideStep, we can help consumers find all of our Motel 6 and Red Roof Inns inventories and special promotions in an easy fashion,`` said Carol Kirby, Accor Lodging North America`s group executive vice president responsible for sales and marketing.
``We always have believed in offering our guests the best possible value for their travel dollars, and we are excited to provide yet another vehicle through which consumers can quickly and easily become familiar with our nationwide network of economy lodging properties.``
According to Brian Barth, chief executive officer of SideStep, ``The power of the Internet in connecting buyers and sellers has not been fully realized within the hotel industry. SideStep delivers that promise by enabling hotel suppliers to connect directly with their customers and reduce their distribution costs. At the same time, consumers benefit with access to more than 90 travel suppliers, so they can quickly and easily find the best travel deals on the Web.`` SideStep will be available as a free service through the brands` Web sites including www.motel6.com and www.redroof.com or through the SideStep Web site at www.sidestep.com.
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