Orbitz for Business?, the industry’s first online travel management program, broke new ground again today in helping businesses cut travel costs by offering companies of all sizes exclusive rate discounts at premier independent hotels.  A new agreement with Pegasus Solutions for its Utell service provides Orbitz for Business customers exclusive discounts at the most distinctive and desirable hotels for business travel throughout the world. 

“Until today, only large companies had the negotiating clout to obtain discounted hotel rates for their employees,” said Rick Weber, vice president of Orbitz Business Travel Services. “Orbitz has used its industry relationships to level the playing field for small and mid-sized companies.  Now companies of all sizes can take advantage of competitive corporate rates at the finest independent hotels in the world through the Orbitz for Business connection with Utell.” 
Utell offers business travelers the industry’s largest collection of independent properties, with more than 4,400 hotels.  Orbitz for Business customers will have access to thousands of discounts at Utell hotels.

The depth of properties from Utell, ranging from convenient airport locations to luxury downtown hotels, offers Orbitz for Business customers a variety of rates, logistics choices and service options that are essential for corporate travelers. Corporate discounted rates offer business travelers similar savings as popular pre-paid hotel rates, but more flexibility to make reservation changes or cancellations.  Discounts at participating Utell properties are up to 20 percent off rack rates.

“The inclusion of Utell corporate rates on Orbitz for Business gives our member properties a first-time opportunity to reach managed business travelers using the Internet,” said Graham Richards, vice president of Utell global sales at Pegasus Solutions.  “The success of Orbitz for Business exemplifies how companies consider an online corporate travel program a meaningful way to manage and book their business travel.”

All Orbitz for Business corporate customers can access Utell corporate rates upon request.  Orbitz for Business has the unique ability to show corporate rates alongside rack and OrbitzSaver discount rates in a single display, making it simple and convenient for business travelers to find the best hotel deals.

“Orbitz for Business knows that companies today need to stretch travel budgets.  We let companies do more for less with up to 75 percent lower service fees, access to the widest selection of low fares and rates, and superior online tools that curb unnecessary employee spending, saving companies more than 25 percent on their annual travel budgets,” said Weber.

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(24/01/2003) Pegasus Solutions` Utell Ranks Highest for Booking Through Orbitz

 

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