Europe-based hotel group Supranational Hotels
and central reservation services provider Trust International have contracted with Sabre Travel Network to upgrade their reservation capabilities.  They are now using Sabre Travel Network’s most advanced interactive connectivity solution for hotels, Direct Connect SHOP.  This links Sabre Connected travel agents and online travel sites directly into the reservation systems of many of their European and international brands from the very earliest point in the booking process. 
Direct Connect SHOP moves confirmation of availability right to the front of the booking process, ensuring that the initial availability display on agents’ screens is as accurate as a call to the property’s reservation number.  It also gives hotel chains direct control of what data is being displayed across the growing number of distribution channels available to them.

Hamish Broom, Sabre Travel Network’s director of airline, hotel and car distribution for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said it was becoming increasingly important to hotels that Sabre Connected agents or travellers booking a room should not have to wait for the system to confirm that a room or rate is actually available.

“This product not only makes it easier for hotels to market their product, but it streamlines the hotel booking process for travel agents too,” Broom said.

Niels Pedersen, managing director of Supranational Hotels, said: “Direct Connect SHOP ensures that our rate and availability information is current at any given moment, regardless of the channel in which it is being sold.”

p>Richard Wiegmann, managing director of Trust International, added: “This was becoming increasingly challenging in such a dynamic and flexible market. With Direct Connect SHOP, if a room is displayed it’s available. A service we provide in the name of our customers - leading hotel groups who expect the best for their clients.”
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