4oceans
, the electronic distribution specialist,
has won a deal with Choice Hotels Europe to provide its ResConnect
distribution service throughout the group’s UK portfolio.The agreement paves the way for Choice Hotels Europe to build business from
the growth market of China where over 3,000 agents operate through the
4oceans platform.  4oceans is now recognised as the largest electronic
distribution channel in China.

In addition, the ResConnect system will provide Choice Hotels with the
ability to market promotional offers, rates and product information to
thousands of agents around the world who are connected to the 4oceans
platform, providing a major new revenue stream for the company.

Agents connected to the 4oceans platform will now gain access to the
complete range of Choice Hotel in the UK, with at-a-glance room
availability, guaranteed reservations and instant booking confirmations in a
real time, on-line environment.

James Pogson, Director of E-Commerce at Choice Hotels Europe, said: “We
wanted to invest in a web-based distribution system that would allow us to
build business from new and emerging markets, under-pinning our on-going UK
development strategy.

“The 4oceans ResConnect system provides a powerful, flexible solution that
puts control in the hands of individual hotels and agents, allowing them to
co-ordinate activity for mutual benefit.  The broad range of properties we
offer provides agents with something to suit all customer requirements, and
with increasing business and personal travel from China we are confident
that Choice hotels will gain a loyal following for value, quality and
service.” 

Part of Choice Hotels Europe, there are 89 Choice hotels throughout the
British Isles combining four distinct brands - Comfort, Quality, Sleep and
Clarion - to provide travellers with accommodation suitable for a wide range
of budgets and requirements.

Juliette Newth, Hotel Relations Manager of 4oceans, added:  “4oceans is
going from strength to strength as a growing number of hotel groups
recognise the immense opportunity our web-based distribution technology
offers. 

“The relaxing of visa requirements by China is resulting in growing business
for European hoteliers.  Choice is seizing the opportunity to build
awareness of its brands with Chinese agents and we are confident that both
Choice UK and agents operating through the 4oceans platform, will find it
faster and easier to secure bookings and new revenue opportunities.”
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