CNG Travel Group plc, a leading provider of travel
services and technology, announced today that it has signed distribution agreements
with two further hotel chains, Swiss Quality Hotels and Sol Melia Hotels, the
world’s largest resort hotel company, Europe’s third-biggest hotel company and 12th
largest in the world.These latest agreements add over 330 Sol Melia hotel properties and 67 Swiss Quality
locations to CNG’s inventory of more than 17,000 hotels worldwide, and reinforce
CNG’s position as one of the world’s largest merchant rate hotel programmes. CNG’s
distribution platform includes its TLC (Travel Lodging Connector) booking solution,
a network of thousands of travel agents, 1,200 affiliate partners such as KLM and
America West, and the consumer website placestostay.com.

CNG Helps Hotels Drive Revenue and Growth

CNG’s merchant rate programme helps hotels drive revenue and market share by
providing a proven, popular distribution channel to thousands of agent and affiliate
purchase points. Automated processes and seamless connectivity with hotel
reservation systems let participating hotels alter room availability and pricing in
real time, maintain their own rates, allocations and closed dates, and receive
electronic booking confirmations. There are no costs or charges for CNG
participating hotel other than offering the best net rates.

Javier Silvestre, vice president of distribution for Sol Melia, commented: “As one
of the world’s major hotel groups, we’re always interested in widening distribution,
but it’s important that we don’t sacrifice control over rates. CNG’s merchant rate
hotel proposition lets us achieve both objectives without compromising our hotel
brands. We’re pleased to join with CNG’s programme which should increase our sales
opportunity with thousands of agents and other purchasers.”

 

CNG chief executive officer Finbarr Power added: “We welcome Sol Melia and Swiss
Quality Hotels to CNG’s growing portfolio of merchant rate hotels, one of the
world’s largest. The agreements clearly show that CNG’s business model is right for
hotels and for the end customer. Proven technology, an increasing number of
distribution channels including agent and affiliate purchase points, and the most
competitive hotel rates are a powerful combination for any hotel partner.” 
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