Country Hearth Inns has taken a major step toward bolstering local marketing
efforts for all its hotels by deploying a complete online reservation
network and furnishing franchisees with their own websites, complete with
integrated booking engines and state-of-the-art marketing tools. The
network is being designed and launched by Alternate Image.
“A strong online presence is key to local marketing and we are committed
to providing our franchisees with one of the most effective marketing
tools available,” said Doug Collins, chairman and CEO of Country Hearth
Inns. “We are confident that these technologies will help our franchisees
sell their properties more efficiently and increase their business.”

Collins added that Country Hearth’s central reservations system
contribution was up 30 percent in February 2005 over the same period last
year, and expects the growth to continue as individual websites are
launched and enable properties the ability to capture additional bookings
online.

“Country Hearth is setting a higher industry standard online,” said Jeff
Herrin, president of Alternate Image. “Individual websites are critical so
that consumers can first experience hotels and then have the confidence
to book online.”

According to Herrin, the system will allow each individual website to feed
rates, availability, and more to Country Hearth Inns’ main corporate site
at www.countryhearth.com
. This level of integration will offer
the chain a top-down view of all activity and the ability to promote
specials systemwide while still giving franchisees the independence,
customization and control they desire. Sites are currently being
individualized to their own markets, and each will feature colorful
photographs and reservations information, and link to the chain’s main
website.

Melanie Jones, general manager of the Country
Hearth Inn in Cedartown commented: “Country Hearth offered us our own
customized website, and we are already seeing increased business as a
result.”
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