Travelocity
`s merchant hotel program today introduces a new innovative tool that makes participation worlds easier for hotels that conduct business outside of the United States.

Caption: Robert (Bob) J. Boles, Jr.
Executive Vice President - Sales & Marketing
Pegasus Solutions, Inc.
Thanks to new “currency converter” technology developed by Travelocity, hotels that handle transactions in Mexican pesos, British pounds, euro or Canadian dollars can now sign on as merchant hotel partners and file room rates in their respective local currency. Travelocity`s merchant program—which already provides seamless connectivity to hotels—will now sell these rooms priced in U.S. dollars to U.S. customers and then remit payment to the hotel in its local currency. Hotels can load rates and inventory via the Sabre Global Distribution System (GDS), through their own computer reservation system (CRS) or via an extranet.

Pegasus Solutions
, which represents the world`s largest collection of independent properties through its Utell hotel marketing and representation service, brings Travelocity users a wide range of international options, from value properties to a host of luxury and resort hotels. More than 500 Utell hotels now provide net rate inventory to Travelocity`s expanded international offerings. A sampling of participating Utell hotels include:

  — Mision Colon Reforma - Mexico City

  — Savoy Hotel - Frankfurt

  — Flemings Mayfair - London

“We`re excited to expand the availability of our merchant program to the premier independent hotels that Utell represents in Central and North America and Europe,” said Ross Mantione vice president, partner marketing alliances, Travelocity. “We`re confident that Utell`s properties in these markets will see increased exposure and bookings through the tremendous value of Travelocity`s merchant program.”

“In addition to the 500 we already have participating, we anticipate a quick increase in the number of international Utell properties offering net rates via Travelocity,” said Bob Boles, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Pegasus Solutions. “The introduction of Travelocity`s `currency converter` technology is yet another reflection of their dedication to facilitating efficient distribution options that can drive measurable booking increases.”

Related stories on ITN:

Travelocity`s Merchant Hotel Program Eclipses 4,000 Mark

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