Online travel reservations specialist, 4oceans

has
signed a deal to power the website booking engine of Great Hotels of the
World, the luxury hotel marketing alliance.

The forthcoming upgrade to the site`s functionality will allow customers
easier access to Great Hotels of the World`s portfolio of 220 luxury hotels
and resorts worldwide.

The site, www.ghotw.com

, is divided into four categories (romantic, spa,
incentives and golf breaks), with the 4oceans booking engine integrated to
provide customers with real time rates and availability on all of the
group`s properties.  Previously availability was checked via a link to each
individual hotel website, making the service of Great Hotels of the World`s
website dependent on the functionality of other sites.

The 4oceans platform will also further improve inventory management, search
facilities and booking features, as well as make online bookings more
secure.

“Despite the current travel climate, the luxury sector has experienced
growth over the last 12 months,” said Peter Gould, Managing Director of
Great Hotels of the World.

“The new website will provide a faster, smoother booking system for both
customers and alliance hotels.  By working alongside 4oceans, we have a
system in place that will help us to generate additional revenue, improve
customer service and reduce the burden on administration tasks.” 

4oceans Business Development Manager, Peter Thornton added: “Once again,
4oceans is proud to be associated with a world-class partner in this latest
deployment of our next generation booking platform.

“Our technology makes it possible for organisations like Great Hotels of the
World to offer a fast, high quality travel service, whilst providing the
powerful search and booking capabilities expected of a world class hotel
site.”

About 4oceans
4oceans was created in March 2002 by merging the International Hotel Systems
business of TFM plc and the customer reservations systems business of Hotel
World.

Related stories on ITN:

(04/06/2003) 4oceans Launches Agent Booking Portal With Free Trial

(02/05/2003) Leading Hotels Follow 4Oceans into China

(03/04/2003) Sol Melia and 4Oceans Get into Bed in China

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