While the majority of IHG's preferred accounts currently enjoy contracted rates, its publicly available rates are based on a best flexible model — the rates of the day are scaled according to demand. In providing an alternative to annually─negotiated rate platforms, IHG is addressing growing demand among corporate travel managers for more flexible and market─sensitive hotel rates.
Gary Rosen, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, IHG Asia Pacific, says, “Corporate travel managers should feel confident they have access to the best possible rates in our hotels. This model guarantees they will pay less than any other unrestricted rates in our hotels, every day of the year.”
EDITOR| This is good marketing!
Corporates enjoy a very very low rate as compared to the general public, but this will ensure corporate at least try the IHG Proposal. Although I have to mention that the BAR or Best Available Rates are typically the lowest at the time when Corporate demand is low. So I dont see a lot of savings for corporates at the moment.
This will however add an element of planning & continuos feedback to the corporate sales element. It will no longer be an annual affair. The Revenue Manager starts playing a pivotal role and more power to that role I say!!
- Prabhjot Bedi