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Hilton Projects $2.5 Billion in Web BookingsPOSTED October 30, 2006 BEVERLY HILLS, CA -- The Internet has become a major source of bookings for Hilton Hotels. Hilton Hotels Corporation expects more than $2.5 billion in revenues generated from bookings on its websites for 2006 compared to $709 million five years ago, in 2002. The company further reports that bookings through its websites have increased at a steady 30 percent year over year since 2002, and accelerated to a 39 percent increase in the third quarter of 2006 versus the third quarter of 2005. This represents a 60 percent increase in revenues and a 43 percent increase in room nights for third quarter 2006 vs. prior year. Website bookings currently represent 17.2 percent of the company's overall distribution of bookings, compared with 9.1 percent in 2002, making it the most dominant central delivery channel for the company. In contrast, contribution of third-party online agencies has remained flat at 3 percent of reservations, and now represents just 15% of the company's Internet business. "Our brand site bookings have increased at a staggering pace since 2002 and will continue to show compounded increases through the remainder of 2006 and beyond," said Tom Keltner, president brand performance and development group, Hilton Hotels Corporation. "With its acquisition of the lodging assets of Hilton Group plc and a growing international presence, website bookings outside of North America represent the next frontier for significant growth, where we are in the process of implementing our successful online distribution strategy and enhanced features." "The Hilton Family of Hotels has made numerous enhancements to its websites that place more choice and control in the guest's hands, making it even more convenient for them to find the right hotel accommodations and services at the best value," said Bala Subramanian, senior vice president - distribution and brand integration for Hilton Hotels Corporation. "From a business standpoint, these enhancements will enable our company to continue increasing the percentage of website bookings across all of its brands. Already, our Hilton Family of Hotels websites collectively rank among some of the largest revenue-generating commercial/retail sites in the world, excluding those that generate advertising revenue." Hilton continues to evolve its websites based on customer input. Last week's launch of redesigned brand home pages include many customer designed enhancements including improvements in search, reservations, navigation and access to specials/promotions all of which add up to more guest control, more choice, greater flexibility, ease of use, and speed. Encouraging loyalty to its brand websites, Hilton Hotels Corporation introduced Our Best Rates. Guaranteed. in 2003. If consumers who book confirmed reservations for a Hilton Family hotel stay within the U.S., having booked their reservation through any of the Hilton Family booking channels (i.e. brand websites, Hilton Reservations Worldwide toll-free reservations or directly at a Hilton Family hotel) and find a lower publicly available rate on some other booking channel within 24 hours of making the reservation, the Hilton Family of Hotels will match it, plus give the guest a $50 American Express Gift Cheque. © Copyright SVDaily.com |
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