HOTELMARKETING.COM

Electrobug adds WorldRes to rate monitoring service

May 03, 2004 |

Electrobug Technologies has extended its lead in online competitor price checking by signing an exclusive global deal with WorldRes.

Electrobug Technologies has extended its lead in online competitor price checking by signing an exclusive global deal with WorldRes.

WorldRes, a leader in online hotel bookings and the engine behind popular sites such as Opodo and PlacesToStay, will be using Electrobug’s tools to check their competitor’s prices on an ongoing basis, and readjust prices accordingly to ensure they are competitive. WorldRes have already used and tested the technology.

In addition, WorldRes will help market Electrobug’s Hotel Channel Manager product to its 10,000+ member hotels. The Electrobug Hotel Manager helps hotels ensure they understand how rates and their competitors’ rates are being presented through online channels. This offers hotels a viable and more cost-effective alternative to TravelClick.

This deal demonstrates the importance of “price monitoring� for travel agents - and retailers of any price-sensitive product - in the digital age. Electrobug has created similar systems for a number of UK blue chip retailers, ranging from Tesco and Sainsburys to Boots The Chemist and Amazon.com, as well as agents such as Expedia and Priceline.com. Internet price tracking is particularly important in the travel industry, as year on year volume analyses become less reliable as an input for price, and scale discounters storm the market.

Jeff Down, Commercial Manager of WorldRes, says: “We have been using Electrobug’s rate tracking tools for several months. We are satisfied with the results and the service, and confident that this technology will provide more clarity on what is happening in the market. We are excited to help Electrobug offer its tools to our hotels at a negotiated rate.�

Mark Heynen, Managing Director of Electrobug, says: “WorldRes’s massive hotel base and shareholders are on the leading edge of the hospitality industry. We are delighted to help them face up to their pricing challenges, and continue to develop solutions around their needs. In addition, we feel the Channel Manager will be a massive benefit to their hotel members. It will ensure the hotels adhere to rate parity and understand their competitive environment. This is good for both the hotels and for WorldRes.”

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