SOUTHLAKE, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–April 4, 2005–In an independent study completed by Cornell University School of Hotel Administration and The Center for Hospitality Research Organization, researchers found that Travelocity(R) is the travel industry’s low-price leader in hotel bookings.
This non-commissioned study analyzed how the development and growth of the Internet has complicated the distribution and pricing strategies for hotel chains to their guests. Through the study, 137 possible booking dates were tested and Travelocity was found to have consistently offered the lowest prices across the board. Travelocity was included in the study as one of the premier outlets for online booking and was singled out for rates that amounted to the best deals for travelers.
“We’ve always believed in offering the best rates available directly to our customers and are pleased to be recognized as the best place to book your hotel room,” said Josh Feuerstein, vice president hotels for Travelocity. “We have achieved this milestone by not only striving to offer the best prices, but by focusing on the customer’s total travel experience.”
This study was conducted profiling 18 of the largest metropolitan markets in the United States. Within each city, researchers investigated four property types — luxury, upscale, mid-market and budget accommodations. Using a random date, no more than 90 days in advance, room rates were gathered using each of the five booking channels most frequented by consumers. Travelocity, Expedia, Orbitz, hotel Web sites and a telephone call to the property were all used to determine the best method for hotel bookings. Travelocity was found by the study to have the lowest price point, consistently returning the best results.
“Our study showed that Travelocity had the lowest cost and the smallest variance in excess cost across segments, such as seven percent in luxury segments and five percent in upscale segments. Hotel Web sites offered the second lowest cost overall, but that channel showed more variance in excess costs across the segment than did Travelocity,” said Gary M. Thompson, Ph.D Cornell professor of operations management and executive director at the recent HSMAI hospitality conference in Mexico City. “We found Travelocity was the lowest cost channel.”
Findings from the Cornell University's study show:
-- Travelocity was notably consistent for offering low prices in
many segments across channels
-- Although hotel chain Web sites sporadically offer low price
guarantees, they are still not being applied universally
-- In the upscale segment, Travelocity yielded the highest
percentage of lowest rates
For more information about the Cornell study please visit http://www.chr.cornell.edu.
About Travelocity
Travelocity’s industry-leading technology and straight talking, no nonsense approach to travel arrangement allows travelers to book more rewarding and affordable trips. With millions of registered users and booking $4.9 billion of travel in 2004, Travelocity(R) negotiates thousands of low-priced deals with the world’s most reputable travel providers — top airlines, hotels, car rental companies, cruise lines, and other destination attractions and services. Additionally, Travelocity offers vastly-discounted rates for weekend getaways and dynamic package deals through its Last Minute Deals and TotalTrip(SM) shopping engines while providing customer service support over the phone 24 hours a day. Based in Southlake, Texas, Travelocity also operates Travelocity Business(SM) for corporate customers, offers international travel Web sites in eight languages, and has been recognized for its consumer advocacy and global leadership in online travel. More information about Travelocity is available at www.travelocity.com. Travelocity is owned by Sabre Holdings Corporation (NYSE:TSG), a world leader in travel commerce. More information about Sabre Holdings is available at www.sabre-holdings.com.
CONTACT: VOLLMER PR, New York
Judy Haveson, 212/808-6541
judy@vollmerpr.com
or
Andrea Collins, 212-551-3528
andrea@vollmerpr.com
SOURCE: Travelocity
