Agent-friendly hotel booking website launches

Tuesday, 12 Mar, 2007 0

A new travel brand enabling agents to book discount hotel rooms and transfers officially launched today.

Vacenza, the sister company of Sheffield-based AlphaRooms.com, has already signed up more than 450 agents during a three-month pilot scheme.

The online company provides deals at more than 23,000 hotels and apartments in city break, beach and ski destinations both in the UK and abroad through a dedicated trade website www.vacenza.com/agents.

The company, which is ABTA bonded and acts as a principal, also supplies transfers from more than 130 gateway airports in 40 countries worldwide.

There are plans to introduce a margin management tool to the website, giving agents the ability to set their own commission levels or buy at net.

Judith Pigg, Vacenza’s trade relations manager, said: “There is no doubt that the travel market is currently the most competitive it has ever been.

“However, we have drawn on our experience from AlphaRooms, which continues to be one of the most successful online accommodation websites, and have created a new brand that meets the changing needs of travel agents.

“Vacenza will offer some of the best deals available, while being fully bonded. Agents can find great offers for their customers and still have the peace of mind that comes from booking through a principal.”

The site is backed up by a UK-based call centre to answer any queries from agents or customers.

A consumer site will be launched later in the year, offering flights in addition to accommodation and transfers.

By Bev Fearis

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Bev

Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.

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