ASTA approves Marriott move

The American Society of Travel Agents applauded Marriott International’s announcement it will launch its “Look No Further SM Best Rate Guarantee.” The arrangement set to start on Jan. 1 ensures customers receive the best room rate when booking through the hotel chain’s reservation channels, or through travel agents. “A good first step in rate integrity for travel agents,” is how Richard Copland, ASTA president and CEO, termed the move. If a customer finds a lower publicly available rate within 24 hours for the same hotel, room type and dates anywhere on an internet travel site, through a travel agency, travel management company, or even through Marriott, the hotel will match the lower rate. In such cases, the hotel will give an additional 25% off the rate.