HotelClub experiences strong growth despite Industry downturn

Sydney, 28 February 2003 – HotelClub (http://www.hotelclub.net), the world-leading full service provider of online hotel reservation services, has announced plans to further develop its operations in Asia.

HotelClub has experienced strong financial growth during 2002, with an increase of 300% for the year, a trend that is predicted to continue into 2003. This performance is much greater than the industry average for the same period. In light of these results Flairview Travel, operator of HotelClub, is looking to capitalise on their strong position and increase their market share.

HotelClub currently includes over 4,500 hotels in 36 countries worldwide, and represents hotels in nine Asian countries – Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam.

“HotelClub has established itself in the marketplace for over eight years. It is now the largest Australian based site and is also a major player in Europe” Chloe Lim, Head – Sales and Marketing, HotelClub

“The plan is to capture the Asian market, establishing partnership arrangements with a greater number of Asian based hotels, travel agents and distribution networks.

“HotelClub views the Asian market as critical to the company’s continued growth. Distribution partners including, MSN Singapore and Malaysia, Singapore Changi Airport and hongkong.com are taking our accommodation products to Asian customers in increasing volumes.

“The benefits of HotelClub are two-fold – firstly, HotelClub has established a good customers base in Europe, Australia and North America that will be exposed to the Asian based product. Secondly, Asian based customers are presented with an extensive range of accommodation product worldwide” said Ms Lim.

HotelClub has established key trade based distribution channels through its travel agent program. There are currently over 2,000 active members in Australia and Asia and a further 3,500 worldwide. Membership provides travel agents with a flexible and profitable program including further discounts – up to 20% on some rates and the ability to determine their own commissions.

The HotelClub site is currently available in five languages including Chinese. The multilingual service is scheduled to grow in 2003 with the introduction of new languages, including Japanese and Korean.

HotelClub currently receives in excess of 1,000,000 unique visitors each month.

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For further information please contact:
Chloe Lim
Head of Sales and Marketing
HotelClub.net
Tel: +61 2 8295 0431
Fax: +61 29299 8860
Email: [email protected]