‘Root and branch’ review of PlacesToStay.com planned by new owner

The PlacesToStay.com hotel reservation programme, acquired from CNG Travel Group in September is to receive “significant investment” from new owner FEXCO AllTravel.

Development options for PlacesToStay are being reviewed by the Irish online travel services company so that it delivers more value to its participating travel agents, affiliate distributors and hotel partners.

The review will assess how other FEXCO AllTravel businesses, such as its online car rental business, may be adapted to the trade marketplace. Cash and currency products being promoted at World Travel Market include a dynamic currency conversion scheme and a pre-paid travel cash card.

FEXCO acquired CNG’s B2C assets, comprising the PlacesToStay and CNG Hotels booking web sites, existing contracts with agents, affiliates and hotels, and related technology and call centre operations, nearly a year after CNG launched its merchant rate hotel programme in the UK.

Almost 50 former CNG staff have transferred to the County Kerry-based FEXCO operation, including Tim Wright, formerly CNG’s senior vice president for business development in EMEA.

FEXCO AllTravel managing director Dr Stewart Stephens outlined two key objective as developing PlacesToStay and assessing the trade market potential of the company’s other travel and currency products.

Nothing is ruled in or out during the “root and branch” review of PlacesToStay, he said.

“PlacesToStay fits neatly into FEXCO’s business model which delivers quality travel products and services to consumers and the trade via the internet, and we believe there are various ways it can be enhanced,” said Stephens.

“We’re confident about the outcome as we’ve a high quality pedigree, we’re well resourced and profitable, and we are part of a group that invests in the future.

“PlacesToStay gives FEXCO AllTravel an immediate presence in key travel trade markets in Britain, Europe and further afield.

“As well as its sizeable and growing base of trade users, there’s clear opportunity to enhance its overall value proposition for agents and hotels alike. Our experience and expertise tells us that by fine-tuning PlacesToStay, we can attract more hotel suppliers, more distribution partners and drive up bookings.”

An increase in the hotel inventory and availability in PlacesToStay beyond the current 25,000+ participating hotels is among options being evaluated.

Report by Phil Davies