Radisson Hotels & Resorts launches Private Label Search Tool and RFP Product Suite

Radisson Hotels & Resorts has launched a new online meeting services suite. The Web-based tool is powered by PlanSoft®, and enables event and meeting planners to both seamlessly search Radisson's inventory of group facilities and services using a multi-faceted search engine, and submit electronic RFPs free of charge to any number of Radisson hotels fitting their specific event criteria. The product suite also includes links to the local hotel's Convention and Visitors Bureau, Convention Center, and various meeting-related suppliers. Other Carlson Hotels Worldwide brands are to offer the service on their web sites in 2005.

"Our Radisson properties will benefit from PlanSoft's 180,000 registered members and a network of over 50 meeting and convention Web sites," said Larry Winston, vice president of sales, Carlson Hotels Worldwide. "We're confident this powerful tool will work to enhance Radisson's share of the competitive meetings market."

The PlanSoft Network includes public and private web sites that utilise PlanSoft's facility database, sourcing and RFP tools including Conferon, Conference Direct and the VNU family of publications. PlanSoft Marketing Tours allow Radisson hotels and resorts preferential placement and huge incremental distribution to The PlanSoft Network of Web sites.

"With the help of our system, meeting professionals are now able to reference rich multimedia content for each Radisson property throughout the planning process," said Edward J. Tromczynski, president and COO, PlanSoft Corporation. "This information includes detailed descriptions of each facility, 360 degree panoramic views, photographs, scaleable floor plans, distressed inventory, and important contact information."

Express Yourself Enhancements

In addition to this new private label search engine and RFP product suite, Radisson has also made two new enhancements to its "Express Yourself" online guest check-in system, which is available at Radisson hotels and resorts throughout the Americas. The two new features include the opportunity for customers to select an automated wake-up call time, and request the use of the hotel's complimentary airport shuttle transportation service, if available.

"'Express Yourself' gives our guests more choices, while helping us develop a deeper, more distinct relationship with them," said Winston. "Our business goal is simply this: to gain a key competitive advantage in the markets we serve by giving guests more control over their stay. We believe this will positively impact both their check-in experience and overall satisfaction with our brand."

Radisson is also running an "Express Yourself" sweepstakes from Nov. 19, 2004 through Jan. 31, 2005. Every time a guest uses "Express Yourself" during this period, they will be automatically entered into a draw for the chance to win a seven-day Radisson Seven Seas luxury cruise in the Caribbean for two people and 200,000 American Airlines miles, with a total retail value of $10,000. The sweepstakes is only open to U.S. residents (except those residing in Puerto Rico, Alaska, Hawaii and U.S. territories).

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