Six Continents Hotels launches new Central Reservations System

Six Continents Hotels has announced the introduction of a new, advanced central reservations system - HOLIDEX®Plus - as part of a US$75 million 'next generation systems' project. Over 140 InterContinental hotels and resorts have migrated to the new system this month, with the remainder of Six Continents Hotels' brands set to join the HOLIDEX®Plus system by 2003. HOLIDEX®Plus will allow hotels greater operational efficiencies and guests more flexibility and a greater choice in selecting personalised rate programmes.

The introduction of HOLIDEX®Plus means hotels can now provide more detailed descriptions of their properties, rates and promotions to the various Global Distribution Systems (GDS) and travel websites, enabling them to provide guests with precise information about the product offerings. HOLIDEX®Plus allows the mix and match of rates and room types to provide guests with a more personalised service whilst offering greater flexibility to hotels in designing and distributing promotional packages though targeted channels to meet customer needs. 

To date, Six Continents Hotels has invested US$75 million in the 'next generations systems' project, which includes two other core business systems, thea property management system and a the revenue management system. Six Continents hotels' reservations network annually produces over 369 28 million room nights, amounting to US $28.8 $2.8 billion in total revenue generated through the system. 

Tom Oliver, chairman and chief executive officer for Six Continents Hotels commented "The introduction of HOLIDEX®Plus is part of our on-going campaign to meet and exceed customer requirements across the globe. The system will host over 3,200 of our hotels on a single platform, benefiting both travel agents and guests. The new system will help our properties tailor and drive promotions through electronic channels, resulting in increased revenue for hotels and a wider choice of personalised packages for guests." 

He added, " In today's challenging environment, technology is playing an ever more important role in creating more sophisticated inventory management tools to market and sell services intelligently to a wider audience."

Other brands under the Six Continents Hotels' portfolio - Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Express by Holiday Inn and Staybridge Suites - will commence migration to HOLIDEX®Plus system in October 2002 with the transition completed by Summer 2003.