Preferred Hotel Group sees 19% growth in bookings by Canadian agents in past 8 months

Preferred Hotel Group sees 19% growth in bookings by Canadian agents in past 8 months TORONTO — Preferred Hotel Group, a global provider of sales, marketing and distribution services to independent luxury hotels, has seen growth at its Canadian properties and in bookings worldwide from Canadian agencies.

From January to August 2013, Preferred Hotel Group generated a 25% increase in room revenue and a 16% increase in room nights on behalf of its member hotels in Canada, and bookings to the Preferred Hotel Group portfolio from travel agents in Canada increased 19%, compared to the same eight-month time period in 2012.

In addition, three new hotels have joined the portfolio within the past 12 months.

The partnerships with new members and increased successes for existing partners resulted from a series of strategic initiatives Preferred Hotel Group has implemented recently, such as:

Dedicated Sales Presence. To drive and support its increased presence in the country, Preferred Hotel Group opened its first-ever Canada-based sales office with the appointment of Vanessa Gromer as Director of Global Sales for Canada in April 2012. Based in Toronto, Gromer oversees all leisure and corporate sales activity in the region, and organizes roadshows that connect local agents with representatives from global member hotels. Over the next two months, Gromer will bring hotel executives to meet with agents in Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal.
Enhanced Tools. To better serve the needs of the Canadian travel trade, Preferred Hotel Group continues to distribute its quarterly worldwide hotel listing and monthly folios, which provide a snapshot of member hotels that serve the needs of specific travel interests, ranging from ski to spa. The company also distributes a regular Itinerary e-newsletter sharing updates and special offers available to Canadian travellers, and offers travel agents assistance through its dedicated Commission help desk 1-877-746-2266; commission@preferredhotelgroup.com and VIP desk 1-888-798-7372.
New Websites and Mobile Channel. In April 2013, the company launched its new brand websites and mobile channel that increase visibility and draw qualified visitors to member hotels and resorts worldwide, while making the travel planning process more streamlined and enjoyable for users.

“It’s an exciting time for Preferred Hotel Group in Canada. We are pleased with the momentum that has been achieved over the past 12 months, and are dedicated to further strengthening relationships with our Canadian partners,” said Gromer.

Currently, the Preferred Hotel Group family of brands represents 14 of the finest independent hotels in Canada including:

The Grand by Lakeview, a member of Sterling Design (Winnipeg); International Plaza Hotel, a member of Sterling Hotels (Toronto); Toronto Don Valley Hotel & Suites, a member of Sterling Hotels; Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts; Sparkling Hill Resort, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts (Vernon); Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts; Grande Rockies Resort, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts (Canmore); SoHo Metropolitan Hotel, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts (Toronto); Hotel Grand Pacific, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts (Victoria); ARC The.Hotel Downtown Boutique, a member of Preferred Boutique (Ottawa); Hotel Gault, a member of Preferred Boutique (Montreal); River Rock Resort and Hotel, a member of Summit Hotels & Resorts (Richmond); The Hotel at Terminal City Club, a member of Summit Hotels & Resorts (Vancouver); Metropolitan Hotel Toronto, a member of Summit Hotels & Resorts.