Starting April 11, Marriott International will offer discounted
room rates exclusively for Marriott Rewards members who book direct or through "select"
corporate travel professionals.
Marriott didn’t disclose details on which travel
professionals qualify.
The company is looking to “dispel the myth that other
travel websites offer better rates for our hotels. The simple fact is that you
will find the lowest rates across our portfolio when you join Marriott Rewards
and book direct,” said Karin Timpone, Marriott’s global marketing officer.
If the guest finds a lower rate within 24 hours of their
booking, Marriott said it will match that rate, then discount it by another
25%.
Marriott's move follows Hilton Worldwide's launch of
“Stop
Clicking Around,” a marketing campaign urging customers to book direct to get the lowest prices and perks such as free WiFi. Although Hilton didn't say so in its commercial, the company included traditional travel agent bookings in the program, a move that ASTA applauded.