InterContinental Hotels
Group (IHG), which just launched a program that offers rate discounts to
customers who book direct, said it plans to enable travel agents to book the
lower rates, which will be available in GDSs.
"IHG greatly values
our travel agency relationships," said a company spokeswoman. "Over
the coming weeks, we are working to ensure that 'Your Rate by IHG Rewards Club'
is available in the GDS, as we know this is a critical booking channel for our
travel partners. These rates will also be commissionable for travel
agents."
IHG said direct bookers
and travel agents will receive rate discounts of between 2% and 6% in the Americas region. All IHG
brands are participating except for Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants and IHG's
hotels on military bases.
IHG's brands include
Holiday Inn, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Staybridge Suites and Hotel
Indigo.
Marriott and Hilton also
have launched book-direct programs that enable traditional travel agents to book discounted rates in GDSs.
Hyatt's book-direct program allows agents to participate, but they must book at
a Hyatt website.
The major hotel
companies have launched book-direct programs with the intention of taking share
away from the OTAs.