Orbitz launched a microsite that it hopes
will attract bookings from business travelers whose companies do
not have travel programs.
Microsites like www.roadwarrior.orbitz.com are sections of Web sites
that have their own URLs.
Orbitz said the new
site presents inventory, particularly hotels, and destination
information geared toward business travelers. For example, a search
for hotels in Orlando is designed to emphasize "business" hotels
and downplay leisure properties like those in or near the theme
parks, according to Orbitz for Business spokesman Jim
Cohn.
When one compares
Orlando hotel searches through Orbitz.com and the new microsite for
business travelers, the search results are fairly
similar.
The business travel
slant is more successful when users select Chicago's destination
page. Customers can view a Business Essentials feature that
includes links to Amtrak and information pointing to Wi-Fi Internet
hotspots and fitness centers in the area.
Some of the
editorial content, too, is geared toward people who work for small
businesses. Cohn said travelers could search for hotel reviews
written by business travelers, for instance.
Joe Brancatelli,
editor and publisher of a site for business travelers,
JoeSentMe.com, offers tips on the new site.
Like Orbitz.com,
the business travel site offers Orbitz's assortment of electronic
care alerts to notify customers of flight delays and gate
changes.
Orbitz's initiative
is the latest effort among airlines and online agencies to reach
business travelers who have resorted to leisure-oriented Web sites
because their companies don't have managed programs. Cohn explained
that the road warrior site aimed to bridge that gap.
However, Orbitz's
road warrior site faces stiff competition from airline Web sites.
Unlike third-party sites such as Orbitz, the airline sites can
attract bookings by offering bonus frequent-flyer miles.
To contact reporter Dennis Schaal, send
e-mail to [email protected]