Choice Hotels names Hotelbeds Preferred Wholesaler

Recently we announced a new strategic agreement with Choice Hotels International, one of the world’s largest lodging franchisors – meaning that we are now recognized as a Preferred Wholesaler by Choice.

Choice gains access to our high-value distribution network of more than 60,000 travel distribution clients such as tour operators, retail travel agents, airlines and loyalty programs across more than 140 source markets worldwide.

Our portfolio of travel buyers will offer Choice incremental, high value bookings from non-domestic markets that typically book further in advance, pay more per room, cancel less and spend more at the property.

As part of this agreement, Choice will distribute its hotel rooms through our two main channels: the wholesale distribution channel that operates under the 'Hotelbeds' brand and the retail channel, Bedsonline, which exclusively caters to retail travel agents.

Commenting on the news, Robert McDowell, Chief Commercial Officer at Choice Hotels said: “We are very excited to expand our long-standing relationship with Hotelbeds Group through this strategic agreement. It not only provides incremental revenue stream opportunities and international exposure for our U.S. franchisees, but also strengthens confidence in Hotelbeds’ valuable wholesale distribution model. Choice Hotels is committed to maintaining rate integrity across all channels, while working to reduce the cost of distribution for franchisees. We believe this agreement improves our ability to achieve this long term, especially in key international source markets.”

And Mark Redmond, our Head of Global Chains, added: “We are delighted to strengthen our relationship with Choice Hotels and grow our mutual business together.  This will be a strong relationship delivering special rates and availability across the Choice Hotel portfolio to our 60,000 plus travel distribution clients, while giving Choice Hotels access to a higher-margin, non-domestic niche segment of the travel market.”

Find out more about the benefits of becoming a Preferred Wholesaler today by speaking with your Hotelbeds Contracting Manager.