Business Travel News - March 23, 2009 - (Page Cover1)

MARCH 23, 2009 INSIDE Carriers Carve International Capacity . . . . . . . 3 Delta Delivers Lower Cincinnati Hub Fares . . 4 2009 U.S. Hotel Chain Survey . . . . . . . . . . 10 French Co. Globalizes Expense Tool . . . . . . . 18 Manhattan Hotel Rates Tumble . . . . . . . . . 19 3 6 MARRIOTT TOMMY TRIMS RESHUFFLES TOP TRAVEL PROFILE Chain promotes CFO Hilfiger’s Veenstra Arne Sorenson to shoots for 25 percent president & COO. travel spending cut. BTNonline.com Bank Migrates Meeting Methods Transient Hotel Rate Drop BY SETH HARRIS Postmaster: Newspaper Handling/Periodicals Postaage Deutsche Bank this month is rolling out a technology-based strategic meetBY MICHAEL B. BAKER & SETH HARRIS ings management initiative to three The premium between transient and group hotel rates is shrinking or, in Asia/Pacific countries as part of the next certain markets, vanishing completely, according to industry analysts, phase of a two-year project to reengiwhich could mean steep drops in group rates on the horizon but also could neer its more than $150 million global present difficulties to meeting buyers needing to fill room blocks for almeetings and events program. ready scheduled events. Along with centralizing the company’s Smith Travel Research this month reported that transient demand meeting planners, taking ownership of DEUTSCHE’S DEBBIE DAYTON dropped sharply in the final months of 2008, particularly in the luxury tier, the meetings procurement process and while group demand, though also declining, was a bit more steady. It natmigrating the traditional request-for-proBanking on meetings technology Continued on page 26 posals format in seven countries to an electronic system, Deutsche Bank’s efforts also helped develop meetings management reporting and data technologies now in use by hunBY SETH HARRIS dreds of major corporations. Global distribution providers next month plan to start replacing their Under the stewardship of global DELUXE head of travel-related services Deb- legacy hosted traveler profile systems with GDS-independent platforms, bie Dayton, the Frankfurt-based fi- which will create singular profiles, massively expand on data elements and Four Seasons Hotels nancial services company in 2007 become the foundation for travel management companies and other sup• began stitching together its frag- pliers to develop the next level of personalized traveler services. UPPER UPSCALE Continued on page 24 The GDS profile system overhauls follow development initiatives by travJW Marriott Hotels el management companies and oth• er technology suppliers to create alUPSCALE/SELECT SERVICE ternatives to the traditional GDS technology model. In recent years, Wyndham Hotels BY JAY BOEHMER the mega travel management com• Newly empowered to curb air expenses through tougher enforcement and panies and other large agencies have MIDPRICE more stringent travel policies, buyers are shifting travelers from business developed their own profile manHampton Inns and Suites class to coach, increasing advance airfare purchases, taking advantage of agement systems to break free of promotional fares through spot buys and eliminating nonessential travel. the limitations of not controlling For more, see page 10. Undermining Group Rates GDSs Poised To Revolutionize Profiles 2009 BTN U.S. HOTEL Y CHAIN SURVEY Buyers Successfully Fortify Air Policies Continued on page 8 Continued on page 25 The longer you stay the better it gets. Complimentary Breakfast Buffet • Evening Receptions • Free Wireless • Fully Equipped Kitchens • Free Guest Laundry • Fitness Center • Business Center See just how good it gets: www.Staybridge.com/comfort http://www.BTNonline.com http://www.Staybridge.com/comfort http://www.Staybridge.com/comfort

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Business Travel News - March 23, 2009

Business Travel News - March 23, 2009
Contents
Inside Track: Japan Zeroing Out Commissions
Profiles In Travel Mgmt: Hilfiger Trims Travel Costs
U.S. Hotel Chain Survey: Marriott, Hilton Rate
Expense: French Co. Enlists Expense Tool
Destinations: NY Hotel Rates Drop; Vegas At a Loss

Business Travel News - March 23, 2009