HotelPlanner and Choice Hotels Sign Deal to Integrate Group Bookings

HotelPlanner, a travel technology platform powered by proprietary artificial intelligence, announced a service provider alliance with Choice Hotels International, Inc. The alliance integrates HotelPlanner’s group inventory and group leads with Choice Hotels properties to expand group sales for both companies.

One of the world’s largest hotel franchisors, Choice Hotels offers travelers a wide range of lodging options with more than 7,000 hotels open in 35 countries and territories.

Historically, group hotel sales have required significant back and forth between the group and the hotel, especially for large events such as weddings or family reunions. This new capability eliminates inefficiency by creating an ‘Instant Group Room Block’ that enables the customer to reserve immediately a large block of rooms for their guests without having to engage the participating hotel directly, and with no need for guests to call the hotel.

“We’ve offered ‘Instant Group Rates’ for years. Now, customers can instantly reserve a large block of rooms with one click. This is a major efficiency play for group travel bookings that will benefit Choice Hotels customers through significant time savings and less hassle,” says Bruce Rosenberg, President and Chief Operating Officer, HotelPlanner. “Choice Hotels and its signature brands are iconic global properties that meet the diverse needs of our customers, across all segments and service levels. This expanded alliance creates a mutually beneficial relationship to drive additional market share in the group segment.”

According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, U.S. domestic travel & tourism sector’s GDP contributions could reach nearly $2 trillion in 2022, a 6.2% increase from 2019. Importantly, consumer travel sentiment is rebounding strongly as well. According to Destination Analysts, about 87% of American travellers have at least one leisure trip planned in the next 12 months.

“Choice Hotels is excited to extend the ability for planners to book groups instantly online outside of our direct platforms for the first time,” said Abhijit Patel, Vice President, Marketing & Distribution Strategy and Operations, Choice Hotels. “Making our industry-leading brands accessible to an AI-based booking platform on HotelPlanner positions us well to capture the return of group travel,” he said.