Great Hotels of the World reported that first-quarter corporate
bookings using its global distribution system code increased 19 percent year
over year. The average transaction value of those bookings increased by 23
percent.
Great Hotels director of sales and marketing John Clarke
credited an increase in travel volume to corporate travel hubs including Paris,
Barcelona, Lisbon and Moscow for the growth. "This trend indicates the
beginnings of a return to pre-recession levels for the corporate travel sector
as well as the economy, with more companies investing in corporate travel,"
he said.
Clarke also said he expected hotels to enter negotiations
for 2012 rates with "an upper hand in pricing as average daily rate
returns to pre-recession levels."
The London-based Great Hotels provides sales and marketing
services to about 250 upper upscale and luxury hotels around the world.