Shangri-La Hotels Introduces Midmarket Rates

Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts for 2005 has introduced a value rate designed for small and midsize hotel programs that do not have sufficient volume to warrant a negotiated rate at one of its 44 hotels. While higher than a negotiated rate, the value rate includes charges for high-speed Internet access, local telephone calls, breakfast, dry cleaning and other items.

"Travel buyers of these size programs have found that a bundled approach is more cost-effective than booking other rates, such as a consortia rate," said Martin Waechter, chief marketing officer. "Once all the value-adds are factored in, the rate becomes very attractive. The rate also is not based on a volume projections, so buyers need not be as concerned about having a minimum number of room nights in a certain period to qualify."

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La operates 43 deluxe hotels in Asia and one in the Middle East. With 17 hotels operating in China and an additional 17 under construction, the chain is one of the largest luxury providers in that market, according to Waechter.