MAKING
SENSE OF INTERNET SALES
Ever topical amongst the top tourism marketers, the subject
of on-line distribution and marketing remains as the fastest
growing revenue source to all facets of the hotel and travel
sectors, and as a rapidly changing game-field in terms
of best-performing third party operators.
Remaining abreast of the top global distribution networks
and third party suppliers is becoming an everyday challenge
in the reservations department, as are the issues of multiple
rate confusion and commission charges.
Having
faced these challenges in both an independent and chain
hotel environment, Sandra Maybury, who latterly headed
up the Internet Distribution department of Ireland’s
fastest growing hotel groups – Choice Hotels and Ramada
Hotels, formed Net-Assist – the internet distribution
support service to hotels.
The company offers a three phase service, beginning with
a comprehensive audit of on-line presence, competitor analysis
and rate housekeeping. Based on these findings, Maybury implements
an internet marketing plan, which includes selecting suitable
third party suppliers and contracting on behalf of the hotel.
The final phase is a mentoring service which includes reporting
and ongoing market analysis.
“Each client has very different needs – therefore
on-line marketing has to be tailored to consider location,
niche markets and local competition” Maybury notes. “..my
background in IT training steered my career direction – but
hotels are my family business, so I have a thorough understanding
of operations also”.
Many industry heads have welcomed this service, admitting
a widespread lack of up to date knowledge of the internet
distribution area. Victor Garland, Commercial Director of
In1 Solutions – the distribution company behind the
Irish Hotels Federation site www.irelandhotels.com – says “ In1
Solutions welcomes the entry of Net Assist to the Irish market.
E-Commerce in the Irish hospitality industry offers tremendous
opportunities to improve occupancy rates, reduce distribution
costs and improve customer service. Net Assist fills a niche
in offering professional E-Commerce distribution advice and
it is gratifying to see someone of the caliber of Sandra
Maybury at the helm.”
For more information contact Sandra Maybury at :
Telephone : 023 56706 or Mobile 086 2244632
Email : info@netassist.ie
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