SRS-WORLDHOTELS, the Americas, Launches New Stategy for Expansion, Sales and Marketing in Latin America; Company Leaders Set New Course During Recent Meeting in Sao Paulo, Brazil

SRS-WORLDHOTELS, the Americas, today announced that it plans to capitalize on the growing strength of the Latin American economy through a newly established business strategy focused on regional development, increased sales and new marketing programs. The plan was announced by Tom Griffiths, vice president, SRS-WORLDHOTELS, the Americas, following a two-day meeting held recently in Sao Paulo, Brazil, with regional company leaders representing development, sales, marketing and member hotels.

(PRWEB) June 1, 2004--SRS-WORLDHOTELS, the Americas, today announced that it plans to capitalize on the growing strength of the Latin American economy through a newly established business strategy focused on regional development, increased sales and new marketing programs.

The plan was announced by Tom Griffiths, vice president, SRS-WORLDHOTELS, the Americas, following a two-day meeting held recently in Sao Paulo, Brazil, with regional company leaders representing development, sales, marketing and member hotels.

Over the past year, weve seen a rebound in Latin American currencies and job growth, a trend in hotel investments, and a renewed confidence in local governments about the future state of the region," said Griffiths. While the pendulum is swinging in a positive direction, we are leveraging these positive business trends to not only increase revenue, but also room night growth for our member hotels."

Specific elements of the companys new Latin American business strategy include a development plan calling for the addition of 24 new member hotels in the region by the end of 2007. Key destination and business travel markets under consideration include Mexico City, Mexico; Guatemala; Panama City, Panama; Lima, Peru; Asuncion, Paraguay; Montevideo, Uruguay; Quito and Guayaquil, Ecuador; Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre, Brazil; and San Salvador, El Salvador.

Currently, there are nine SRS-WORLDHOTELS member hotels in the region in Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Uruguay and Venezuela.

New sales initiatives include proactive cross selling of member hotels in the region; site visits by sales personnel based in Brazil and Argentina to familiarize themselves with each propertys unique selling proposition; joint sales calls with U.S.-based sales personnel to corporation and organizations in Miami, Fla., key Southeastern U.S. cities and New York City; and the creation of a brochure featuring Latin American member hotels that will be distributed globally.

To aid in these efforts, SRS-WORLDHOTELS, the Americas, will add two new sales and membership services professionals in Miami and Orlando, Fla., in the coming months.

As regional unemployment rates drop while investments and exports continue to rise, its only natural that inbound and inter-regional business travel will increase," said Griffiths. By streamlining our sales practices and resources, we intend to capture a greater share of the corporate and group markets for our member hotels."

Griffiths went on to say that regional marketing efforts will be bolstered through Latin American Suite Values," a promotion in which guests can enjoy spacious suite accommodations at regular guest room rates. To publicize this offer, a special insert will appear in Frequent Flyer magazine detailing bonus miles available with partner airlines in conjunction with the Suite Values" campaign. The company will send targeted messages about the promotion to travel agents through Global Distribution Systems.

In addition, by the end of 2004, each member hotel in the region will adopt WORLDBOOKER, the companys online booking engine now available for individual hotel web sites, and a WORLDSAVER rate for the upcoming summer and winter travel season featuring savings up to 50%, 1,500 frequent flyer miles per stay, complimentary breakfast, and no minimum stay requirement.

Reservations at SRS-WORLDHOTELS locations in Latin America, or anywhere worldwide, can be made online at www.srs-worldhotels.com or by calling a travel consultant. Reservations in Canada and the U.S. can also be made by calling toll free 800-223-5652.

SRS-WORLDHOTELS is one of the world's leading hotel sales, marketing and distribution organizations. This progressive and steadily expanding corporation represents over 450 member properties in 65 countries spanning all continents. Unique in its approach, SRS-WORLDHOTELS meets the requirements of business travelers and vacationers alike by providing hotels in three distinct categories: "The Deluxe Collection," hotels of refined elegance and luxurious comfort; "The First Class Collection," hotels of casual elegance, superior class and high quality; and "The Comfort Collection," hotels characterized by a casual ambiance, intimate atmosphere and moderate price. For more information or to make reservations, visit online at http://www.srs-worldhotels.com or call toll free at 1-800-223-5652 in the U.S. and Canada.