IHG Hotel signs preferred distribution deal with Expedia

The wholesale distribution market is inefficient and expensive. The complexity of maintaining disparate channels takes a significant chunk out of hotels’ bottom line. Expedia Group’s Optimized Distribution program resolves these challenges by creating a primary gateway solution for the hotelier and its B2B demand partners, ultimately reducing costs, generating incremental revenue for hotels, and providing accurate content and better rates to travelers, according to a release by the company.

IHG Hotels & Resorts joins a growing list of renowned hotel chains to partner with Expedia Group on its Optimized Distribution program on a preferred basis. The Optimized Distribution program, provided by Expedia Group, aims to redefine and expand the scope and scale of wholesale distribution in the hotel industry. Expedia Group’s network expands the scope of the wholesale market, connecting hotels to B2B demand partners, including a range of third-party travel providers as well as tour operators and travel agents.

IHG will leverage Expedia Group’s industry-leading platform to consolidate and simplify its wholesale distribution.

“We are thrilled to join Expedia Group’s Optimized Distribution Program,” said George Turner, chief commercial & technology officer, IHG Hotels & Resorts. “This arrangement will enable us to more seamlessly manage our wholesale distribution by providing cost savings, better control over our channel mix and enhancements to our revenue management strategy, ultimately driving additional value for our owners and hotels.”

“We’re here to build great products, and facilitate connections between travelers and our partners by using the power of our platform. That is why we are so pleased to have IHG join the success of the Optimised Distribution program. We are looking forward to helping IHG leverage this solution to fuel their growth and power more travel,” concludes Ariane Gorin, president, Expedia for Business, Expedia Group.