Sabre Travel Network, a provider of technology solutions to the travel industry, has unveiled a personalization product that gives hoteliers the ability to create unique, personalized offers at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai.

The new merchandising capabilities offered by Custom Offers include special rates, room upgrades, premium hotel services, free meals, Wi-Fi and spa services, among others.

They have been integrated into Sabre’s travel marketing and shopping services, which are available through the Sabre global distribution system (GDS). Custom Offers also provides airlines the ability to make custom ancillary offers available (for items like seats and bags) based on frequent flier number and frequent flier tier level.

“There is a growing demand from both travel suppliers and buyers for increased personalization and offers that are targeted to match traveler preferences,” said Daniel Naoumovitch, Sabre Travel Network Middle East’s chief executive officer.

“So, the next time someone books a holiday in Dubai using Sabre, they will be able to pick and choose their special offers; families can take advantage of special group rates, couples looking for a spa service during their quick weekend getaway or even a business traveler looking for Wi-Fi to name a few.”

“With Custom Offers we are enabling travel suppliers to merchandise in new ways through the Sabre travel marketplace to support their profitability and customer loyalty strategies. At the same time, we’ve done so in a way that ensures buyers can continue to efficiently shop, book and manage travel,” said Darren Wickham, Sabre Travel Network Middle East’s managing director.

Sabre’s Custom Offers lets travel suppliers use the information they have about the traveler combined with Sabre shopping data to dynamically present personalized offers in real time during the shopping process.  Custom Offers is available to Sabre hotel and airline customers worldwide, and to agents and travelers who buy through Sabre.

Hoteliers can utilize this unique capability to offer specific services relevant to the individual consumer, helping to personalize the hospitality experience.  Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, representing nine distinctive brands, is the first Sabre hotel customer to use Custom Offers.

“Sabre’s Custom Offers gives us flexibility to provide our guests with not just customized offers, but a personalized experience at our hotels and resorts,” said Michael English, vice president, customer contact centers & electronic distribution for Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “Sabre collaborated with us on developing technology that meets the growing demand from both suppliers and buyers for increased personalization and targeted offers.”

Sabre’s Custom Offers provides travel suppliers significant controls, with the ability to quickly establish, and fine tune criteria for targeted campaign offers globally. Daily online reporting reveals campaign performance and allows for modifications as needed.

This means more choices and value for consumers, as these personalized offers are in addition to other published and negotiated rates available to travelers through Sabre.

“Sabre has put together a great product that provides travelers with more options in their travel experience,” said Mimi Cleary, of Atlas Travel, whose agency participated in testing of the solution. “Anytime we can add value to our clients and bring hotels repeat business, it’s a win-win.”

Sabre Custom Offers is available to travel agents using the Sabre Red Workspace and through Sabre Web Services for integration with online travel sites and corporate booking tools. – TradeArabia News Service