Driving high-value hotel revenue with corporate bookings – the HotelREZ success story

With 10% higher RevPAR than leisure, and representing three fifths of GDS bookings – corporate travel is big business for HotelREZ. Here’s how hotels are strengthening their profitability through high-value corporate travel

Business travel spending is projected to surpass $2 trillion by 2028, according to the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). With 81% of business travellers reporting that business travel is worthwhile in achieving their objectives, the perceived value of corporate travel will continue to fuel the sector. Add to this an increasing focus on work/life balance and maximising the value of each trip – with 58% of business travellers blending business and leisure travel more than ever before – this marks a powerful and lucrative sector for hotels.

With its expertise in the Global Distribution System (GDS) – which 84% of business travellers book their travel through, either via an agent or their company’s online booking tool (OBT) – HotelREZ provides a vital link between hotels and corporate travel. Working directly with travel agents to promote the HO chain code, and focusing on people-first connections across its 60+ offices worldwide, HotelREZ is a leader in championing independent unique properties globally. In more than 21 years of service, HotelREZ has found that its hotels don’t just become members – they stay and grow – securing ongoing market opportunities across their business. 

Here’s how HotelREZ is driving high-value hotel revenue through corporate travel.

Corporate travel brings high-value bookings

Underpinning its expertise in driving corporate bookings, HotelREZ data shows that corporate travel is instantly more profitable to hotels than leisure bookings. Corporate business secured through the GDS with HotelREZ is up to 10% higher in RevPAR than a leisure booking via an OTA, or via a property’s booking engine.

HotelREZ also helps to drive a higher proportion of corporate business for its hotel members, with 60% of HotelREZ business in the corporate segment, and 40% in the leisure segment. Increasing bookings from a market segment that generates more income than others puts hotels in a position of strength.

Loyalty feeds natural growth

Opting to pursue more corporate business – and benefiting from HotelREZ’s expertise – drives noticeable results for hotels and other accommodation providers. According to member data, properties that switch to HotelREZ see an average 30% increase in GDS business. Supported by consultancy services to optimise GDS presence, hotels find their content, images and rates are ‘picture perfect,’ putting them on the same playing field as their competitive set.

Sticking with this approach that drives results has become a key part of the strategy for member properties. In turn, HotelREZ achieves a 95% retention rate over its 21 years of service to hotels, which includes long-term partners Fullers, Hastings and Exclusive Hotels.

“Bookings are great, but the real success is that hotels and properties stay with us because they see long-term value,” said Daniel Simmons, Chief Commercial Officer of HotelREZ. “Our high retention rate speaks for itself. We drive value for hotels, and they get more bookings with us than they would elsewhere.”

Growth powers expansion

Solid and sustainable growth achieved through improved GDS bookings puts hotels on solid ground to consider growth strategies more broadly. Member hotels continually develop their portfolios across new locations during their time with HotelREZ.

Hotels which have expanded include Resident, Social Hub, Dorint, First Hotels, and Staycity & Wilde. In fact, growing hotel portfolios account for 20% of HotelREZ’s business development each year.

“When you see the business success our members experience, staying with HotelREZ is an obvious choice,” said Emma Smith, Director of Global Sales at HotelREZ. “As our global footprint expands in tandem with our members, we bring yet more opportunities for visibility, market presence and growth. It’s all underpinned by a solid strategy and tangible results. Enhanced profiles on the GDS, forging connections with lucrative market segments, and a steady stream of bookings – these all drive success for hotels.”

Powered by people: results and relationships do the talking

The results that HotelREZ secures for its hotel partners – particularly in corporate business – keep them with the company long-term. HotelREZ represents more than 2,800 hotels worldwide and is the 16th largest hotel group, securing over $2billion annual client revenue.

Corporate wins aren't just about short-term gains for hotels; they build trust while creating a sustainable flow of business. Continually nurturing its relationships more broadly in the field, hotels benefit from HotelREZ’s reputation. A leader in independent unique properties worldwide, the HotelREZ GDS chain code HO is widely recognised by agencies. With a global team and more than 60 offices across the globe, members also cite the expertise of HotelREZ as being critical to their success. Continually investing in its people as well as its technology, HotelREZ was recognised as The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024.

Enabling hotels to focus on securing bookings from the high-value corporate travel sector bolsters both business and brand. In a context where hotels need to work hard to stay competitive, and where corporate travel is thriving, this is a strategy that works. And it comes powered by HotelREZ.