Global

CWT Leverages Social Media to Give Business Travelers Their Say

CWT Hotel Intel - a new private hotel review site for companies

AMSTERDAM, November 14, 2012 - CWT launches CWT Hotel Intel, an innovative travel review site that allows business travelers to share hotel ratings and reviews within a secure, company-specific site. Part of CWT's comprehensive hotel offering called CWT Hotel 360, CWT Hotel Intel not only gives access to up-to-date information on company-compliant hotels, but also provides trusted advice from fellow business travelers.

Following a business trip, travelers receive an automatic email alert asking them to comment on their hotel stay - they can give the hotel a rating and post reviews of the property so that other travelers can read about their experience and make an informed choice before booking. Reviews, which remain in a private network, can be made only after a genuine stay. Information on room availability, hotel facilities and details of negotiated rates, such as breakfast, Wi-fi and parking, are also displayed on the site.

"The development of CWT Hotel Intel is very much aligned with the current trends we're seeing in the industry - travelers increasingly use peer group information to make decisions," said Patrice Simon, innovation leader at CWT. "Using our knowledge of how travelers use social networks for their leisure travel, we developed this exciting travel site that allows business travelers to share valuable information with their peers in a way that supports compliance with a company's travel policy."

CWT Hotel Intel is powered by Vinivi, a leading travel-review company. It is specifically designed for companies and is similar to leisure travel review sites. It gives travel managers a unique tool to help them manage their corporate hotel program, while encouraging travelers to stay at their company's preferred properties. Providing a single source of traveler feedback and hotel ratings, CWT Hotel Intel assists travel managers in improving the level of service their suppliers provide.

Commenting on L'Oreal's use of CWT Hotel Intel, Corinne Delbreil, travel, meetings & events manager for L'Oreal Global Procurement said, "our goal was relatively simple - we wanted to increase our negotiation power with hotels and improve the satisfaction of our travelers. So far, we are extremely happy - we know that we are providing our travelers the best choice possible, based on their feedback. In just a few clicks our travelers know what hotel their colleagues have recommended, if the hotel is available and which services are included within the negotiated rate."

Learn more about L'Oreal's experience with CWT Hotel Intel.

Read more detailed information about CWT Hotel Intel.

About CWT Hotel 360
CWT Hotel 360 is a comprehensive range of hotel products and services that help companies drive cost savings while improving traveler satisfaction. Through CWT Hotel 360, CWT offers customers a wide range of hotels including global and national chains, independent properties and its customers' own properties, all bookable both online and offline. CWT books 27.7 million room nights* each year in 22,600 cities* across the world and gives travelers access to best-value negotiated rates including services such as Wi-fi, breakfast, parking facilities and flexible cancellation policies.


*Based on 2011 figures

About Carlson Wagonlit Travel
CWT is a global leader specialized in managing business travel and meetings and events. CWT serves companies, government institutions and non-governmental organizations of all sizes in more than 150 countries and territories. By leveraging both the expertise of its people and leading-edge technology, CWT helps clients derive the greatest value from their travel program in terms of savings, service, security and sustainability. The company is also committed to providing best-in-class service and assistance to travelers. CWT services and solutions comprise Traveler & Transaction Services, Program Optimization, Safety & Security, Meetings & Events and Energy Services. In 2011, sales volume for wholly owned operations and joint ventures totaled US$28.0 billion. As part of its commitment to responsible business, CWT is a signatory of the United Nations Global Compact Ten Principles. For more information about CWT, please visit our global website at www.carlsonwagonlit.com. Follow us on twitter.com/carlsonwagonlit.

 
Media Contact
Natasha Harvey
CWT Global
+ 33 1 41 33 62 34 (office)
+ 33 6 74 94 23 81 (mobile)
nharvey@carlsonwagonlit.com

About Vinivi
Vinivi is a specialist in verified and trusted travel reviews. Since 2006, this privately- owned company has developed a dual approach, through its wholly-owned websites for travelers and through business-oriented high-end technology for travel professionals. Hotels, major online travel agents and traditional networks have established partnerships with Vinivi, allowing them to gather and broadcast trusted feedback from their customers. For more information, please visit www.vinivi.com

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