THOR, Inc. Recognized as Choice Hotel International's Premier Booker for 1999 Among Consortia
THOR Solidifies Industry Reputation as Number One Booker of Choice Properties
DENVER / Aug. 29, 2000--THOR, Inc., one of the largest sellers of hotel room nights for North American travel agency groups and a subsidiary of
Through its Worldwide Negotiated Hotel Rates Program, THOR was responsible for the largest number of bookings at the world's second- largest hotel franchiser, with nearly half a million rooms booked in 39 countries.
THOR, which stands for Twenty-four Hour Online Reservations, boasts a membership of over 20,000 travel agencies participating in its Worldwide Negotiated Hotel Rates Program. Through this program, which features more than 12,800 participating hoteliers, THOR obtains special discounted rates and also access to rooms in "sold out" situations for its participating agencies and the users of TRIP.com. THOR's 1999 bookings on behalf of Choice Hotels include reservations made with Comfort, Quality, Clarion, Sleep Inn, Rodeway Inn, Econo Lodge and MainStay Suites.
"The announcement of THOR's 1999 reservation statistics for Choice Hotels represents an extremely significant milestone for THOR and for Choice," said Susie McCallum, vice president of Industry Relations at THOR. "Our continued growth in the areas of bookings and annual revenue, combined with our relationship with TRIP.com, has further solidified THOR's position as the premier service provider to the travel industry."
In September 1999, Louisville, Colo.-based THOR was acquired by TRIP.com, a leading online travel services and technology provider for the mobile professional market. At double the size of its nearest competitor, THOR leads the travel agent consortia industry in participating hotel properties. THOR now counts over 20,000 travel agencies internationally as participants in its Worldwide Negotiated Hotel Rates Program, representing a 23 percent growth rate over last year. The addition of THOR has helped TRIP.com maintain its status as a leading online travel site geared toward the business traveler, while also enabling new services that allow customers to identify and book last-minute hotel rooms in "sold out" situations and gain access to negotiated rates that were once only available to travel agents.
About THOR, Inc.
THOR, Inc., founded in 1977, is a subsidiary of TRIP.com. The THOR Worldwide Negotiated Hotel Rates Program is recognized by more than 12,800 hoteliers and 20,000 travel agencies for offering the largest number of properties at the most deeply discounted rates, with the most value-added services and client amenities in the industry.
About TRIP.com
TRIP.com (www.TRIP.com), a subsidiary of global travel distribution leader Galileo International, Inc. GLC, is one of the premier one-stop online travel services and technology providers devoted to the mobile professional market, whether traveling for business or pleasure. In its five-year history, TRIP.com has established relationships with technology leaders and travel partners that have helped the company achieve ongoing increases in site visits and customer profiles, while maintaining its reputation as an online travel industry pioneer. From the small-business owner or remote office to the schedule-weary "road warrior" who travels all too often, TRIP.com continues to meet and redefine the needs of this influential audience.
About Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels International is the second-largest hotel franchiser in the world with almost 5,000 hotels currently open and hotels under development in 39 countries. Its Comfort, Quality, Clarion, Sleep, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn and MainStay Suites brands serve guests worldwide. Additional information on Choice and its brands can be found at www.choicehotels.com.
Janine Liscic
720/895-9380
TRIP.com
