Q: What are the key components of our Travel Agency programs?
A: The four key components are:
• Hotel participation – all hotels are included (hotels may choose to opt-out; however, they will be removed
from all programs)
• Rate product – Best Flexible Rate (BFR)
• Targeted marketing programs designed to educate agents on IHG products
• Pay-for-Performance Incentive (P4P) – at least 50% of compensation package for accounts
IHG offers the greatest rewards to those who are willing and able to actively shift share to IHG hotels. Those accounts that are
neither willing nor able to help IHG could potentially be left with no agreement.
Q: How does a hotel benefit from this type of model?
A: Hotels only pay for the discretionary business they receive (non-KNR/LNR):
• No upfront fees (listing fees to be included in programs)
• No discount off Best Flexible Rate (increased ADR)
• No RFPs to complete – we pull hotel data from the current IHG-RFP database
(you have more time to sell!)
Q: What exactly does the “Opt-Out” Program mean?
A: IHG will provide data files to all accounts for all hotels (from i-RFP). Hotels will be in ALL IHG-sanctioned programs, and they
will not be able to opt into specific programs. If a hotel wishes not to participate (opt-out) in the BTA program, please follow
the instructions posted in The Sales Source via Merlin. Once a hotel has opted out, this is in effect until the following year.
Q: Where can I view future travel agency blitz dates and sites?
A: The calendar including Travel Agency Blitz dates is listed in The Sales Source.
Please access The Sales Source via Merlin
(
) and do a search for “BTA Blitz Calendar.”
Q: Where can I find the BTA Marketing Resource Guide?
A:
The BTA Marketing Resource Guide can be found on Merlin/The Sales Source by searching “BTA Marketing Resource Guide
.”
This guide is updated quarterly with best practices, BTA Partnership marketing opportunities and relevant resources available to
all IHG hotels.
Q: How can I promote my hotel on the
portal?
A: Hotels can submit a PDF flyer promoting Travel Agency Discount Rates by emailing the flyer to
Access The Sales Source via Merlin (
) for additional helpful information on the Travel Agency and
Government segment such as: Complimentary BTA Marketing Opportunities, Travel Agency Blitz Schedule of Dates
Travel Agency Sales FAQs
Travel Agency Sales FAQs
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