NEWS....... Visual Data's HotelView Subsidiary Forms Alliance with Worldwide ReservationGiant REZsolutions; REZsolutions to Feature HotelView Links onTheir Internet Site
POMPANO BEACH, Fla., March 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Visual Data Corporation
(Nasdaq: VDAT), a leading producer and distributor of video and audio
programming for the Internet, today announced that its HotelView subsidiary has entered into a strategic alliance with REZsolutions, the leading supplier of integrated business solutions to the hospitality industry worldwide.
A product of Utell International and Anasazi Inc., REZsolutions will link HotelView to its self-booking Web site HotelBook at www.hotelbook.com. The HotelView icon allowing viewers to watch two- to four-minute hotel video tours on the Internet will be seen on HotelBook's search pages in early 1999.
HotelView produces a Web site enhancement that brings guests inside the hotel for an in-depth property tour using audio and video on the Internet. The aim of this new online advertising technique is to entice viewers with a stimulating, comprehensive presentation that encourages them to book their reservation instantaneously. HotelView further promotes its member resorts to consumers and the travel trade through more than 650 travel, leisure and business distribution links that include ASTAnet.com and TravelWeb.
REZ solutions provides central reservations for nearly one-third of all hotel rooms worldwide and maintains the hotel industry's most extensive distribution network with more than 50 sales and reservations offices in 38 countries, and automated connections to over 500,000 travel agency terminals. The company represents 7,700 properties and more than 3 million hotel rooms worldwide. REZsolutions' HotelBook, managed by Utell International (a division of REZsolutions), allows consumers to make hotel reservations online.
"The opportunity to be part of the leading online booking system in the world provides our company with immediate exposure and access to an international portfolio that includes major brands as well as independent properties," says David Chestler, General Manager of HotelView. "Our alliance with REZsolutions enhances HotelView's presence and stature within the travel and hospitality industry. We expect this to further advance our overall efforts to build the business."
"The inclusion of HotelView on HotelBook provides our customers with
another exciting high-tech amenity to sell more hotel rooms," says Ian Wagge, Vice President, Planning and Distribution, REZsolutions. "REZsolutions prides itself on being the world leader in providing integrated technology for the hospitality industry. Working with Visual Data and its HotelView subsidiary takes this one step further."
REZsolutions is the leading provider of reservations and marketing
programs, hotel branding solutions, technology systems and private label services for the hospitality industry worldwide. The company offers a fully integrated portfolio of products and services, global access, plus full-service support for independent hotels, management companies, hotel owners and developers in over 180 countries. In addition to its corporate headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona, REZsolutions operates regional business centers in New York, London and Singapore.
HotelView combines Visual Data's digital media technology and superior
travel-related distribution network to promote and advertise hotels via sight, sound and motion at a fraction of the cost of traditional media. The video tour is accessed through the hotel's own Web site using either existing footage, or new footage produced in-house by HotelView that is available for use by the hotel's sales force.
Visual Data Corporation, founded in 1993, specializes in the production, marketing and distribution of full-motion visual information via the Internet and various media, including, interactive television. The company also develops full-motion video libraries containing concise vignettes on a wide range of topics from business information, travel and education to consumer products.
SOURCE Visual Data Corporation
CO: Visual Data Corporation; HotelView; REZsolutions; Utell International;
Anasazi Inc.
ST: Florida, Arizona
IN: MLM CPR LEI
SU: TNM
03/01/99 11:37 EST prnewswire.com |
