The newest announcement and partnership between Marriott International and Groups360 include the launch of Instant Booking for Marriott’s portfolio of hotels across the United States and Canada.
Exciting news for the group travel industry. Today, Marriott becomes the first brand to use GroupSync’s Instant Booking functionality for both room blocks and meeting space at scale, providing planners with a streamlined booking process at the click of a button.
With this launch, GroupSync™—Groups360’s flagship product—can now deliver real-time rates, availability, and online instant booking options for groups. meetings and events at Marriott properties throughout the United States and Canada.
Along with the visibility of real-time pricing and availability, meeting organizers can also book meeting room equipment, audio/visual, and purchase food & beverage for their events within the same booking transaction. With a seamless and personalized experience, GroupSync turns hotel booking for groups into a shopping experience.
GroupSync turns hotel booking for groups into a shopping experience
To make true instant booking happen requires a direct integration of systems—one that provides us with the real-time rate and availability data needed for Instant Booking. The benefits of this integration are felt throughout GroupSync, not only making Instant Booking a reality, but it also makes the integrated RFP process smarter.
It’s a major win for group travel and meeting planners. This direct integration between Marriott systems and GroupSync provides immediate, actionable data during the early stages of the hotel sourcing process without having to submit an RFP.
Having this type of access to rates and availability offers a level of transparency never seen before in the industry. The ability for group organizers and planners to have this data during the sourcing process, without submitting an RFP or contacting a hotel, is revolutionary—and makes GroupSync the quickest and easiest way for group travel planners to book any size group at a Marriott property.
“This offers our group customers what they have told us they are looking for — a much more seamless and efficient booking experience,” said Drew Pinto, Global Officer, Global Sales, Distribution and Revenue Management, Marriott International. “Our industry-leading integration with Groups360 will also allow all Marriott hotels globally to receive and respond to RFPs quickly and efficiently through a two-way response process. This will be a win-win for both planners and hotels.”
“Their involvement is a testament to the commitment to reduce friction in group travel planning and help hoteliers, like Marriott, enhance their customer relationships,” said Kemp Gallineau, CEO, Groups360. “With the addition of Marriott International, we anticipate that over 20,000 leading hotel properties will be equipped to offer online group booking in the months ahead.”
Along with Marriott International, GroupSync’s marketplace includes brands and independent hotels from all around the world. Nearly 200,000 properties can be booked via GroupSync’s Smart RFP, and of those hotels, we’re approaching 20,000 globally that offer Instant Booking options for rooms, meeting space or both.
To kick things off, Marriott is celebrating this launch by giving away 1 million Marriott Bonvoy® points with the Plan to Win Giveaway. To enter, simply book a Marriott property on GroupSync. Use Instant Booking for a chance to win 30,000 points or book via GroupSync’s Smart RFP for a chance to win 20,000 points—choose from any of Marriott’s 30 hotel brands.
For group organizers and planners new to GroupSync, click here to get more details and to get a free GroupSync account.
Existing GroupSync account holders can view the Plan to Win Giveaway details and official rules here.
