InterContinental Hotels Group Integrates Three Dedicated Japanese Language Websites with its Global Hotel Network
Launches three end-to-end Japanese language websites to better serve its Japanese-speaking customers. Customers can research and book any of the 3,500 InterContinental Hotels Group’s hotels worldwide quickly and easily, in their native language, by logging on to the Japanese InterContinental (www.japan.intercontinental.com) and Holiday Inn (www.japan.holiday-inn.com) websites. In addition, customers who are members of the Group’s loyalty programme Priority Club Rewards, can access the new Japanese Priority Club Rewards website via www.priorityclub.com to take advantage of convenient personalised services, including immediate online rewards redemption that do not require offline certificates or vouchers.
Said InterContinental Hotels Group’s Director, E-Commerce, Mr Craig Hewett, “The launch of these Japanese websites demonstrates our deep commitment to the Japan market. The new Japanese websites are part of an important group of local language websites we have been launching to better meet the needs of our customers. In addition to addressing customer preferences and creating more avenues for customers to reach us and place bookings, these websites also contribute to enhancing our profile and ensuring our continued leadership in these markets.”
Said Mr Paul Kitamura, InterContinental Hotels Group’s Vice President, Japan, “Our commitment to Japan is clearly visible through the launch of these websites. We have truly empowered the consumer by providing an effective booking and loyalty platform for those who prefer to browse and shop in Japanese.” InterContinental Hotels Group’s understanding of customer needs is continually reinforced by researching customer preferences among its growing database of Priority Club Rewards members, which currently stands at 23 million. Said Ms Julia Wong, InterContinental Hotels Group’s Director, Loyalty Marketing, Asia Pacific, “The new websites facilitate the travel planning of Japanese-speaking customers by providing a fast, convenient and easy way to research, book and redeem rewards in real time. Customers can personalise their hotel searches and their preferences are integrated into their online transactions. With these new websites, we will continue to deliver what our customers want, in the way they want it.”
The new Japanese websites offer a wide range of transactions. Mirroring the Group’s global Quick Reservation functionality, bookings can be completed in just four steps. The sites offer guaranteed reservations that can be confirmed online. Rooms are guaranteed till 6pm on the day of arrival without a deposit or the use of a credit card, eliminating security concerns regarding online payments. Customer privacy and security are also protected. InterContinental Hotels Group is the first hotel company to display the TRUSTe Privacy Seal, granted only to websites that observe established standards.
Customers can also instantly become Priority Club Rewards members using Quick Enrol, the industry’s only e-service that issues a membership number immediately upon signup, enabling members to earn points even on the first booking. Member preferences are also automatically stored, eliminating the need to re-enter personal information during subsequent bookings. Members can also check their accounts and modify or cancel any current bookings made via any channel – over the Internet or through a reservation centre or travel agent. Members can also use the Priority Club Rewards website to redeem rewards online. Priority Club Rewards was the first to introduce online reward nights redemption, allowing members to enjoy their free reward nights immediately. Members also have the flexibility to change their earning preference from points to miles or vice versa online. The sites also benefit travel agents, who receive a 10% commission when they book online for their customers.
According to World Travel and Tourism Council, Japan’s total travel and tourism demand is forecasted to reach US$662.9 billion in ten years’ time. Coupled with an Internet penetration of more than 63 million in Japan, the new websites will be strong revenue drivers. Added Mr Hewett, “These websites are part of our strategy to build a robust and scalable global system to help drive revenue and boost profitability for our hotels. In recent years, we have invested US$6 million globally in e-commerce, resulting in a host of enhanced online services. By constantly innovating and leveraging our global infrastructure and technological leadership, we have built an excellent track record of ‘industry firsts’ in technology and e-commerce, met the changing needs of our customers and stayed one step ahead of our competitors.”
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