Press Release: iHotelier
September 18, 2002
HOUSTON, TX -- Having established a strong client base in the United States and Latin American markets, iHotelier,
a division of Webvertising Inc., has announced the opening of its European office in Spain. This office will be
responsible for supporting all of iHotelier's clients in Spain and other countries across the continent and will
be the principal European sales and support office. The firm's business plan outlines the development of a reseller/distributor
network throughout Europe that will be fully supported in all aspects from the Spanish office.
iHotelier already has a diverse and high-profile clientele in Spain that includes independent properties, chains
and travel portals. iHotelier initially entered the Spanish market in early 2001 with two resellers. iHotelier
has been powering Central De Reservas (www.centraldereservas.net), a leading Spanish travel portal with over 150
hotels, since its initial entry into the Spanish market. That number is expected to further increase with the implementation
of iHotelier's OneScreen booking interface, CRS and Internet marketing services. Most recently, iHotelier signed
a contract with Zenit Hoteles (www.zenithoteles.com) of Spain, a hotel chain with properties throughout the country.
iHotelier will provide online bookings, seamless GDS connectivity and a Web-based CRS for all twelve of Zenit's
properties (Zenit will be represented on its WV chain code). iHotelier represents an additional fifteen independent
properties in the region.
Heading iHotelier's Spain office will be Jeff Stone, who has signed on as the director general of Spain/European
Operations. Jeff brings a valuable skill set with several years of experience in distributor relationship management
and international marketing in Latin America and Asia. "Running the operations of a U.S.-based firm in a foreign
market requires a very strong understanding of both worlds, and the ability to manage expectations. It's not an
easy task and not many people can handle it," said Rodrigo Jimenez, iHotelier's chief executive officer. "We
recruited Jeff for this position after an exhaustive nine-month search. He has been living in Spain for over three
years and brings with him a unique combination of cross-cultural skills and strong business planning. We are very
excited to have him heading up our European operation."
According to Jeff Stone, "This is a great opportunity for me. iHotelier and its parent company Webvertising
have proven themselves time and again through the comprehensive functionality of its system and exemplary customer
service. To be part of such a team is an honor. I look forward to leading the sales and support effort for iHotelier
in both Spain and Europe as a whole."
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Contact:
iHotelier, Houston
Anne Letzerich, 713/533-9922 ext. 113
Source: iHotelier