Press Release
December 15, 2000
STOWE, VT -- inntopia.com, a leading real-time, online leisure-lodging reservations
network, Thursday announced that it will provide its reservations technology to W. Hardy Interactive Inc., a software
and web development company that has developed and hosts an exclusive online lodging directory for the state of
Vermont -- accessible through www.skivermont.com, www.ridevermont.com
and www.govermont.com.
This partnership will considerably extend inntopia.com's distribution channels in Vermont and benefit lodging properties
throughout the state, as skivermont.com and ridevermont.com are heavily promoted by the state of Vermont, the Vermont
Ski Area Association and private sector partners.
``This is a great opportunity for inntopia.com member properties in Vermont and a perfect addition to our already
significant online distribution for the state, as well as for all of New England,'' said Trevor Crist, general
manager and co-founder of inntopia.com.
``It is clear that we've assumed a leadership role in distribution throughout New England, providing all area properties
with the best online distribution possible. These new affiliate sites, backed by tremendous advertising efforts,
should prove to be extensive traffic and booking generators.''
Skivermont.com receives over 3,700 web sessions daily and 3.2 million hits per month during the winter months.
Walter Hardy, owner of W. Hardy Interactive, commented, ``Within three weeks of implementing inntopia.com's reservations
technology, skivermont.com generated over $3,300 in lodging reservations. I am optimistic that we have a continuing
trend and will bring more visitors to Vermont through our site and this technology.''
inntopia.com's technology platform affords inntopia.com affiliates and member lodging properties -- inns, hotels,
and bed and breakfasts -- a powerful real-time reservations system that facilitates the sales and inventory management
processes online.
The inntopia.com global distribution network, currently including over 7,500 partner websites, allows these Vermont
lodging properties, as well as other properties, to increase sales by marketing available inventory over the Internet.
About W. Hardy Interactive
W. Hardy Interactive Inc. is a premier producer of interactive, database-driven websites and travel-related products.
The company's proprietary technology enables unique website content to be built ``on the fly,'' based on individual
users' interests, specific demographics and search criteria.
W. Hardy Interactive has created and supports a growing number of popular Vermont websites, including state-sponsored
SkiVermont.com and RideVermont.com for the Vermont Ski Areas Association, and provides travel-planning enhancements
for numerous other websites.
On a national level, W. Hardy Interactive has created and produced interactive technology projects for clients
such as Golden Books, TWA, IBM, Enron Ford Motor Co. and E-Stamp.
About inntopia.com
inntopia.com is a provider of leading-edge technology to the leisure and specialty travel industries. The company
offers independent lodging properties and affiliate partners a cost-effective, comprehensive and easy-to-use system
to facilitate the sales and inventory management processes online.
The inntopia.com global room-reservations network creates an unmatched opportunity for inns, hotels, and bed and
breakfasts to increase sales by marketing available inventory, while providing consumers with a real-time tool
for locating and booking quality accommodations throughout the world.
inntopia.com provides a comprehensive travel solution through ``online destination marketing,'' which allows a
lodging property to market its rooms through affiliate websites featuring the area in which it is located and allows
the consumer to purchase a wide range of travel products and services.
inntopia.com is a technology of Unexplored Inc., a leading provider of technology and distribution services to
the specialty travel industry.
------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:
inntopia.com
Marcy Nisenholtz, 802/253-2905 ext. 103
marcy@inntopia.com