Press Release
March 9, 2001
CALGARY, ALBERTA -- Travelodge Canada and WestJet Airlines announced yesterday a partnership agreement that will
see a ``one call does it all'' travel reservations system being implemented. The partnership was celebrated at
the WestJet Reservations Centre in Calgary, Alberta.
Through this alliance, the WestJet guest will be able to make their travel arrangements and hotel reservations
with one phone call. The individual will phone WestJet's Sales Super Centre to book their air transportation. After
booking their flight, the WestJet Sales Super Agent will ask the customer if he or she requires any hotel accommodations.
If the answer is yes, the WestJet agent will transfer the caller directly to the Travelodge Central Reservations
Office in Saint John, New Brunswick. When the customer is connected, the Travelodge agent will then make the reservation
for the traveller at the requested Travelodge property.
Travelodge Canada has corresponding hotel properties in most locations that WestJet currently serves. In many locations,
there are numerous choices for the traveller, offering the benefit of choosing the property that is most convenient
for their travel needs.
``We are very excited about our partnership with WestJet Airlines,'' said Dorothy Dowling, executive vice president,
marketing, Travelodge Canada. ``Both organizations are committed to providing the best to their guests and this
partnership makes a perfect match.''
Based in Calgary Alberta, WestJet is a leader in low fare, short haul air travel in Canada. WestJet commenced operations
in 1996 serving markets in western Canada. In 1999, they announced that they would extend their low fare strategy
to across Canada. This change marked an exciting step for WestJet to offer their services to more Canadians.
``We are very pleased to be partnering with Travelodge Canada,'' said Bill Lamberton, vice-president, marketing
and sales, WestJet Airlines. ``This alliance will prove to be beneficial to both organizations and especially to
the customers who book with us. ''
Guest satisfaction is a top priority for both Travelodge and WestJet and the match between the two organizations
is an ideal fit. Both companies are committed to providing the best possible service to the guest when booking
their travel arrangements.
Travelodge Canada administers the Master License for Travelodge and Thriftlodge in Canada with more than 90 locations
across the country. Travelodge Canada Corp. is a subsidiary of Royal Host Corp. based in Calgary, Alberta.
Royal Host Real Estate Investment Trust owns 36 hotels, manages 78 properties and franchises 83 locations for more
than 16,000 guestrooms in the mid-market to upscale segments. Royal Host also owns the Travelodge Master Franchise
in Canada, provides hotel and resort management services for the portfolio and to third party properties, markets
vacation intervals in hotels and resorts, and operates a facility for customers to trade and bank prepaid vacation
weeks. Royal host units are traded on The Toronto Stock Exchange (RYL.UN).
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Contact:
Travelodge Canada Raina Wall National Sales Manager (403) 259-9851 (403) 255-6981 E-mail: rwall@travelodge.ca or Travelodge Canada Dorothy Dowling Executive Vice President, Marketing (403) 258-5671 (403) 212-6420 Email: ddowling@royalhost.com Website: www.travelodge.com