HRS chosen by Airbus to digitise its Global Hotel Programme

Global hotel booking agency HRS has announced it has been selected by Airbus to oversee the digital transformation of the aircraft manufacturer’s hotel programme. HRS will manage the company’s hotel negotiations and existing booking tools, as well as new mobile applications. HRS and Airbus will also collaborate on implementing virtual payment for travellers across its preferred hotel properties. With HRS virtual payment, travellers do not need to use personal or corporate cards at the hotel. Expense reports for lodging are done automatically. HRS claims to have the world’s largest hotel benchmarking database. “The trend is clearly leading in the direction of digital solutions. Data transparency, cost efficiency and traveller satisfaction are today’s challenges that we solve with our solutions,” said HRS CEO Tobias Ragge. “Corporations are taking a closer look at the value of outsourcing versus traditional hotel programme management. “Given today’s corporate hospitality arena – with digitisation, fragmentation and globalisation driving increased complexity – companies need a truly customisable model, and we are taking the lead.” HRS says it is already engaging with global hotel chains, smaller groups and independent hotels on Airbus’ behalf for 2019 rate negotiations, with preferred hotel suppliers required to accommodate Airbus’ virtual payment initiative. HRS will highlight the virtual payment evolution at the ACTE Global Summit/Corporate Lodging Forum in Paris on 16 October.