Bedbank Targets East Med Market
NOVEMBER 8, 2008. UK accommodation specialist Bedbank.net plans to capture a greater slice of the Eastern Mediterranean market with the introduction of a dedicated office in the region.
The Cyprus-based office will be led by Bedbank's latest recruit, commercial manager Sarah Astley. Astley brings to Bedbank a wealth of experience in the accommodation-only sector having spent time at Libra Holidays Beds4all division. Prior to joining Libra she was responsible for the Cosmos Cyprus programme for more than 10 years. The introduction of a team in Cyprus will enable Bedbank to react more quickly to market trends as well as build on the strong relationships with many existing hoteliers in the region.
The Cyprus office will also enable agents to be more dynamic with faster access to special offers, which through technology provided by Vertical Systems, will be made available on the website a few hours after they have been received from hotels.
Although Bedbank is currently stronger in the Western Mediterranean region the presence of an office in Cyprus will carry its competitive pricing and customer service levels through to the Eastern Mediterranean. The 24-hour duty office will also be introduced into the area giving customers help and support where required.
Bedbank.net general manager Janette Bell said: "We are planning to duplicate our successes in the Western Med in the Eastern Med. We have recruited a strong team and we will be building on the already solid working relationships with many local hoteliers."
Agents will have the opportunity to find out more about the Cyprus commercial department at World Travel Market where Bedbank is exhibiting for the first time. The accommodation-only service also plans to showcase the Dynamite dynamic packaging system at WTM. Dynamite enables agents dynamically package holiday components using Bedbank as the accommodation provider. The system simultaneously allows agents to compare prices with tour operator packages.
Bedbank is also encouraging hoteliers to take advantage of WTM to contract for the Summer 2007 Eastern Mediterranean programme. The company plans to offer pre-payment terms to all hoteliers signing up to the programme to demonstrate its commitment to the region.
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