Galileo says that Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide will be included in its Best Available Rate (BAR) guarantee programme.
The news means that Starwood will now be added to more than 150 hotel brands participating in the BAR programme, allowing large chains to provide travel agents with the best-available published, non-restricted rates offered through GDS (global distribution system) or online distribution channels.
"Starwood places value in the service provided by travel agents around the globe,” said Starwood vice-president, Electronic Distribution, Linda Kent. "Our participation in the Galileo BAR program is an extension of the partnership we have with Galileo in providing the best information possible to the agency community and its customers."
Starwood Hotels & Resorts is one of the largest hotel and leisure companies in the world, with more than 870 properties in more than 95 countries. Brands include Westin, Sheraton, W Hotels, St. Regis, Luxury Collection, Le M”ridien, Four Points, and the upcoming Aloft and Element.
"Galileo provides agents with the assurance that the rates they receive from Galileo are truly the ”best available,” eliminating the need to shop multiple channels to serve their customer," said senior director, Hotel & Car Distribution, Galileo by Travelport, Louise Meyer.