The Association and Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) and the Belgian Association of Travel Managers (BATM) have signed an agreement to strengthen ties between the two organisations.
They claimed the deal will result in “added benefits and enhanced education” for the members of both associations.
Under the deal, each will retain its individual identity but they will share resources to stage joint forums.
The first of these was held last February in Brussels. Another is being held today (September 15) at Le Meridien Hotel, Brussels.
As part of the deal, ACTE and BATM are offering a joint membership which includes access to BATM's four annual forums and “substantial savings” on attendance at ACTE events.
Peter Sijbers, ACTE's EMEA chairman, said: “The partnership formalises our existing relationship with BATM and sets the stage for future joint ventures that will benefit all members.”
Nora Buysschaert, president of BATM, said: “The partnership with ACTE will allow BATM to capitalize on synergies to provide both organizations' members with better educational opportunities, improved networking and lobbying.”
IHG reports 33% rise in profits
The InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) reported that its hotels' operating profits for the first six months of 2005 rose by 33% from £115m to £153m.
Group operating profits rose by 26% from £152m to£192m for the same period.
The company reported that it has made “further progress” on its policy of disposing for the sum of £2.2bn.
However a further £600m of assets were planned for sale but IHG said it would keep about £1bn worth of assets, mainly “strategic InterContinentals.”
Revenue per available room (Rev PAR) was 8.1% with the strongest performance in the Americas, the UK and Asia Pacific.
Andrew Cosslett, ceo of IHG, said: "We have had a good first half with strong trading around the world producing a significant increase in hotels operating profit. We continue to make good progress on our asset disposal programme and returning funds to shareholders.”