Mariott to ramp up call centre operations

Mariott International Inc, the Washington headquartered hospitality chain is looking at expanding its call centre operations in India. The call centre is located at its property, Renaissance Centre, in Mumbai.

Meanwhile, Mariott International, which is functioning on a franchisee and management contract basis currently has seven properties in the country and is planning to expand its presence steadily.

The main brands that are present in India are JW Marriott (luxury brand), Marriott, The Renaissance and Ramada International.

It is increasing its presence in India in 2004 with the conversion and expansion of the 168-room Viceroy Hotel to the 308-room Hyderabad Marriott.

The hotel company today announced that it is launching 'Marriott's Look No Further' best rate guarantee on January 1, 2004.

Samir Daqqaq, vice president, Middle East, Africa and subcontinent, global sales organisation, Mariott International Inc said, "The guarantee ensures that customers will receive the best available room rate at approximately 2,500 hotels when booking through any booking channels-Mariott worldwide reservations, online, travel agents or directly with the hotel."

The move is because, as per the company, research travellers spend as much as half a day shopping to find the best room rates.

Also, If a customer books through any of the channels and finds a lower publicly available rate within 24 hours for the same hotel, the hotel will match the lower rate and give an additional 25 per cent off.

Mariott International Inc is a leading worldwide hospitality company with over 2,600 lodging properties in the United States and 68 other countries and territories.

The company operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Ramada International brand names.

It also develops and operates ownership resorts under Mariott Vacation Club International, Horizons, The Ritz Carlton Club and Marriott Grand Residence Club brands among others.