ROCKVILLE, Md.—Choice Hotels International announced the launch of RapidBook, a streamlined booking option that enabling travelers to make reservations quickly and easily using a mobile device.
“Our guests are constantly changing the way they shop for and book travel,” said Robert McDowell, senior vice president, global distribution, Choice Hotels International. “Choice Hotels is tracking right along with them, providing innovative tools so our franchisees can reach their customers who are embracing the new mobile technology as it evolves.
“Today, mobile is the fastest growing way to make hotel reservations,” McDowell continued. “But mobile booking must be fast and convenient for busy travelers on the go. RapidBook takes the frustration out of the mobile reservation process by eliminating the need to fill in information and credit card numbers on a tiny phone screen. Users simply enter their information one time when completing their online profile. After that, they’re ready to book quickly through the Choice Hotels mobile website.”
RapidBook streamlines the search and checkout functions by leveraging the preferences and other information customers opt to add to their online profile. A guest may input that he or she prefers non-smoking rooms with a king bed. The mobile enhancement recalls the guest’s preferences, provides similar rooms for future searches, and also recalls payment information.
Choice Hotels mobile business was up almost 200 percent in 2012 over the previous year. “Thanks in part to our mobile innovations, Choice Hotels’ mobile revenue is up significantly year-over-year, and mobile makes up a rapidly growing portion of the company’s online revenue,” McDowell said.
