Posted July 3, 2008
Just mention the term “
rate loading” and you might send chills up a travel manager’s spine. It's easy to see why. According to a Carlson Wagonlit Travel newsletter, even after five audits, just 91 percent of negotiated hotel rates, on average, are accurately loaded into the global distribution systems.
Auditing and chasing down hoteliers to load the rates correctly may be the bane of the job, but what else can a buyer do? CWT suggested that clients "build relationships with their top hotel chains or properties and clearly communicate their low tolerance for ongoing rate loading mistakes.” With enough clout, some may even be able to levy fines on hoteliers who fail, for example, the third audit.