Orbitz for Business Rolls Out the Red Carpet With Business Advantage Hotel Rates

CHICAGO, July 19th, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Orbitz for Business, the corporate travel group of Orbitz Worldwide Inc. (NYSE: OWW), today rolled out the red carpet for companies and business travelers with Business Advantage, a new offering that gives road warriors the confidence to book hotel accommodations in advance with fully refundable rates*, discounts and complimentary amenities. Orbitz for Business Business Advantage rates and amenities are now available from hotel partners in every major U.S. market, as well as key international business destinations in Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom.  

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In exchange for refundable rates and amenities, Business Advantage gives participating hotels premium visibility and search placement with hundreds of thousands of qualified, in-market business travelers.  Since the pilot launch of Business Advantage in January 2011, participating hotels have seen a 62 percent year-over-year increase in Orbitz for Business bookings (compared to a 20 percent increase for non-participating hotels).  

"From the moment we launched the pilot, Business Advantage has delivered a compelling value proposition to our individual business travelers, corporate travel managers and participating hotel partners," said Frank Petito, president, Orbitz for Business.  "Given the nature of business travel – and the frequent last-minute adjustments to meeting dates, times and venues – it was important for us to work with our hotel partners in key markets to give business travelers more flexibility and savings when making their travel arrangements."

Corporate customers and travel managers that participate in Business Advantage can access these discounted rates and amenities with no online booking or cancelation fees if the reservation is canceled or changed at least 24 hours before check-in.

In order to participate in Business Advantage, hotels are required to provide a refundable room rate and encouraged to offer a further rate discount or value-added business amenity (free Wi-Fi, breakfast, room upgrades, etc.) not available through other public channels.  Once a refundable rate is entered into the Orbitz for Business system, participating hotels will start reaping the benefits of premium visibility and placement with thousands of business travelers.  

To learn more about Business Advantage and other Orbitz for Business corporate travel offerings, please visit www.orbitzforbusiness.com or call 1-800-861-2779.  

*Fully refundable Business Advantage rates allow cancellation without penalty up to 24-hrs before check-in.

About Orbitz for Business

Orbitz for Business is the corporate travel brand of Orbitz Worldwide (NYSE: OWW).  Launched in 2002, Orbitz for Business offers a complete portfolio of business travel products and services that help corporate customers plan, search and book travel. Orbitz for Business leverages the Orbitz Worldwide technology platform, customized for corporate travelers. In addition to its leading technology, Orbitz for Business delivers full service, cost effective travel management solutions including 24x7 customer support; expense reporting and policy management tools; and comprehensive choice in travel inventory.

About Orbitz Worldwide

Orbitz Worldwide is a leading global online travel company that uses innovative technology to enable leisure and business travelers to research, plan and book a broad range of travel products.  Orbitz Worldwide owns a portfolio of consumer brands that includes Orbitz, CheapTickets, ebookers, HotelClub, RatesToGo and the Away Network.  Also within the Orbitz Worldwide family, Orbitz Worldwide Distribution delivers private label travel solutions to a broad range of partners including many of the world's largest airlines, and Orbitz for Business delivers managed travel solutions for corporations.  Orbitz Worldwide uses its Investor Relations website to make information available to its investors and the public at http://investors.orbitz.com.  You can sign up to receive email alerts whenever the company posts new information to the website.

SOURCE Orbitz Worldwide, Inc.