HRS tool eliminates incorrect hotel rates in business booking channels

Business travel management company HRS is preparing to launch a filtering tool to prevent incorrect hotel rates from appearing in booking systems used by business travelers.

The company says its new Rate Filter uses advanced analytics and machine learning to identify incorrect rates and eliminate them before they appear - a proactive solution rather than rate auditing and re-booking.

HRS will make the tool available after the Global Business Travel Association conference in San Diego next week.

“This filtering automation transforms the hotel rate accuracy conversation,” says Martin Biermann, vice president of product development and innovation for HRS.

“The rampant errors in booking systems today costs companies more than half a billion dollars. With HRS’ Rate Filter, corporations will see more of the savings they negotiated, and travelers can be assured they are following designated company booking policy.”

The filter is channel-agnostic so it works with global distribution systems, online booking tools and mobile apps.

A 2017 report from GBTA found that one in six hotel audits identifies a discrepancy between what was negotiated in a contract and what appears in the system, and most often the discrepancy involves rates. And when these incorrect rates exist, GBTA says companies pay an average of 14% more than they negotiated for rooms.