The hotel guide Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), which has over 400 hotels in 65 countries after adding 70 properties to its 2007 portfolio, has had an excellent 2006. Bookings were up 25% on those registered in 2005, with revenues totaling nearly 70 million euros.
Internet booking on the increase
As has been predicted in recent years, Internet bookings have increased, with 20% of all SLH bookings being made in 2006 through the guide’s web site. To this figure an additional 5%, representing bookings made through specialist travel portals like Travelocity and Expedia, must be added.
On the other hand, booking made through travel agents were down slightly to 66% of the overall total. Nevertheless, travel agents still remained the top bookings channel, since SLH’s clientele prefer to rely on the expertise of luxury travel specialists when choosing suitable accommodation.
