Maestro PMS Drives Profitability in a Down Economy

Using Maestro PMS to improve efficiency, service and online business is more important than ever

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. October 14, 2008

MARKHAM, Canada October 8, 2008. Softening markets are not new to savvy operators who remember the downturn of 2000 - 2002. Among lessons learned from that experience: Tough times are the perfect opportunity to look at new technology to automate, integrate, and improve business practices. During a slowdown, three primary objectives hoteliers target to improve business are:

o Increase online and offline revenue-generating productivity,

o Boost staff efficiency to reduce costs, and

o Upgrade guest services to build repeat business.

All of these goals are achieved with the powerful MaestroTM Property Management Solution by NORTHWIND with over 20 integrated modules and 'Web Connection' Suite to help single and multi-property operators:

o Increase online profits with dynamic packaging, 2-way channel management integration and proactive real-time yield & rate management tools,

o Centralize management controls on a single image database to provide better interdepartmental and property coordination,

o Maximize marketing results using Analytics and Business Intelligence to create relevant campaigns based on guest profiles and preferences,

o Optimize staff productivity with Diamond Plus Service to support and keep your staff trained.

Fast ROI from increased topline revenue and productivity

Properties that leverage the power of Maestro's Web Connection Suite of integrated Internet booking tools and reservations software can realize increased topline revenue from their most profitable reservation channel, the Internet. "We are seeing a 35% increase in online sales in the past year with Maestro's fully integrated online booking capability that enables guests to add elements to their packages," said Lisa Jane Wheaton, director of revenue, Vintage Hotels. "That is a great ROI."

Increase profitability with lower expenses, higher staff efficiency

Making money is only one part of a property's profitability equation. In a slower market, investing in a Maestro PMS hotel management system that reduces expenses and improves staff efficiency is another. "Before implementing the Maestro Suite with integrated Sales and Catering, keying contracts, rooming lists and banquet event invoices required a great deal of our sales staff's time that was not spent serving guests or selling," said Matt Oliver, assistant general manager of The Highlander Inn and Conference Center. "Our investment in automating corporate sales and meeting processes goes straight to the bottom line."

For operators with depreciated hotel software systems, a soft-demand forecast can be a reminder the time is right for new technology. "The first year we implemented the Maestro PMS with Yield Management integrated into the ResEze Web Booking Engine we reduced our reservations staff by one employee while increasing our ADR by 7%," said Bob Belansen, owner of the Grand Hotel of Cape May. "Maestro helps us provide better guest service at the front desk while increasing revenue."

Effective technology also pays its way by reducing training time and providing best practices that reduce high staff turnover - a reality in the hotel business. The Maestro system with Diamond Plus Service provides access to free training webinars where new hires learn the system quickly.

Personalized service drives repeat business and revenue regardless of the economy

"Personalized guest service is essential to our Resort's repeat business and the revenue it delivers," said Alaric Pratt, systems manager for Campbell's Resort. "By automating Campbell's Resort's PMS, Spa, and Group Sales and Catering operations on the suite Maestro Property Management modules that use a single database, the resort serves its guests more efficiently so they receive personal attention and come back to us." Maestro tracks guest preferences and purchases so Campbell's staff can respond to questions quickly and professionally.

Soft market? Now is exactly the right time to look at your property's systems. Are they fully Web integrated? Can your guests book a restaurant reservation, spa appointment, and golf tee time in real time on your website when they make room reservations? Does your system provide automated email confirmations with upsell opportunities to guests who reserve rooms? Is your yield management system integrated across all your booking channels, including third party Internet sites? If your answer is no to any of these questions, consider the revenue generating and productivity advantages of upgrading your property's systems now.

Going to IHM/RS in New York? NORTHWIND-Maestro PMS is exhibiting at the annual International Hotel Motel and Restaurant Show November 8-11.

Visit NORTHWIND-Maestro at the Historic Hotels of American show in Riverside, California Nov 11-13th.