Carlson Selects JDA Software
Implements Chain-wide Revenue Optimization Solutions
SCOTTSDALE, AZ, April 17, 2007. JDA(R) Software Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: JDAS) today announced it has signed a ground- breaking agreement with Carlson Hotels Worldwide to implement a cutting edge Revenue Optimization platform to increase asset value and profitability for Carlson franchisees. The first phase of the implementation enables Carlson to develop strong forecasting capability using JDA software, driving optimized rates and higher revenues at its more than 900 properties. Carlson operates in 71 countries under the brands Regent Hotels & Resorts; Radisson Hotels & Resorts; Park Plaza(R) Hotels & Resorts, Country Inns & Suitessm; and Park Inn(R).
"Carlson is taking the lead in chain-wide Revenue Optimization for its franchisees by partnering with the most experienced revenue management company in our industry," said Yvonne La Penotiere, president of Carlson Hotels Worldwide - The Americas. "We identified the most effective way of delivering revenue optimization and selected JDA Software Group to implement it." Investing in Revenue Optimization is part of Carlson's strategic future development plan to drive greater profitability for its operators, she added.
Carlson tapped JDA because of its industry-leading forecasting solution, JDA Demand, and its broad, cross-industry revenue optimization and forecasting experience, both of which will benefit Carlson's operators. JDA provides revenue optimization and demand forecasting solutions to leading companies, such as Continental Airlines Cargo, DHL and Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group. Within hospitality, Omni Hotels and several of the industry's largest hotel franchise chains have implemented JDA's revenue management solutions.
JDA Group Vice President Revenue Management Andy Archer said, "JDA has a matchless understanding of Revenue Optimization in the hospitality franchise space that will mean higher revenues for Carlson operators. Our track record of consistently delivering cutting edge enterprise revenue optimization capabilities to hotel chains makes JDA the right choice for Carlson's plan to roll it out to franchisees."
Carlson is taking a multi-phased approach to its Revenue Optimization implementation. In Phase One the company will provide accurate property-specific demand forecasting to each of its hotels, enabling them to capitalize on brand strengths and property characteristics. "By providing each franchisee with an accurate expectation of demand, operators will be able to maximize rates and more profitably manage staffing, marketing and other areas," Archer said.
Before selecting JDA, Carlson analyzed the industry and found many chains were failing to realize the benefits of Revenue Management because they lacked strong forecasting capabilities. Carlson worked with JDA to identify a way to deploy Revenue Optimization to its operators that is more effective in optimizing property performance.
Jim Rozell, leading Carlson's Revenue Optimization team added, "Starting with an industry-leading forecasting capability, Carlson will implement franchise Revenue Optimization more effectively than any other hotel company. JDA understands this discipline better than any other provider."
About Carlson Hotels Worldwide
Minneapolis-based Carlson Hotels Worldwide operates 948 locations in 71 countries, including Regent Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Hotels & Resorts(R), Park Plaza(R) Hotels & Resorts, Country Inns & Suites By Carlsonsm, and Park Inn(R). Carlson Hotels Worldwide is one of the major operating groups of Carlson, a global leader in providing marketing, travel and hospitality services. Other names among the Carlson family of brands and services are: Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Carlson Marketing Group, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Results Travel, Cruise Holidays, T.G.I. Friday's and Pick Up Stix restaurants. The company has been recognized by both Fortune and Working Mother magazines as one of the "100 best places to work for in America."
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
