Kimpton Selects VFM Interactive
VFM to produce and distribute new rich media for all Kimpton properties
TORONTO, Canada, December 14, 2007. Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, the first and leading collection of boutique hotels throughout the United States and Canada, is ramping up its online marketing with more rich visual content through a new partnership with VFM Interactive, the leading producer and distributor of hotel rich media. As part of the partnership, VFM will be producing and distributing new rich media - still images, virtual tours and videos - that will enhance and better display the distinct features and services of each of Kimpton's unique properties to travel consumers both on Kimpton's website as well as VFM network of more than 25,000 travel sites and other electronic distribution channels.
Additionally, Kimpton will be utilizing VFM's Vscape(R) online rich media management and distribution platform as well as a new custom-developed state-of-the-art multimedia viewer to better display its properties' media. Vscape will allow Kimpton to store, manage and distribute to all electronic channels all of its properties' images, virtual tours, videos and other marketing content through a single platform. Utilizing the best media display technologies, the new VFM Flash-based viewer will provide online consumers with a superior user experience, allowing them to quickly and easily explore each Kimpton property and its guestrooms, amenities, meeting facilities, restaurants etc. through engaging rich visual content.
"Our goal is to use the best marketing tools available to fully convey to online consumers the distinct and attractive features of each of our unique properties and convince them to stay there. And in today's online world, rich visual content like still images, virtual tours and videos are an essential part of the online marketing mix," said Kathleen Sanford Reidenbach, vice president, revenue management & distribution for Kimpton.
"VFM's high quality rich media productions, industry-leading media management and distribution technology, and unparalleled distribution network make them the ideal partner to help us enhance our properties' online image and, ultimately, reach more consumers," added Reidenbach.
"We're delighted and proud to have been selected by Kimpton for their rich media production and distribution needs," said Paolo Boni, president and CEO of VFM. "It's a great endorsement of VFM and our capabilities. Importantly, it's also further evidence that quality hotel rich visual content is no longer a just 'nice to have'."
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 
