Rapid growth for FCM SmartSTAY hotel programme

FCM Travel Solutions’ added-value hotel initiative SmartSTAY has seen rapid growth since its launch in mid-2013 and now boasts over 300 properties worldwide participating in the corporate extras programme.

SmartSTAY gives FCM clients year-round access to complimentary benefits such as room upgrades, wi-fi, late check-out, early check-in, breakfast, car parking, use of hotel meeting space, laundry services and local restaurant discounts and is not based on expected volume.

Hotels which have joined the programme include selected properties from global brands like Fairmont/Swisshotel/Raffles, Pan Pacific, Accor and Hilton. SmartSTAY also features hotels from leading brands in each region, for example, Thistle in the UK, Kimpton in the US; and Vibe, Rendezvous, Choice in Asia Pacific.

Each property offers at least three value-added services. There are no additional costs associated with rates for FCM customers at any participating hotel; nor are there any upfront fees for hotels to join.

The latest hotel supplier to sign up to SmartSTAY is Langham Hospitality Group meaning FCM clients now benefit from complimentary wi-fi, free laundry services and room upgrades at 19 Langham properties worldwide.

Jo Greenfield, UK general manager, FCM Travel Solutions said: “Our clients have given us very positive feedback about SmartSTAY and the programme is starting to influence which hotels they book.

The value added extras can add up to substantial savings for clients – based on an average three night stay in the US, for example, travellers can save around US$45 on wif-fi and US$75 on breakfasts. “More companies are also recognising that a poor travel experience impacts on productivity and that the value-added benefits of SmartSTAY can make a big difference to a traveller’s level of comfort without blowing the budget”, she added.

“No other travel management company in the market is offering year-round hotel inclusions like this; where there are no extra costs, no memberships and no complicated terms and conditions.”

Sharon Byrne, global director of consortia sales Langham Hospitality Group said: “When we were invited to participate in SmartSTAY, we recognised an important opportunity for Langham to strengthen our point of difference in the market, give our hotel guests more value, and further build their loyalty with us. We are excited to be part of the global SmartSTAY programme and are already benefiting from its success.”