Accor and Groups360 have launched GroupSync, Groups360’s cloud-based technology product for meetings and events, to provide instant online booking for groups, a simplified request for proposal process and housing solutions across Accor’s global portfolio.
“Accor takes pride in our commitment to strategic innovation, as well as our leadership at the forefront of technological adoption,” said Markus Keller, the company's SVP, sales and distribution. “We are delighted to partner with Groups360 on launching technology that will instigate a significant paradigm shift in the meetings and events industry toward more seamless bookings and unforgettable experiences for meeting professionals and their guests.”
GroupSync will become the new engine that powers the current digital RFP process on Accor’s private-label website, meetings.accor.com, before end of 2021. Accor’s launch of GroupSync Engage, which will be live in beginning of 2022, will let customers book meeting space directly from the hotel’s website. The company plans to integrate instant booking of group rooms in the following months.
“GroupSync Engage will empower Accor to better serve its global markets by allowing planners to book not only meeting space but also group room blocks, F&B and audio-visual services in the same online transaction,” said Kemp Gallineau, CEO of Groups360. “Since Accor is a global brand with a significant number of properties outside the U.S., their launch of this instant group booking technology will speed its adoption across the globe.”
Accor will offer the instant online booking solution for group rooms on GroupSync to the majority of its more than 5,200 properties worldwide. Accor properties are also showcased in the GroupSync Marketplace for streamlined digital RFPs and instant group bookings.
Accor hoteliers can choose GroupSync Optimize for room-block management solutions and housing packages. GroupSync Optimize will also power voucher and gift certificate packages for Accor brands in select markets. Early adopters who have used GroupSync Optimize for housing and voucher sales have reported a 25 percent increase in revenue.