Choice Hotels Europe looks to build business from China and global emerging markets through a new distribution agreement with 4oceans.

4oceans, the electronic distribution specialist, has won a deal with Choice Hotels Europe to provide its ResConnect distribution service throughout the group's UK portfolio.

The agreement paves the way for Choice Hotels Europe to build business from the growth market of China where over 3,000 agents operate through the 4oceans platform. 4oceans is now recognised as the largest electronic distribution channel in China.

In addition, the ResConnect system will provide Choice Hotels with the ability to market promotional offers, rates and product information to thousands of agents around the world who are connected to the 4oceans platform, providing a major new revenue stream for the company.

Agents connected to the 4oceans platform will now gain access to the complete range of Choice Hotel in the UK, with at-a-glance room availability, guaranteed reservations and instant booking confirmations in a real time, on-line environment.

James Pogson, Director of E-Commerce at Choice Hotels Europe, said: "We wanted to invest in a web-based distribution system that would allow us to build business from new and emerging markets, under-pinning our on-going UK development strategy.

"The 4oceans ResConnect system provides a powerful, flexible solution that puts control in the hands of individual hotels and agents, allowing them to co-ordinate activity for mutual benefit. The broad range of properties we offer provides agents with something to suit all customer requirements, and with increasing business and personal travel from China we are confident
that Choice hotels will gain a loyal following for value, quality and service."

Part of Choice Hotels Europe, there are 89 Choice hotels throughout the British Isles combining four distinct brands - Comfort, Quality, Sleep and Clarion - to provide travellers with accommodation suitable for a wide range of budgets and requirements.

Juliette Newth, Hotel Relations Manager of 4oceans, added: "4oceans is going from strength to strength as a growing number of hotel groups recognise the immense opportunity our web-based distribution technology offers.

"The relaxing of visa requirements by China is resulting in growing business for European hoteliers. Choice is seizing the opportunity to build awareness of its brands with Chinese agents and we are confident that both Choice UK and agents operating through the 4oceans platform, will find it faster and easier to secure bookings and new revenue opportunities."