The system, operating from a single platform, allows hoteliers to streamline multiple sales channels including their OTAs and wholesalers by centralising all their room allotments in a shared inventory pool.

They also have real-time information of business performance through an online executive dashboard to help them better manage their sales distribution channels anytime anywhere, as well as keep up with the fluctuating market conditions and seasonal peaks and lows.

HAS is the creation of Malaysia’s Creative Advances Technology (CAT) that also developed SOTA, an online travel platform that caters to both travel businesses and travellers.

Speaking at HAS’ recent launch in Kuala Lumpur CAT’s CEO, Rohizam Md Yusoff (pictured left), described the system as a technology “game changer”, which redefines the way business is done in the hotel industry.

Currently most hoteliers have to go through multiple systems or third parties to manage their room inventory and online bookings, which takes up a lot of manpower, time and cost.

“With HAS, we help place the control of room inventory management back into the hands of the hoteliers through just one single platform so they can experience smoother, more seamless work processes across every aspect of their hotel business.”

The system’s competitive edge over similar solutions is its uniqueness, Rohizam answered in response to WIT’s query on compelling reasons for hotels to subscribe to the system.

“It is the first system developed to manage room inventory and agent contracting, and provides hotel the option to manage both rates and inventory for B2C, as well as B2B.”

Additionally, hotels get an expanded sales distribution channel via SOTA’s network of 1,400 agents across 46 countries, and an extended consumer reach via SOTA publishers and partners such as Star online and PayPal.

“HAS offers more than just a technology solution as it provides the users the marketing reach to consumers as well,” Rohizam added.

Hotels pay US$2 for each booking on a pay-per-use charging model without any upfront fee.

“Due to this, hotels get higher yield margins by reducing their cost of sales on high commissions through conventional allotment methods with intermediaries,” said Rohizam

HAS is open to all categories of hotels, from independent to chain and budget hotels.

To date 83 hotels, most in Malaysia, have signed on to HAS. They include hotels from Best Western, and Lexis Corus chain, Copthorne Orchid Penang, Belum Rainforest Resort Perak and Hotel Grand Continental. The target is 200 hotels in Malaysia by year-end.

CAT plans to work through the ASEAN Hotel And Restaurant Association (AHRA) to promote the system to its members in the region.

Beyond APAC, CAT is looking at countries like Australia, India and Europe – the latter through attendance at travel trade shows such as ITB Berlin and World Travel Mart next year.