Marriott introduces Instant Booking for meetings and events

Marriott International and Groups360 have launched Instant Booking for Marriott’s portfolio of hotels in the U.S. and Canada. Marriott is the first brand company to have a direct integration with Groups360 to offer the “Instant Book” functionality for both guestrooms and meeting space at scale on GroupSync Marketplace, according to the company, providing planners with a streamlined booking process at the click of a button.

GroupSync’s direct integration with Marriott now offers meeting planners access to real-time best available group rates and inventory at more than 1,500 Marriott properties across the U.S. and Canada, with additional growth expected throughout 2023. Once the instant booking is completed on GroupSync, hotels receive instant notification for faster handling and execution of small meetings. A small meeting is defined as 10-25 guestrooms on peak and/or events for up to 50 attendees, starting four days out and up to one year out with a maximum length of stay of seven days. This new capability significantly reduces planning time and directly addresses the needs of Marriott’s group customers.

In addition, planners now have the benefit of viewing inventory availability before submitting an RFP for more complex events at all Marriott hotels globally.

“Through our collaboration with Groups360, we can now deliver real-time instant booking through GroupSync Marketplace at hotels in the U.S. and Canada,” said Drew Pinto, global officer, global sales, distribution and revenue management, Marriott International. “This offers our group customers what they have told us they are looking for, which is a much more seamless and efficient booking experience. Our industry-leading integration with Groups360 will also allow all Marriott hotels globally to receive and respond to RFPs quickly and efficiently through a two-way response process. This will be a win-win for both planners and hotels.”

Kemp Gallineau, CEO, Groups360, said, “Event organizers benefit not only from instant booking for rooms and space but from à la carte catering and equipment ordering, too. Their involvement is a testament to the commitment to reduce friction in group travel planning and help hoteliers, like Marriott, enhance their customer relationships. With the addition of Marriott International, we anticipate that more than 20,000 leading hotel properties will be equipped to offer online group booking in the months ahead.”