Hogg Robinson Group (HRG) has further upgraded its proprietary self service reservation (SSR) tool, HRG Online,^TM adding a host of new features and benefits to enhance the booking process for its corporate clients and their business travellers.

The latest HRG Online developments highlight HRG’s commitment to providing clients with a comprehensive range of booking solutions and options and continually developing them to meet client needs.

The new features include:

• Option to view and book all flights departing same day
• Request to join the waitlist for full flights
• Fully automated rail booking and instant rail ticketing process, including payment by invoice, credit card or lodge card
• Ability to identify environmentally friendly hotels through the use of a ‘green’ tree icon, signifying their compliance to ISO environmental policies
• City ‘caps’ displayed to highlight the recommended ceiling price for an average room rate in each location, with hotel rates displayed in both destination and home currency
• Option to request multi-sector trips with in-branch fulfilment
• Ability to add an itinerary directly to a traveller’s Microsoft Outlook calendar

Bill Brindle, Business Technology & Distribution Director, commented: “One of HRG’s key strengths is listening to our corporate clients and their travellers, anticipating their needs, and developing value-added solutions that effectively meet their requirements based on real, user-driven feedback.

“A significant proportion of all HRG’s managed clients now have online booking capabilities or are evaluating the relevance of an SSR tool for their organisation. This demonstrates the importance of continuous improvement and the need to ensure that HRG’s own solutions not only meet but also exceed technology and industry standards.”

To help ensure clients consider all the elements involved when considering an SSR solution, HRG has developed the Online Booking Roadmap, a six stage process. This harnesses HRG’s experience and intellect to guide clients through the process of introducing online booking into their organisation, from conception through to implementation and measurement.

Stage One – Why Online Booking?

Evaluating the need for an online booking solution is an essential first step. At this stage HRG will consider a client’s travel patterns, company culture and programme objectives.

HRG has developed a unique Online Suitability model. By inputting some simple data into the model, which covers eight key areas: travel patterns, culture, accounting and reporting, booking requirements, technology, air fares, supplier deals and travel policy, the Company can generate a client suitability report highlighting the areas to consider before adopting an online booking tool.

At this stage HRG will, in conjunction with the client, consider the most appropriate solution to meet their needs. Uniquely able to implement all major SSR tools available on the market today, the Company has also invested in its own, industry-leading solutions to meet specific client requirements.

In line with its flexible and all encompassing approach to client service, HRG offers the choice of utilising a state of the art, e-fulfilment centre or, for those who prefer it, a traditional service model. Costing analysis is available through HRG’s Return on Investment model, affording clients the choice of how online reservations are supported and providing detailed analysis on the associated expenditure.

To ensure a smooth ‘bedding in’ process HRG manages the whole implementation stage to include: integrating online booking into the total travel process, testing, marketing and training.

Stage Six – Adoption

HRG recognises that clients require additional support in order to realise the most out of their SSR investment. Through areas such as ongoing training and support, targeting non-users and incentivising travellers and travel bookers, adoption rates of over 65% have been achieved, with some companies realising adoption rates in the high 80% range.

For further information on HRG Online and a demonstration of its capabilities, visit stand 513 at the Business Travel Show in Earls Court, London, from 13^th – 15^th February 2007.

- Ends -

For further information:

Euro RSCG Biss Lancaster
Jenny Collins /Alice Mayor
Tel: +44 (0) 207 467 9200
Email: blhrg@bisslancaster.com

Hogg Robinson Group
Laurie Waugh, Public Relations Manager
Tel: + 44 (0) 1256 312 623
Email: laurie.waugh@hrgworldwide.com

Notes to Editors:

Hogg Robinson Group (HRG) is the award-winning international corporate services company. Founded in 1845, HRG has over 60 years specific corporate travel expertise. Its corporate services interests include wholly-owned or majority controlled corporate travel operations in 24 of the key driver and growth markets throughout Asia Pacific, Europe and North America.  Supported by contracted partners, the HRG worldwide network extends to nearly 100 countries.

Totally committed to a value offering for clients, HRG offers a comprehensive range of corporate services which includes travel management, fulfillment services and low cost transactions as well as Consulting, Expense Management, Sports and Events & Meetings Management.