| The sudden crunch in the global economy has not | | | | marketing director, explained that they were actually |
| only affected Europe and the US. It has definitely hit | | | | expecting to receive bids starting at a dollar or so. |
| countries in Asia like Japan, Taiwan, Philippines and | | | | But to their surprise, bids raised up to $100. Inoue |
| even the small city-state of Singapore. Singapore, a | | | | emphasized that this occurrence made them feel |
| rising metropolis in Southeast Asia, receives over 10 | | | | even more confident that guests appreciate their |
| million tourists every year that spend more than | | | | services and are willing to pay amounts as much as |
| S$14.8 billion. But in 2008, a decline of 1.6 percent in | | | | $100 to avail a stay. Thousands of visitors already |
| visitor arrivals had been recorded in the statistics of | | | | entered their bid the moment the promo was |
| the Singapore Tourism Board. | | | | announced. And in no time, the hotel's booking was |
| In order to boost the occupancy rate in their hotel, | | | | almost full! |
| Ibis Singapore, a part of French hotel and business | | | | If guests are surprised with this cool treat and might |
| services group, Accor, thought of a brilliant gimmick | | | | be wondering about the logic behind this one of a |
| to attract more guests to their hotel. | | | | kind promo, Inoue has an answer for them. Inoue |
| In a time of crisis, no one wants to pay high room | | | | explained that this bold move was done to test the |
| rates. No one wants to pay extra tax and service | | | | waters of the hospitality industry in Singapore. With |
| fees either. But anyone in their wishful thinking would | | | | the pending threats of the global financial crisis, this |
| want to pay the amount that he can afford and is | | | | bidding process would help the hotel management |
| very willing to shell out in exchange for a particular | | | | determine the particular amount the customers are |
| service availed. But that is no wishful thinking | | | | still willing to pay in exchange of great hotel services |
| anymore for the loyal customers of Ibis Singapore. | | | | and classy accommodation. |
| As a part of the hotel's pre-opening treat for | | | | With the wave of the recession brushing the shores |
| travelers last February 12, 2009, customers can name | | | | of many countries, businessmen, merchants and |
| the price they are willing to pay for a stay in the | | | | leisure travelers are trying to avail promos and |
| hotel and actually pay for that amount! | | | | discounted rates as much as possible to save up |
| Interested guests just logged onto the hotel's | | | | travel costs. But they are wise enough to discern |
| website sg) during designated sale periods to put the | | | | which hotels can provide them the services and |
| price they were willing to pay. The fastest bidder | | | | accommodation worthy of the value they pay for. |
| won and got the chance to book a hotel room in | | | | With the overwhelming reception of Ibis Singapore's |
| Singapore Ibis for the price he wanted to pay. | | | | "Name Your Price Promo, "it is evident that many |
| There were no limitations with regards to the | | | | people opt to vie for quality services in reasonable |
| amount to be entered. Bidders could enter any | | | | prices. In Ibis Singapore, guests and travelers will |
| amount as low as S$1! Hiro Inoue, Ibis Singapore | | | | surely find what they are expecting for! |