Porter & Sail, a company that enables consumers to
purchase discounted hotel credits without committing to a travel date, has
acquired its competitor, FutureKey. Financial terms of the acquisition have not
been disclosed.
Porter & Sail launched its “Hotel Credits” product in March
in response to COVID-19, giving travelers the ability to purchase a digital
voucher that can be used toward a future hotel stay. The company says it now
has more than 120 participating hotels.
Similarly, FutureKey launched in April to sell discounted
gift cards for future hotel stays, and it also contributes a portion of every
sale to relief funds assisting hospitality workers.
“This inconceivable year has forced hotels to reimagine
their future in a travel environment that has become unpredictable and
volatile. With credits, hotels can
generate revenue while providing significant consumer value,” says Caitlin
Zaino von During, Porter & Sail CEO.
“This is a guest-centric
approach that resonates with hesitant travelers, building trust while giving
hoteliers an opportunity to meet customers where they are and provide ultimate
flexibility.”
FutureKey’s partners include Ace
Hotel and Salt Hotels.
“Consumer behavior has changed
as a result of the pandemic, and travelers are demanding new ways of
discovering and booking travel purpose-built for today’s landscape, and it’s
clear this concept is resonating,” Zaino von During says.
* Check out this interview with Zaino von During for the How I Got Here podcast, recorded in June 2020.