Social Responsibility High on the Agenda

Social Responsibility High on the Agenda for Kiwi Accommodation Provider

How’s this for an idea – book and review your last minute accommodation on-line and support a charity of your choice while you’re doing it?

This is the latest initiative from ShortRates.com, New Zealand’s own last minute accommodation website.

“We pride ourselves on being owned by Kiwis and dedicated to Kiwis, and what better way to demonstrate this than by supporting some of New Zealand’s best-loved charities,” says Patrick Dyzell, Director of ShortRates.com.

In a world-first for the travel industry, travellers can opt for 50% of their booking fee to go to a charity such as Plunket, Women’s Refuge, SPCA, City Mission or Koru Care.

“One of ShortRate’s points of difference is we have credible accommodation reviews posted on our website, and the idea with this initiative is that when you post a review, you can click a button to request that 50% of your booking fee goes to x, y or z charity,” explains Dyzell.

At a time when many charities are struggling financially, Dyzell says there has been tremendous enthusiasm from charities for the scheme.

“In the current economic climate, it’s hard for charities; they’re really struggling, so it’s great to be able to help them in whatever way we can.”

Dyzell says social responsibility is high on ShortRate’s agenda and it’s something consumers are increasingly demanding of businesses.

“Buying something in 2010 isn’t just about getting a good deal; it’s about doing good as well.”

ShortRates.com knows all about good deals as well as doing good, says Dyzell. For the past five years, they have helped Kiwis find discount accommodation at short notice. “Our customers enjoy discounts of up to 60% on bookings.

“We’re the home of last minute cheap hotel rates!”

Being locally owned makes it easy for ShortRates.com to work with hotels and other accommodation providers to get travellers the best last minute rates and to help boost their occupancy.

ShortRate’s client based is split 50/50 between corporate and private travellers who are looking to take advantage of last-minute deals (between two and 28 days out) on accommodation in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch and other centres in New Zealand, from the Bay of Islands to the Deep South.

“Unlike other last-minute accommodation websites, who ask for full payment up front, we require only a 10% deposit at the time of booking,” explains Dyzell, “This is another compelling reason why travellers chose us.”

ENDS