NEW YORK— Thierry Roch, executive director of Historic Hotels of America (HHA), kicked off the association’s annual meeting, held here May 14 at the Waldorf=Astoria, by announcing the launch of HHA’s new central reservation system through technology provider HubX. The new system goes live June 1, said Roch. In addition, HHA has acquired the GDS code ‘HE’ and has hired a first-ever director of marketing distrution, Shirley Talbert, to oversee the new reservation system, he stated. “With our new reservation system, we’ll be able to offer more rates and more packages. We’ll have an Internet presence and booking ability that we never had before,” said Roch. In the past year, HHA has added 12 new members, bringing its total to 185 hotels. Additionally, the association’s “Driving Journeys” promotion was a big success in 2001, and will be continued this year with more than 80 participating hotels offering about 400 packages through HHAs website and strategic partners. —Diana M. Rodriguez
