DALLAS— HOTEL BUSINESS® has learned that TravelWeb— the Internet lodging distribution site created by Hilton Hotels, Hyatt Corp., Marriott International, Six Continents Hotels, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and Pegasus Solutions— is preparing to soft launch its new consumer website today. Officially expected to debut on Oct. 29, the new TravelWeb site will begin testing its hotel distribution technology on consumers beginning Oct. 18, according to Joe Humphry, CEO of the new venture. The website will be based on a merchant model and will link directly into the hotel CRSs, giving hoteliers the opportunity to yield manage, Humphry said. In addition, he noted the new consumer travel site will not charge fees (to hotels or shoppers), and offers properties a fully automated reservation and payment system. TravelWeb is expected to debut with more than 3,000 hotel partners. The website has already been distributing its inventory through affiliate partners, like Orbitz, since June. —Diana M. Rodriguez