French/West/Vaughan Tapped by 1800Hotels for $11 Million Annual Integrated Marketing Account

RALEIGH, N.C., March 8 /PRNewswire/ -- French/West/Vaughan (FWV), one of the nation's largest independent public relations, public affairs and brand communications agencies, today announced that 1800Hotels.com has named it worldwide agency of record for its $11 million integrated marketing account. The account was awarded following a quiet but extensive six month review by the client.  

FWV will help develop and execute all online and offline consumer engagement strategies for the company including advertising, public relations, sponsorships and digital media. 1800Hotels.com (http://www.1800hotels.com) saves visitors time and money through its low price guarantees, live customer service and exclusive worldwide focus on the finest hotel properties.

1800Hotels.com retains one of the largest hotel inventories in the business, competing with Travelocity (http://www.travelocity.com), Expedia (http://www.expedia.com) and Orbitz (http://www.orbitz.com). Established in 2002 in Dublin, Ireland, 1800Hotels.ie (http://www.1800Hotels.ie) quickly became the number one hotel booking Web site in that country, a level of success CEO Graham Peakin plans to repeat in the U.S. and other global markets.

"We are excited to work with FWV given their incredibly impressive track record in nurturing and communicating the value proposition inherent in the best consumer lifestyle brands," said Peakin. "In addition, their vast knowledge of the travel industry and strong skill set in digital and emerging media makes them the right partner to help take 1800Hotels.com to the next level."

"This is a terrific win for the agency," said Rick French, FWV Chairman & CEO. "We are really looking forward to giving Expedia, Orbitz and all the others a run for their money by drawing a lot more attention to the things 1800Hotels does better than anyone, including selection, servicing and pricing."

Since entering the U.S. market just last year, 1800Hotels.com (http://www.1800hotels.com) has seen its average bookings double on a month-over-month basis, making the company the fastest growing broker of hotel rooms anywhere in the world. FWV's initial marketing efforts will focus on consumer engagement initiatives in the U.S., U.K. and select countries in Europe.  

About French/West/Vaughan

French/West/Vaughan (FWV) is the Southeast's largest independent public relations, public affairs and brand communications agency. National and international clients represented by the agency include the Coca-Cola Company, Wrangler, the Justin Boot Company, the International Gemological Institute, Divi Resorts, Blinds To Go, The Free Enterprise Nation and Dey Pharmaceuticals. FWV is headquartered in Raleigh and has offices in New York City and Tampa. For more information, please visit www.fwv-us.com.

SOURCE French/West/Vaughan