Describing what HRS does in just a few words is no easy
task, and that's sort of the idea, according to Ragge. "What we're trying
to become is a holistic, end-to-end business process-outsourcing solution
provider for accommodation." The German company adopted this vision a few
years ago—Ragge also made it on this list in 2014—and it's meant keeping an eye
out for partnerships and technologies that can solve problems for HRS
customers.
In 2016, the company launched Paperless Travel, which
collects from hotels all the invoices related to a corporate client's stays,
digitizes them and matches them with existing booking data. HRS follows up with
the hotel if there is a discrepancy in booked and charged prices. The invoice
data also can be uploaded to expense reports or accounting systems or form the
basis for value-added tax recovery claims.
HRS also struck a deal with Concur to enable virtual card
payments through Concur's platform in 2017, following previous virtual card
partnerships with American Express Global Business Travel and Airplus. HRS's
investment in Conichi has helped the mobile check in, secure payment and mobile
check-out provider expand its presence in Europe and gain in North America. HRS
has leveraged the partnership to add "Smart Hotels," those equipped
with Conichi technology, to its online booking tool. HRS has partnered with
Australia's Lido Group, a corporate and government accommodations aggregator
and payment solutions provider. Ragge said the deal positions HRS "in all
of the world's top business travel markets."