The Netherlands-based hotelier joins the NAVTEQ Direct Access(TM) program so that its 230 properties worldwide get premium positioning treatment on the NAVTEQ(R) map

CHICAGO, Feb. 15 — (PRNewswire) — NAVTEQ, the leading global provider of digital map, traffic and location data for in-vehicle, portable, wireless and enterprise solutions, announced that Golden Tulip Hospitality Group has signed to become a NAVTEQ Direct Access customer.

The deal provides that Golden Tulip Hospitality Group's 230 properties in Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and North America receive pinpoint positioning on the NAVTEQ map, which is viewed approximately 100 million times each day.  

Because they change at a rapid pace, points of interest (POIs) are among the most volatile data elements in a map database. NAVTEQ Direct Access allows merchant locations to be included and properly positioned in the NAVTEQ map, even if those locations should grow in number or change. Direct Access POIs, represented by the merchants' logos, are then distributed to NAVTEQ's customers for use on navigation devices or other mapping applications. More than 80% of people using navigation systems say they prefer branded logos to generic icons, according to an internal NAVTEQ Study (2008).*  

"As NAVTEQ releases updated maps regularly, we can enable up-to-date access to our network of hotels, optimizing exposure to our guests," comments Riko van Santen, senior vice president Distribution & ICT for Golden Tulip Hospitality Group.  

"Given that many consumers looking for a hotel are usually driving in an unfamiliar area, the NAVTEQ Direct Access programme can be of enormous potential benefit to both hotel chains and their guests," said David Barker, sales director for EMEA, NAVTEQ.  

*Source: NAVTEQ POI & Rich Content Study 2008

About Golden Tulip Hospitality Group

With nearly 50 years experience as hotel franchisor, Golden Tulip Hospitality Group ( www.goldentulip.com), with its head office in Amersfoort, Netherlands, is a worldwide hospitality company offering services in the mid- upper- and luxury scales to over 230 hotels representing 27,000 rooms in more than 40 countries.

The 3 brands present in Europe, the Middle East & Africa, the Asian Pacific Region and the Americas, promise International Standard of services and facilities throughout hotels which retrain their own unique flavours and personality.

Tulip Inn are three-star properties in convenient locations usually in city centres or close to major access routes. Each hotel benefits from its regional situation, but they all provide comfortable and functional accommodation along with friendly service. All hotels are designed to offer business and leisure travellers an exceptional value for money.

Golden Tulip are four-star properties by means of modern facilities, personal service and international standards of comfort. Each hotel offers its own individual character, whilst reflecting the flavours of its location. The hotels enjoy a perfect situation in business or leisure destination, aiming to exceed guest expectations.

Royal Tulip encompasses five-star properties offering the most elegant and luxurious facilities with a deluxe level of comfort and delicate service. Situated in gateway city centres and business districts, all hotels are equipped with ultra-modern amenities to ensure an exceptional stay. Royal Tulip hotels provide the discerning traveller with security, exclusivity and discrete excellence.

Since the signing of a commercial alliance with Louvre Hotels group, representing the Premiere Classe, Campanile, Kyriad and Kyriad prestige brands, the total portfolio combine 1072 hotels representing 83,000 rooms and covering all hotel categories, creating the 8th biggest hotel chain worldwide.

If you wish to have more information regarding Golden Tulip Hospitality Group, please visit http://corporate.goldentulip.com or contact Email Contact.

About NAVTEQ

NAVTEQ is the leading global provider of digital map, traffic and location data that enables navigation and location-based platforms around the world.  NAVTEQ supplies comprehensive digital map information to power automotive navigation systems, portable and wireless devices, Internet-based mapping applications and government and business solutions.  The Chicago-based company was founded in 1985 and has approximately 4,400 employees located in 195 offices and in 44 countries.

NAVTEQ and NAVTEQ Direct Access are trademarks in the U.S. and other countries. All rights reserved. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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SOURCE NAVTEQ

Contact:

NAVTEQ Golden Tulip Hospitality Group Stella Smith of NAVTEQ Phone: +1-312-894-7614 Email Contact Bob Richter Phone: +1-212-802-8588 Email Contact for NAVTEQ Web: http://www.navteq.com