A HUNTINGDON hotel s commuter expert has beaten off competition from 5,000 entrants to take a sales technology award for turning the hotel s website into a virtual lobby . The Vodafone Best Use of Technology success, one of 20 national sales awards, is t

A HUNTINGDON hotel's commuter expert has beaten off competition from 5,000 entrants to take a sales technology award for turning the hotel's website into a "virtual lobby".

The Vodafone Best Use of Technology success, one of 20 national sales awards, is the latest award for the Marriott's Chris Robinson, who said there had been a 68 per cent growth in sales year on year and the hotel web-site is rated number one across the hotel group worldwide.

"eProposals allow the hotel to offer a bespoke service to potential clients interested in booking a wedding or conference venue," the hotel said. "The details differ for each booking sent out via a new online tool, while still adhering to the group's brand guidelines."

Chris, 24, added: "It's just one of four online tools designed to improve the customer experience. Another allows companies to book corporate travel through customised web pages. About 70 per cent of booking costs to the business can be saved by encouraging clients to book online.

"It makes us stand out from the competition and offer something different."

Last year, it was Marriott.com Website of the Year.

The Vodafone award judges commented: "Chris's ground-breaking work has been outstanding, with bookings substantially up, costs down and customer satisfaction is up. After a regional roll-out, this initiative is about to be rolled out to Marriott Hotels worldwide."

But first it will be rolled out to a cluster of seven Marriott hotels in southern England, when Chris moves to a new job based in Waltham Abbey, along with his boss, Ian Pask. Both will continue to live in Huntingdonshire.