The InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has launched a new payment card scheme designed to provide business customers with a reliable and cost effective payment method for accommodation, conferences or meetings.

Management of the scheme, which covers any Crowne Plaza or Holiday Inn and the InterContinental London Park Lane, has been outsourced to Atos Worldline, a subsidiary of IT services firm Atos Origin.

“Implementing this new scheme enables our customers to track, analyse and forecast business travel expenditure and provides a reliable line of credit for their employees at all hotels,” said InterContinental marketing and revenue vice-president Colin Roy.

Under the terms of the five-year deal, Atos Worldline will provide telephone support service, direct debit processing, account holder database management, card production and dispatch.

The deal also covers transaction processing, invoice and statement production, payment services, account holder payments, credit and debt risk management services and front and back office customer support services.

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By Daniel Thomas

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