RateGain recognizes Mr. Tarun Lakhanpal, Associate General Manager, Revenue Management & Distribution, Lemon Tree Hotels and Mr. Alam Khan, Revenue Manager, Sarovar Group of Hotels as Certified Channel Management Professionals (CCMP).

RateGain, a leader in online channel management solution, today officially launched Certified Channel Management Professional (CCMP) program to recognize experts in online channel management across hospitality industry worldwide. CCMP certifies professionals in revenue management department of hotels for their advanced knowledge and expertise in maximizing returns from online distribution using online channel management tools.

RateGain offers ChannelGain, one of the most advanced solutions for managing online distribution for hotel rooms, rates, availability and promotions. RateGain’s channel management solutions are presently being used by more than 5500 hotels worldwide. On a monthly basis, RateGain’s Hospitality Knowledge Centre conducts trainings, organizes online certification tests and awards certification to eligible professionals. These trainings & online tests help revenue managers familiarize themselves with advanced online channel management practices on ChannelGain. They are free of charge for existing customers but chargeable for any non-customers of RateGain.  To get certified as an advanced channel manager and interested revenue managers professionals can submit their applications from company’s website http://www.rategain.com.

At the launch event, Mr. Tarun Lakhanpal, Revenue Management & Distribution, Lemon Tree Hotels and Mr. Alam Khan, Revenue Manager, Sarovar Group of Hotels were awarded as the first two CCMPs in India and the certificate was presented to them by Mr. David Chestler, President Hospitality Solutions, RateGain.

Tarun Lakhanpal, a seasoned hospitality professional with more than 9 years of experience in revenue management, has been associated with brands like Hotel Nikko and Lemon Tree Hotels. Speaking on his certification, Tarun said, “Technology is an enabler and is perpetually in a beta. As one of the fastest growing chain of upscale hotels in India, we needed to partner with the right technology firm which can align its efforts with our business objectives. Rate Gain is such a technology partner and has helped Lemon Tree Hotels to effectively deploy its distribution strategy through multiple channels. This has helped Lemon Tree Hotels maintain price parity across distribution channels and generate loyal customers”

Mr. Alam Khan, Revenue Manager, Sarovar Group of Hotels said, “Thanks for the effort you've put in this past months to help us orient and bring both the companies together. You have become a productive and contributing partner with the training and assistance you've provided to Sarovar Hotels. I am also pleased to see your team accomplished its key goals. I want to personally thank you for informally assisting me and my team and recognizing our work through the certification”.

About Lemon Tree Hotels (www.lemontreehotels.com)
Fresh, spirited and youthful, Lemon Tree Hotels are India's finest chain of upscale hotels and resorts - the perfect choice for today's discerning traveller looking for high quality accommodation at moderate prices.
Founded in September 2002 by Mr. Patu Keswani, the New Delhi based company is one of India's fastest growing hotel companies. Lemon Tree Hotels currently owns and operates 14 hotels in 11 cities aggregating over 1500 rooms with 1500 employees. 7 more hotels are currently under development. By 2012, all ongoing projects will be completed and Lemon Tree Hotels will have over 2800 rooms and 3000 employees in 20 hotels across 15 major Indian cities including Delhi, Gurgaon, Kaushambi (East Delhi), Pune, Goa, Indore, Ahmedabad, Aurangabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Chandigarh, Muhamma (Kerala) and Shimla.

About Sarovar Hotels & Resorts (www.sarovarhotels.com)
Sarovar Hotels & Resorts is a leading hotel management company and one of the fastest growing chain of hotels in India. Headed by a team of industry veterans, the Company manages and franchises 55 hotels across 39 destinations in India and overseas, under Sarovar Premiere, Sarovar Portico, Hometel, Park Plaza and Park Inn brands. The brands cover the 3, 4 and 5 star spectrum.
Sarovar Hotels also manages corporate hospitality services at the prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad. Geoffrey's, the popular English Pub brand operates at multiple destinations across India. With 13 regional sales & reservations offices located across India, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts is one of the largest and most diverse hotel management companies in the country today.