Starwood Teams with Business Barter Site

Starwood Hotels & Resorts has struck a deal with BigVine.com, an online B2B barter exchange that will allow BigVine members to barter for hotel rooms.

BigVine.com allows small businesses to expand and get new customers by trading products and services. Through this agreement, members will be able to book rooms online and pay for them with BigVine trade dollars. In addition to providing inventory, Starwood will promote the BigVine barter exchange to members of its Preferred Guest frequent traveler program.

Bippy Siegal, president, chairman and CEO of BigVine.com, says up to 8% of all bartered inventory is travel-related. For Starwood, which is investing in BigVine, the attraction is the ability to sell distressed inventory and to reach the small business market.

Edited by Megan Rowe