Hospitality Net - Industry News
Four recommended presentations:
1) The Travellers: Getting Them in Focus
Today’s consumer - Babyboomer, Gen X- or both? Who are today’s consumers? Have they really changed? As retiring Babyboomers move out of business travel, what does the new Gen X business - and leisure - traveller expect? Who are today’s high-end luxury travellers? What do they want and what are they willing to pay to get it?
2) The Booking Process: Staying online –Finding and Booking Hotel Accommodation
3rd party channels vs. on-line direct – Partners or enemies? What is the latest in the e-distribution battle? Why did Intercontinental Hotels Group discontinue its relationship with Expedia and Hotels.com? What is Expedia’s reaction? Can hoteliers work successfully with on-line distributors and maintain control of their price and brand?
Available as PDF also: The Booking Process: Staying Online | Finding and Booking Hotel Accommodation | Presentation by Peter O’Connor | Professor, Hospitality Information Technology: Hotel Distribution is in chaos. The Chinese ideogram for chaos is a combination of one for “danger” and one for “opportunity”.
3) The Travel Professionals: Getting It Together – the Changing Role of Travel Agents, Tour Operators and Airlines
Hotels and Tour Operators – A love-hate relationship? Beyond low-cost vs. full-service carriers – A win/win for hotels? Is vertical integration of tour operating, accommodation, transport and other services inevitable? How can hotels best work with tour operators, travel agents and airlines in the changing world of distribution? Is consumer-driven dynamic packaging the way of the future? As low-cost carriers challenge the full-service airlines, what are the implications for the hospitality industry? What can new destinations (and their hotels) do to “get on the map”?
4) Travel Trends: Getting the Picture
What is the state of the travel & tourism industry today? What are the key economic, social and geo-political drivers of change? What are the current trends in business and leisure travel across the world? How is this affecting hotels and restaurants? Mr. Shifflet is a Marketing Psychologist with over 30 years' experience as a counselor in marketing and planning, with specialization in applied market research.
Available as PDF also:
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
:: Travel Weekly - The National Newspaper of the Travel Industry ::
:: Travel Weekly ::
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Reports that: "the European Travel Commission (ETC) in New York predicts record numbers of U.S. vacationers will visit Europe next year, matching levels not seen since 2000, when 12.8 million Yanks crossed the Atlantic...But this rosy status quo could end if the bottom falls out of the long-beleaguered dollar. "
Market to target?
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Reports that: "the European Travel Commission (ETC) in New York predicts record numbers of U.S. vacationers will visit Europe next year, matching levels not seen since 2000, when 12.8 million Yanks crossed the Atlantic...But this rosy status quo could end if the bottom falls out of the long-beleaguered dollar. "
Market to target?
Monday, November 29, 2004
Travel Update from Hitwise
The newsletter "category spotlight focuses on the Travel - Destinations & Accommodation category, which features travel/holiday accommodation and destinations including resorts, tourist locations, hotels. The data below is taken from Weekly rankings for the week ending November 20.
Local Competitiveness Index
> 70.2% of traffic to this category was directed at domestic sites.
Top 10 Upstream Categories
1. Computers and Internet 53.5%
2. Computers and Internet - Search Engines and Directories 49.6%
3. Travel 26.9%
4. Travel - Destinations and Accommodation 16.8%
5. Travel - Agencies 7.1%
6. News and Media 3.2%
7. Shopping and Classifieds 3.1%
8. Business and Finance 3.1%
9. Travel - Transport 2.7%
10. Entertainment 2.3%
Top 10 Downstream Categories
1. Travel 46.2%
2. Travel - Destinations and Accommodation 27.1%
3. Computers and Internet 18.8%
4. Computers and Internet - Search Engines and Directories 12.3%
5. Travel - Agencies 12.2%
6. Business and Finance 7.7%
7. Shopping and Classifieds 5.4%
8. Entertainment 4.2%
9. News and Media 3.8%
10. Travel - Transport 3.5%
The email also features Traffic Distribution a chart illustrating "the distribution of this category's traffic for the week among sites in various rank ranges." Email if you would like the chart forwarding...
Local Competitiveness Index
> 70.2% of traffic to this category was directed at domestic sites.
Top 10 Upstream Categories
1. Computers and Internet 53.5%
2. Computers and Internet - Search Engines and Directories 49.6%
3. Travel 26.9%
4. Travel - Destinations and Accommodation 16.8%
5. Travel - Agencies 7.1%
6. News and Media 3.2%
7. Shopping and Classifieds 3.1%
8. Business and Finance 3.1%
9. Travel - Transport 2.7%
10. Entertainment 2.3%
Top 10 Downstream Categories
1. Travel 46.2%
2. Travel - Destinations and Accommodation 27.1%
3. Computers and Internet 18.8%
4. Computers and Internet - Search Engines and Directories 12.3%
5. Travel - Agencies 12.2%
6. Business and Finance 7.7%
7. Shopping and Classifieds 5.4%
8. Entertainment 4.2%
9. News and Media 3.8%
10. Travel - Transport 3.5%
The email also features Traffic Distribution a chart illustrating "the distribution of this category's traffic for the week among sites in various rank ranges." Email if you would like the chart forwarding...
Online Travel Marketing and Selling
Emarketer Report
Covers:
> What are the growth prospects for the online travel market?
> What is causing the recent surge in hospitality revenues?
> How are companies using the Internet to effectively reach online travelers?
> Where should marketers concentrate their efforts?
> What types of marketing vehicles have shown the greatest success to date?
> Can the independent agent survive?
> How is consolidation impacting the segment?
> How low can the prices—and margins—go?
Extract covers hotels...
Price $695.00 | Date: Nov 04 | Pages: 19 | Charts: 39
Covers:
> What are the growth prospects for the online travel market?
> What is causing the recent surge in hospitality revenues?
> How are companies using the Internet to effectively reach online travelers?
> Where should marketers concentrate their efforts?
> What types of marketing vehicles have shown the greatest success to date?
> Can the independent agent survive?
> How is consolidation impacting the segment?
> How low can the prices—and margins—go?
Extract covers hotels...
Price $695.00 | Date: Nov 04 | Pages: 19 | Charts: 39
Answering All Travelers' Needs Online
Emarketer
Harris Interactive study states "28% of US adults planning leisure travel within the next 6 months will book their plans using a travel Web site... 22% of those making business trips in the next half-year will do so on travel sites as well, while 31% of those planning combined business/leisure trips say they will also turn to travel sites."
Apart from the perennial issue of price, consumers say they would be more loyal to travel sites if :
> They were designed better (18%)
> They were able to speak to a live agent (22%)
> They provided more travel options and more travel packages (14%)
The article also quotes a recent study by Keynote Systems which focused solely on business travelers which found:
> 48% of business travelers say loyalty programs are an important consideration when choosing where to book online
> 40% of business travelers start search at a particular travel site, with Expedia first, then Travelocity and Orbitz third
> 20% begin their online search directly at a supplier site
>over 35% say they go to multiple sites over the course of their planning and booking process
Harris Interactive study states "28% of US adults planning leisure travel within the next 6 months will book their plans using a travel Web site... 22% of those making business trips in the next half-year will do so on travel sites as well, while 31% of those planning combined business/leisure trips say they will also turn to travel sites."
Apart from the perennial issue of price, consumers say they would be more loyal to travel sites if :
> They were designed better (18%)
> They were able to speak to a live agent (22%)
> They provided more travel options and more travel packages (14%)
The article also quotes a recent study by Keynote Systems which focused solely on business travelers which found:
> 48% of business travelers say loyalty programs are an important consideration when choosing where to book online
> 40% of business travelers start search at a particular travel site, with Expedia first, then Travelocity and Orbitz third
> 20% begin their online search directly at a supplier site
>over 35% say they go to multiple sites over the course of their planning and booking process
Valuair ties up with Wotif.com
eyefortravel.com
:: "Valuair, six-month old Singapore-based value-for-money budget airline, has tied up with last-minute global accommodation specialist Wotif.com"
:: "Valuair, six-month old Singapore-based value-for-money budget airline, has tied up with last-minute global accommodation specialist Wotif.com"
ABTA 2004 Reports: Inbound tourism heads for record year
Travelmole Reports that:
:: "Regional cities in the UK have done particularly well, with overseas tourism to Birmingham up 60 per cent; Manchester up 35 per cent and Brighton up 12 per cent"
::"Inbound tourism is expected to hit record levels this year with an estimated 26.4m people visiting Britain"
::"Tourism was now worth 76bn pounds and predicted it would rise to 100bn pounds in 2010. However, spending by tourists had yet to reach 2000 levels"
:: "Regional cities in the UK have done particularly well, with overseas tourism to Birmingham up 60 per cent; Manchester up 35 per cent and Brighton up 12 per cent"
::"Inbound tourism is expected to hit record levels this year with an estimated 26.4m people visiting Britain"
::"Tourism was now worth 76bn pounds and predicted it would rise to 100bn pounds in 2010. However, spending by tourists had yet to reach 2000 levels"
Last Minute buddies up to travel agents
Times Online - Sunday Times
"Lastminute.com’s boss and the last of the internet musketeers" Brent Hoberman, "is launching a new Lastminute service called Holiday and More. It will let travel agents do dynamic packaging - the latest industry buzzword for an old-fashioned package holiday assembled not from the products of one travel group, but several."...The Times points out that the amount Lastminute "pays in commission to agencies has gone up from £45m to £69.5m," and that it has lost most of it's top talent plus it has "a weakening balance sheet"...
"Lastminute.com’s boss and the last of the internet musketeers" Brent Hoberman, "is launching a new Lastminute service called Holiday and More. It will let travel agents do dynamic packaging - the latest industry buzzword for an old-fashioned package holiday assembled not from the products of one travel group, but several."...The Times points out that the amount Lastminute "pays in commission to agencies has gone up from £45m to £69.5m," and that it has lost most of it's top talent plus it has "a weakening balance sheet"...
More No-frills air tickets booked by travel agents
Travel Daily News
report that: "Fifty per cent more package holidaymakers are booking no-frills flights through travel agents than in 2002 , the 2004 Holiday Survey by MORI for ABTA has found" for most "financial protection is not in place... Current consumer protection covers customers who have either: booked through an `ATOL` holder, used a credit card and paid more than £100, or taken out insurance through a travel agent.
Thirty-two per cent of package holidaymakers told researchers that they had taken at least one no-frills flight in the last 12 months and of these, 21% had booked them with their travel agent."
report that: "Fifty per cent more package holidaymakers are booking no-frills flights through travel agents than in 2002 , the 2004 Holiday Survey by MORI for ABTA has found" for most "financial protection is not in place... Current consumer protection covers customers who have either: booked through an `ATOL` holder, used a credit card and paid more than £100, or taken out insurance through a travel agent.
Thirty-two per cent of package holidaymakers told researchers that they had taken at least one no-frills flight in the last 12 months and of these, 21% had booked them with their travel agent."
Friday, November 26, 2004
Lastminute.com shares drop 12.5 percent
NewsFinder
CBS MARKETWATCH Steve Goldstein reports: "Lastminute.com tumbles as FY losses widen, below view (UK:LMC) Shares of Lastminute.com (UK:LMC) tumbled 12.5 percent after pre-tax losses for the Sept. 30 ending fiscal year widened to 77.2 million pounds from 47.7 million pounds, which company co-founder Brent Hoberman said fell short of expectations. Revenue rose to 440 million pounds from 190.7 million a year ago. CFO David Howell is looking to leave the group in early 2005, and the online travel group has started a search for a replacement, the group added."
CBS MARKETWATCH Steve Goldstein reports: "Lastminute.com tumbles as FY losses widen, below view (UK:LMC) Shares of Lastminute.com (UK:LMC) tumbled 12.5 percent after pre-tax losses for the Sept. 30 ending fiscal year widened to 77.2 million pounds from 47.7 million pounds, which company co-founder Brent Hoberman said fell short of expectations. Revenue rose to 440 million pounds from 190.7 million a year ago. CFO David Howell is looking to leave the group in early 2005, and the online travel group has started a search for a replacement, the group added."
Thursday, November 25, 2004
Web package holiday sales hit record levels
ABTA Convention Special
"The internet is making further inroads into holiday sales with record numbers booking online. Figures released by ABTA to coincide with its annual convention in Orlando show that 19% of holidaymakers now book their package holiday online six times more than in the year 2000."
"The internet is making further inroads into holiday sales with record numbers booking online. Figures released by ABTA to coincide with its annual convention in Orlando show that 19% of holidaymakers now book their package holiday online six times more than in the year 2000."
Avis in a three-year partnership with The UK's Trainline
eyefortravel.com When "Trainline users book their rail tickets online they can also book their car hire through Avis ... The Trainline has mapped all Avis’ UK rental stations on their website enabling its customers to easily book the next leg of their journey by car. Trainline.com visitors are also able to book flights and hotels in addition to rail travel and car hire."
Spa Industry Stats and Trends
Travel Daily News
" International SPA Association- Study July 2004
The industry study is quantitative and it includes the key numbers- revenues, number of spas and visits." (USA although trends are of interest)
British Spa Study VisitBritain, the authority for tourism in Britain, has joined forces with the Spa Business Association to develop the first national survey to examine in detail all issues to do with spa staffing, facilities, treatments, customers and the quality of services offered.
The Spa Business Association, as the trade association for the UK & Irish Spa Industry, is working closely with VisitBritain with the long-term aim of establishing a national Quality Standard for the spa industry.
Suki Kalirai, Joint Chairman of the Spa Business Association said: “Until now, there has been very little concrete data about our industry which we can use to talk with authority to government, to the media, to our members and to investors in this industry."
" International SPA Association- Study July 2004
The industry study is quantitative and it includes the key numbers- revenues, number of spas and visits." (USA although trends are of interest)
British Spa Study VisitBritain, the authority for tourism in Britain, has joined forces with the Spa Business Association to develop the first national survey to examine in detail all issues to do with spa staffing, facilities, treatments, customers and the quality of services offered.
The Spa Business Association, as the trade association for the UK & Irish Spa Industry, is working closely with VisitBritain with the long-term aim of establishing a national Quality Standard for the spa industry.
Suki Kalirai, Joint Chairman of the Spa Business Association said: “Until now, there has been very little concrete data about our industry which we can use to talk with authority to government, to the media, to our members and to investors in this industry."
lastminute.com plc: Results highlights Full year
Travel Daily News
"79.6 per cent increase in Total Transaction Value to £992.3 million (2003: £552.4 million)
Gross margin 17.6 per cent for year ended 2004 (2003: 18.3 per cent)
60.0 per cent increase in pre exceptional EBITDA to £24.1 million (2003: £15.0 million)
Increase in profit before tax (pre exceptional items and goodwill amortisation) to £4.6 million (2003: £0.2 million)
Overall pre tax loss for the year £77.2 million (2003: loss £47.7 million)
2004 earnings per share (pre exceptional items and goodwill amortisation) of 1.54p (2003: 0.11p)
2004 basic loss per share of 24.56p (2003: loss 17.88p)
Overall net cash balances at 30 September 2004 of £85.9 million (2003: £112.7 million)
Brent Hoberman, co-founder and CEO, said: "The strong consumer adoption of self packaging continues to drive growth and enables us to deliver industry leading gross margins. Through our innovative brand position, leading technology and great product, lastminute.com is becoming increasingly a part of our customers` everyday lives. This, alongside our cost reduction programme, puts the business on a firm footing for profitable growth in the coming year".
Allan Leighton, Chairman said: "These results show that lastminute.com has performed solidly in a difficult trading environment for the sector in the last quarter and the year as a whole. The further strengthened management team has delivered pre tax profit (pre exceptional items and goodwill amortisation) of £4.6 million and lastminute.com continues to be well positioned to take advantage of current lifestyle and technology trends.
"79.6 per cent increase in Total Transaction Value to £992.3 million (2003: £552.4 million)
Gross margin 17.6 per cent for year ended 2004 (2003: 18.3 per cent)
60.0 per cent increase in pre exceptional EBITDA to £24.1 million (2003: £15.0 million)
Increase in profit before tax (pre exceptional items and goodwill amortisation) to £4.6 million (2003: £0.2 million)
Overall pre tax loss for the year £77.2 million (2003: loss £47.7 million)
2004 earnings per share (pre exceptional items and goodwill amortisation) of 1.54p (2003: 0.11p)
2004 basic loss per share of 24.56p (2003: loss 17.88p)
Overall net cash balances at 30 September 2004 of £85.9 million (2003: £112.7 million)
Brent Hoberman, co-founder and CEO, said: "The strong consumer adoption of self packaging continues to drive growth and enables us to deliver industry leading gross margins. Through our innovative brand position, leading technology and great product, lastminute.com is becoming increasingly a part of our customers` everyday lives. This, alongside our cost reduction programme, puts the business on a firm footing for profitable growth in the coming year".
Allan Leighton, Chairman said: "These results show that lastminute.com has performed solidly in a difficult trading environment for the sector in the last quarter and the year as a whole. The further strengthened management team has delivered pre tax profit (pre exceptional items and goodwill amortisation) of £4.6 million and lastminute.com continues to be well positioned to take advantage of current lifestyle and technology trends.
Cendant Hotel Group signs franchise deal for Russia
Travel Daily News
"announced the signing of a deal with Hermitage Hospitality Ltd. to franchise Days Inn® hotels in Russia and the other 14 countries of the former Soviet Union."
"announced the signing of a deal with Hermitage Hospitality Ltd. to franchise Days Inn® hotels in Russia and the other 14 countries of the former Soviet Union."
OctopusTravel.com celebrates success in prestigious travel industry awards
Travel Daily News
"OctopusTravel.com... has been voted one of the top three online holiday companies in a poll of 25,000 readers of Britain’s Daily Telegraph newspaper...the Telegraph Travel Awards are firmly established as the most important independent study of British travel habits. Other regional travel industry organizations recognized in the awards were Dubai International Airport, voted third best airport, and Emirates, voted second best scheduled airline."
"OctopusTravel.com... has been voted one of the top three online holiday companies in a poll of 25,000 readers of Britain’s Daily Telegraph newspaper...the Telegraph Travel Awards are firmly established as the most important independent study of British travel habits. Other regional travel industry organizations recognized in the awards were Dubai International Airport, voted third best airport, and Emirates, voted second best scheduled airline."
Orbitz voted best web site for booking travel
Travel Daily News
Orbitz "was voted the best Web site for booking business travel by the readers of Business Traveler magazine. Orbitz received the "Best in Business Travel Award" today for the third consecutive year in the publication`s 16th annual reader survey."
Orbitz "was voted the best Web site for booking business travel by the readers of Business Traveler magazine. Orbitz received the "Best in Business Travel Award" today for the third consecutive year in the publication`s 16th annual reader survey."
easyJet Announces Major Expansion In Italy
Travel Daily News
"easyjet, is expanding its Italian operations with four new routes connecting the UK and Germany with some of Italys most attractive destinations.
The new routes are:
London Gatwick to Olbia commence 27th May 2005
London Luton to Cagliari commence 21st April 2005
Berlin to Olbia commence 8th April 2005
Berlin to Pisa commence 8th April 2005
All services are once daily "
"easyjet, is expanding its Italian operations with four new routes connecting the UK and Germany with some of Italys most attractive destinations.
The new routes are:
London Gatwick to Olbia commence 27th May 2005
London Luton to Cagliari commence 21st April 2005
Berlin to Olbia commence 8th April 2005
Berlin to Pisa commence 8th April 2005
All services are once daily "
MyTravel Group wins High Court support
Travel Daily News - MyTravel Group wins High Court support: "MyTravel Group plc welcomes yesterday`s decision by the High Court that the company is able to restructure through a scheme of arrangement without the approval of the convertible bondholders, who have no economic interest in the company."
Flights: New e-Travel Planitgo Flex Pricer [Calendar]
Amadeus flexible flight planner
In 2003 e-Travel Planitgo Flex Pricer asused by major airlines Iberia, Qantas, Spanair, Maersk, bmi, and Air France included:
one-way pricing
clear color-coding of each fare family
combinable fare families into a single itinerary
clear explanation of fare rules and restrictions in plain and understandable language
transparent pricing: cheapest available fare displayed for each flight
2004 added features include:
A calendar display of lowest prices over a period of up to 15 days
Multiple fares per flight
The ability to create a journey from combinable one-way flights and classes or directly with round-trips.
example matrix
In 2003 e-Travel Planitgo Flex Pricer asused by major airlines Iberia, Qantas, Spanair, Maersk, bmi, and Air France included:
one-way pricing
clear color-coding of each fare family
combinable fare families into a single itinerary
clear explanation of fare rules and restrictions in plain and understandable language
transparent pricing: cheapest available fare displayed for each flight
2004 added features include:
A calendar display of lowest prices over a period of up to 15 days
Multiple fares per flight
The ability to create a journey from combinable one-way flights and classes or directly with round-trips.
example matrix
Wednesday, November 24, 2004
Expedia and Hotels.com update to direct connect for hotels
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis
Expedia and Hotels.com have launched the next phase of implementation for their pioneering direct connect technology, which they claim currently saves more than a thousand hotel properties time and money, by enabling the automatic delivery of bookings made on the two travel sites. (11/24/2004)
The second phase will enable hoteliers to manage the room inventory they offer on Expedia.com directly from the hotel’s central reservation systems (CRS), eliminating the need to manually update the Expedia extranet.
Expedia and Hotels.com have launched the next phase of implementation for their pioneering direct connect technology, which they claim currently saves more than a thousand hotel properties time and money, by enabling the automatic delivery of bookings made on the two travel sites. (11/24/2004)
The second phase will enable hoteliers to manage the room inventory they offer on Expedia.com directly from the hotel’s central reservation systems (CRS), eliminating the need to manually update the Expedia extranet.
UK launch of travel comparison service
Comparison shopping comes to travel
A US online comparison shopping service is to expand into the UK travel sector with a hotel price search system. NexTag UK’s Travel Meta Search claims to offer consumers the ability to search and compare room rates across individual hotels and online travel agencies.
The company, part of California-based NexTag Inc., provides real-time availability allowing consumers to find the best price for hotels based on destination, room preference and arrival and departure date.
A US online comparison shopping service is to expand into the UK travel sector with a hotel price search system. NexTag UK’s Travel Meta Search claims to offer consumers the ability to search and compare room rates across individual hotels and online travel agencies.
The company, part of California-based NexTag Inc., provides real-time availability allowing consumers to find the best price for hotels based on destination, room preference and arrival and departure date.
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
eyefortravel.com - Tiscover takes tourism into the mobile era
eyefortravel.com: "Tiscover, global destination system provider, has unveiled Tiscover05, the latest generation system of its online marketing platform, which features one of the world's first tourism content solutions for PDAs and mobile phones...
Through Tiscover05's Tiscover Mobile technology, tourism boards and their local partners can apparently stream information on everything from attraction opening hours to local weather to PDAs and mobiles, thereby maximising interaction with consumers both before they book and during their holiday itself.
Evidently, the new platform also combines state-of-the-art navigation and usability principles to set new speed standards in web-based tourism for both providers and consumers.
Improvements to the Tiscover user extranet introduced by Tiscover05 includes simplified pull-down menus, an 'Occupancy Gaps' page for last-minute availability, and a context-sensitive online help tool.
"Tiscover-powered websites achieved 256 million page views during 2003,” claims Karsten Kärcher, Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Finance at Tiscover"
Through Tiscover05's Tiscover Mobile technology, tourism boards and their local partners can apparently stream information on everything from attraction opening hours to local weather to PDAs and mobiles, thereby maximising interaction with consumers both before they book and during their holiday itself.
Evidently, the new platform also combines state-of-the-art navigation and usability principles to set new speed standards in web-based tourism for both providers and consumers.
Improvements to the Tiscover user extranet introduced by Tiscover05 includes simplified pull-down menus, an 'Occupancy Gaps' page for last-minute availability, and a context-sensitive online help tool.
"Tiscover-powered websites achieved 256 million page views during 2003,” claims Karsten Kärcher, Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Finance at Tiscover"
Scam warning over travel guide
Scam warning over travel guide - 23-Nov-04.: "Scam warning over "free directory" listings and travel guide"
Wotif.com Tops Hitwise 'User Rankings' Category in Australia
Internet Travel News
Wotif.com has announced that it has ranked as the number one visited site in the ‘Travel – Destinations and Accommodation’ category according to leading Internet intelligence service Hitwise*.
The number one ranking is based on ‘user visits’ to the site for the quarter ending September 2004 measured against other Australian websites within the category, and has qualified Wotif.com for a Hitwise No.1 Award.
Wotif.com has announced that it has ranked as the number one visited site in the ‘Travel – Destinations and Accommodation’ category according to leading Internet intelligence service Hitwise*.
The number one ranking is based on ‘user visits’ to the site for the quarter ending September 2004 measured against other Australian websites within the category, and has qualified Wotif.com for a Hitwise No.1 Award.
Consolidation trends in the online travel industry PhoCusWright
PhoCusWright independent travel, tourism and hospitality research firm.
"* Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz represent nearly one-third of all Internet-driven hotel sales
* Consolidation trends continued for online travel agencies, with five companies now controlling half of the entire U.S. online travel industry "
"* Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz represent nearly one-third of all Internet-driven hotel sales
* Consolidation trends continued for online travel agencies, with five companies now controlling half of the entire U.S. online travel industry "
eyefortravel.com - discuss travel search buzz
eyefortravel.com
The contentious debate about the next generation of travel search engines and their competition with online agencies continues unabated...
The contentious debate about the next generation of travel search engines and their competition with online agencies continues unabated...
SideStep Expands Relationship With InterContinental Hotels Group
SideStep and IHG
"Travel Search Leader Drives Customer Acquisition, Brand Development for International Hotelier
In addition to featuring inventory from IHG's seven hotel brands within its search results, SideStep will now promote IHG in a multi-faceted marketing campaign, connecting consumers directly to the hotelier's Web site -- www.ichotelsgroup. com -- to book their travel...
marketing programs include:
-- Targeted advertising -- SideStep will feature in-product offers within its search results for select cities in which IHG operates
-- Featured specials -- SideStep will detail IHG brand hotels' best deals on the SideStep TravelFinds site ( http://travelfinds.sidestep. com ),
which showcases notable travel bargains
-- Email marketing -- SideStep will highlight IHG brand hotel promotions via TravelFinds Specials, SideStep's weekly email newsletter"
"Travel Search Leader Drives Customer Acquisition, Brand Development for International Hotelier
In addition to featuring inventory from IHG's seven hotel brands within its search results, SideStep will now promote IHG in a multi-faceted marketing campaign, connecting consumers directly to the hotelier's Web site -- www.ichotelsgroup. com -- to book their travel...
marketing programs include:
-- Targeted advertising -- SideStep will feature in-product offers within its search results for select cities in which IHG operates
-- Featured specials -- SideStep will detail IHG brand hotels' best deals on the SideStep TravelFinds site ( http://travelfinds.sidestep. com ),
which showcases notable travel bargains
-- Email marketing -- SideStep will highlight IHG brand hotel promotions via TravelFinds Specials, SideStep's weekly email newsletter"
Monday, November 22, 2004
New bonding rules by end of 2005?
New financial protection rules
NEW rules to broaden the financial protection for holidaymakers could become law by the end of next year, it has emerged.
Parliament’s Transport Committee chairwoman Gwyneth Dunwoody predicted a voluntary bonding scheme for airlines could be introduced next summer with legislation following by Christmas.
She said the issue had become “terribly important” as increasing numbers of consumers book “bits” of packages – such as flights and hotels - which offer consumers no financial safeguards whatsoever.
New legislation would expand protection to include scheduled airline seats and, in all probability, accommodation only.
NEW rules to broaden the financial protection for holidaymakers could become law by the end of next year, it has emerged.
Parliament’s Transport Committee chairwoman Gwyneth Dunwoody predicted a voluntary bonding scheme for airlines could be introduced next summer with legislation following by Christmas.
She said the issue had become “terribly important” as increasing numbers of consumers book “bits” of packages – such as flights and hotels - which offer consumers no financial safeguards whatsoever.
New legislation would expand protection to include scheduled airline seats and, in all probability, accommodation only.
Travel Conference 2005 : Why Credibility is The Killer App for Online Travel
A must watch for reports of conference:
Event Overview
"CONSUMER REPORTS WEBWATCH: TRUST OR CONSEQUENCE: Why Credibility is The Killer App for Online Travel
Join Bill McGee, one of the most respected names in travel journalism, in a no-holds-barred presentation and open forum among industry leaders and consumer groups on insights and data you can't find anywhere else:
Exclusive preview of new WebWatch research on booking first- and business-class airfares
Future trends in online travel, the biggest market force on the Web
The impact of 'zillion-dollar' marketing competition among the 10 leading independent sites
Suppliers, such as hotel chains, 'buying back' their distribution systems and promising exclusive deals
Online marketing practices that are confusing at best, deceptive at worst
The latest on WebWatch�s joint research venture with European consumer groups in the U.K., France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Denmark
Cutting through the advertising haze to determine what really rings true at the online cash register
How five little Web site guidelines can make a big difference in consumer trust "
Event Overview
"CONSUMER REPORTS WEBWATCH: TRUST OR CONSEQUENCE: Why Credibility is The Killer App for Online Travel
Join Bill McGee, one of the most respected names in travel journalism, in a no-holds-barred presentation and open forum among industry leaders and consumer groups on insights and data you can't find anywhere else:
Exclusive preview of new WebWatch research on booking first- and business-class airfares
Future trends in online travel, the biggest market force on the Web
The impact of 'zillion-dollar' marketing competition among the 10 leading independent sites
Suppliers, such as hotel chains, 'buying back' their distribution systems and promising exclusive deals
Online marketing practices that are confusing at best, deceptive at worst
The latest on WebWatch�s joint research venture with European consumer groups in the U.K., France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Denmark
Cutting through the advertising haze to determine what really rings true at the online cash register
How five little Web site guidelines can make a big difference in consumer trust "
European travel sites offer lower fares than U.S.-based sites ; Consumer WebWatch:
Spotlight on Internet Credibility: "YONKERS, N.Y., November 12, 2004A first-of-its-kind international investigation of cross-border shopping for online airfares led by Consumer Reports WebWatch reveals that European travel sites are much more adept at providing lower fares than U.S.-based sites."
Complete findings can be found at http://www.consumerwebwatch.org/news/globalairfare/index.html
PDF at PDF
Complete findings can be found at http://www.consumerwebwatch.org/news/globalairfare/index.html
PDF at PDF
Consumer WebWatch: Travel Web Sites researched
Consumer WebWatch: An Examination of Opaque Travel Web Sites Priceline and Hotwire
Summary:
The "project was conceived to answer two fundamental questions:
1) Are the fares and rates provided by either or both of the leading opaque travel Web sites — Hotwire and Priceline — truly lower than fares and rates provided by leading transparent travel Web sites when tested under real-time, apples-to-apples conditions?
2) If the fares and rates provided by either or both Hotwire and Priceline truly are lower than fares and rates provided by leading transparent travel Web sites, are the trade-offs required by the opaque sites worth the savings?
"A Brief Overview of Opaque Travel Web Sites"
In this study, Consumer WebWatch directly addressed this question by querying fares and rates side-by-side from Hotwire and Priceline, as well as Sabre, Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity, and the hotel-booking site Quikbook.
Priceline and Hotwire used as examples of opaque sites which are defined as :
INTEGRATED OPAQUE SITES: these sites may or may not be owned by travel suppliers but they offer multiple products from competing companies at varying fares and rates and the identities of the travel suppliers are not provided to the consumer prior to booking (e.g., Hotwire, Priceline). In addition, the consumer may be required to bid for a fare or rate prior to booking (e.g., Priceline).
Compared to Expedia and Orbitz as the main 2 integrated travel Web sites, which are defined as :
INTEGRATED TRANSPARENT SITES: these sites may or may not be owned by travel suppliers but they act as online travel agencies offering multiple products from competing companies at varying fares and rates (e.g., Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity); the identities of the travel suppliers as well as the fares and rates are provided to the consumer prior to booking.
BRANDED SITES: these sites are owned by one or more travel suppliers and are basically dealerships selling a single line of products (e.g., American Airlines) or consortia of partner products (e.g., Northwest Airlines-KLM Royal Dutch Airlines).
In this study, Consumer WebWatch directly addressed this question by querying fares and rates side-by-side from Hotwire and Priceline, as well as Sabre, Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity, and the hotel-booking site Quikbook..
The breakdown of those who cited the importance of obtaining the lowest price according to Forrester was as follows:
26% of Hotwire users
19% of Priceline users
18% of Orbitz users
15% of Travelocity users
13% of Expedia users
Consumer WebWatch: concludes from figures that Hotwire and Priceline have found market niches for certain types of consumers.
Henry Harteveldt, a principal analyst for Forrester, says "Most people are not using an opaque site to plan the vacation of a lifetime, . These sites are, however, perfectly good ways to find a quality hotel room and to stretch your travel dollars."
The report covers the history of the websites tested and give interesting facts and stats:
Consumer WebWatch point out that Orbitz and Expedia "dominate the opaque travel market, collectively accounting for $1.547 billion in travel bookings in the U.S. in 2002, according to PhoCusWright...and both of the leading opaque travel Web sites have ties to non-opaque travel sites"
HIstory and relationships:
"Priceline acquired Lowestfare an integrated transparent travel Web site in 2002
Priceline also operates the non-booking travel site,RentalCars.com
Hotwire is now a sister company of Expedia and Hotels.com, Hotwire was acquired in November 2003 by IAC/InterActiveCorp (USA Interactive)
Interestingly, at press time Hotwire still maintained a marketing partnership with Orbitz, an integrated transparent travel Web site and a direct competitor of Expedia."
Conclusion:
"For travel suppliers, opaque Web sites provide yet another sales strategy as they seek to continually lower their distribution costs. Opaque Web sites undoubtedly help travel companies unload inventory that would have remained unsold, without cannibalizing existing distribution and retail sales channels. This point is made even more compelling by another piece of Forrester data: More than 10 million U.S. households reported taking at least one unplanned, unbudgeted trip in the last year. It seems certain that many of them have turned to opaque travel Web sites to help plan those trips."
Other Consumer WebWatch travel Web site projects:
Consumer WebWatch teamed with Consumer Reports Travel Letter (which ceased publication in December 2002) to extensively test travel Web sites providing domestic airfares and released the results in June 2002.
"Booking Hotels Online: An In-Depth Examination of Leading Hotel Web Sites," was a research report that was released in April 2003.
"An Analysis of the Potential Benefits and Dangers of Booking Through a Car Rental Web Site," was a research report that was released in October 2003.
"Booking and Bidding in the Blind: An In-Depth Examination of Opaque Travel Web Sites," a research report that examined alternative "opaque" travel booking Web sites, was released on December 8, 2003.
Consumer WebWatch will continue to test and evaluate travel Web sites throughout 2004. A minimum of three projects will be undertaken.
Summary:
The "project was conceived to answer two fundamental questions:
1) Are the fares and rates provided by either or both of the leading opaque travel Web sites — Hotwire and Priceline — truly lower than fares and rates provided by leading transparent travel Web sites when tested under real-time, apples-to-apples conditions?
2) If the fares and rates provided by either or both Hotwire and Priceline truly are lower than fares and rates provided by leading transparent travel Web sites, are the trade-offs required by the opaque sites worth the savings?
"A Brief Overview of Opaque Travel Web Sites"
In this study, Consumer WebWatch directly addressed this question by querying fares and rates side-by-side from Hotwire and Priceline, as well as Sabre, Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity, and the hotel-booking site Quikbook.
Priceline and Hotwire used as examples of opaque sites which are defined as :
INTEGRATED OPAQUE SITES: these sites may or may not be owned by travel suppliers but they offer multiple products from competing companies at varying fares and rates and the identities of the travel suppliers are not provided to the consumer prior to booking (e.g., Hotwire, Priceline). In addition, the consumer may be required to bid for a fare or rate prior to booking (e.g., Priceline).
Compared to Expedia and Orbitz as the main 2 integrated travel Web sites, which are defined as :
INTEGRATED TRANSPARENT SITES: these sites may or may not be owned by travel suppliers but they act as online travel agencies offering multiple products from competing companies at varying fares and rates (e.g., Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity); the identities of the travel suppliers as well as the fares and rates are provided to the consumer prior to booking.
BRANDED SITES: these sites are owned by one or more travel suppliers and are basically dealerships selling a single line of products (e.g., American Airlines) or consortia of partner products (e.g., Northwest Airlines-KLM Royal Dutch Airlines).
In this study, Consumer WebWatch directly addressed this question by querying fares and rates side-by-side from Hotwire and Priceline, as well as Sabre, Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity, and the hotel-booking site Quikbook..
The breakdown of those who cited the importance of obtaining the lowest price according to Forrester was as follows:
26% of Hotwire users
19% of Priceline users
18% of Orbitz users
15% of Travelocity users
13% of Expedia users
Consumer WebWatch: concludes from figures that Hotwire and Priceline have found market niches for certain types of consumers.
Henry Harteveldt, a principal analyst for Forrester, says "Most people are not using an opaque site to plan the vacation of a lifetime, . These sites are, however, perfectly good ways to find a quality hotel room and to stretch your travel dollars."
The report covers the history of the websites tested and give interesting facts and stats:
Consumer WebWatch point out that Orbitz and Expedia "dominate the opaque travel market, collectively accounting for $1.547 billion in travel bookings in the U.S. in 2002, according to PhoCusWright...and both of the leading opaque travel Web sites have ties to non-opaque travel sites"
HIstory and relationships:
"Priceline acquired Lowestfare an integrated transparent travel Web site in 2002
Priceline also operates the non-booking travel site,RentalCars.com
Hotwire is now a sister company of Expedia and Hotels.com, Hotwire was acquired in November 2003 by IAC/InterActiveCorp (USA Interactive)
Interestingly, at press time Hotwire still maintained a marketing partnership with Orbitz, an integrated transparent travel Web site and a direct competitor of Expedia."
Conclusion:
"For travel suppliers, opaque Web sites provide yet another sales strategy as they seek to continually lower their distribution costs. Opaque Web sites undoubtedly help travel companies unload inventory that would have remained unsold, without cannibalizing existing distribution and retail sales channels. This point is made even more compelling by another piece of Forrester data: More than 10 million U.S. households reported taking at least one unplanned, unbudgeted trip in the last year. It seems certain that many of them have turned to opaque travel Web sites to help plan those trips."
Other Consumer WebWatch travel Web site projects:
Consumer WebWatch teamed with Consumer Reports Travel Letter (which ceased publication in December 2002) to extensively test travel Web sites providing domestic airfares and released the results in June 2002.
"Booking Hotels Online: An In-Depth Examination of Leading Hotel Web Sites," was a research report that was released in April 2003.
"An Analysis of the Potential Benefits and Dangers of Booking Through a Car Rental Web Site," was a research report that was released in October 2003.
"Booking and Bidding in the Blind: An In-Depth Examination of Opaque Travel Web Sites," a research report that examined alternative "opaque" travel booking Web sites, was released on December 8, 2003.
Consumer WebWatch will continue to test and evaluate travel Web sites throughout 2004. A minimum of three projects will be undertaken.
Travel search-engine buzz :: important or just a fad?
:: Travel Weekly - The National Newspaper of the Travel Industry ::
Is the travel "search-engine buzz important or just a fad."
There was much talk about whether the search engines can be comprehensive if online agencies like Travelocity, Expedia and Orbitz shun the meta-searchers. For example, Orbitz works with SideStep and Kayak but has boycotted others; Travelocity dropped out of FareChase and Kayak but uses Mobissimo; and Expedia says it will not play ball with any "screen-scraper" for now....
Interestingly "Yahoo Chief Operating Officer Daniel Rosensweig told the more than 800 attendees that Yahoo’s upcoming introduction of the FareChase travel search engine and similar products by competitors will not displace online agencies -- such as Yahoo’s partner, Travelocity -- because consumers shop for travel in multiple ways and travel will continue to be sold in numerous ways."
Also much discussion as to how comprehensive the travel search engines can be i"f online agencies like Travelocity, Expedia and Orbitz shun the meta-searchers."
At present:
Orbitz works with SideStep and Kayak but has boycotted others
Travelocity dropped out of FareChase and Kayak but uses Mobissimo
Expedia says it will not play ball with any "screen-scraper" for now.
Opinions:
"Outgoing Orbitz CEO Jeffrey Katz told attendees that "the scraper model is dumb. I love the chutzpa, but I don’t think this dog hunts."He said the challenge for online agencies is to find value for customers and suppliers, but he noted there is "shockingly little" consumer loyalty on the Web
Priceline CEO Jeffery Boyd told attendees that Yahoo’s purchase of FareChase and AOL’s minority investment in Kayak were among the key events in online travel this year. Kayak CEO Stephen Hafner asked Boyd why Priceline, which has a retail operation along with its opaque business, and other online sellers should be afraid of the pricing transparency that the travel search engines bring.
Boyd responded that he would not rule out partnering with a travel-search engine but would rather invest in developing consumer loyalty. Boyd said his concerns about the meta-searchers include brand dilution and the cost of participation, including robotic searches that raise Web sites’ GDS costs."
Other search-related news from the conference includes:
• Kayak said it will give travel agencies free listings in search results so consumers can contact them for bookings. Kayak also said it is working on a corporate-travel application for company intranets. In addition, OneTravel.com recently began participating in Kayak.
• SideStep will introduce a Web-based application, eliminating the need for consumers to download its comparative shopping engine.
• Mobissimo will soon unveil several international sites.
Is the travel "search-engine buzz important or just a fad."
There was much talk about whether the search engines can be comprehensive if online agencies like Travelocity, Expedia and Orbitz shun the meta-searchers. For example, Orbitz works with SideStep and Kayak but has boycotted others; Travelocity dropped out of FareChase and Kayak but uses Mobissimo; and Expedia says it will not play ball with any "screen-scraper" for now....
Interestingly "Yahoo Chief Operating Officer Daniel Rosensweig told the more than 800 attendees that Yahoo’s upcoming introduction of the FareChase travel search engine and similar products by competitors will not displace online agencies -- such as Yahoo’s partner, Travelocity -- because consumers shop for travel in multiple ways and travel will continue to be sold in numerous ways."
Also much discussion as to how comprehensive the travel search engines can be i"f online agencies like Travelocity, Expedia and Orbitz shun the meta-searchers."
At present:
Orbitz works with SideStep and Kayak but has boycotted others
Travelocity dropped out of FareChase and Kayak but uses Mobissimo
Expedia says it will not play ball with any "screen-scraper" for now.
Opinions:
"Outgoing Orbitz CEO Jeffrey Katz told attendees that "the scraper model is dumb. I love the chutzpa, but I don’t think this dog hunts."He said the challenge for online agencies is to find value for customers and suppliers, but he noted there is "shockingly little" consumer loyalty on the Web
Priceline CEO Jeffery Boyd told attendees that Yahoo’s purchase of FareChase and AOL’s minority investment in Kayak were among the key events in online travel this year. Kayak CEO Stephen Hafner asked Boyd why Priceline, which has a retail operation along with its opaque business, and other online sellers should be afraid of the pricing transparency that the travel search engines bring.
Boyd responded that he would not rule out partnering with a travel-search engine but would rather invest in developing consumer loyalty. Boyd said his concerns about the meta-searchers include brand dilution and the cost of participation, including robotic searches that raise Web sites’ GDS costs."
Other search-related news from the conference includes:
• Kayak said it will give travel agencies free listings in search results so consumers can contact them for bookings. Kayak also said it is working on a corporate-travel application for company intranets. In addition, OneTravel.com recently began participating in Kayak.
• SideStep will introduce a Web-based application, eliminating the need for consumers to download its comparative shopping engine.
• Mobissimo will soon unveil several international sites.
Friday, November 19, 2004
VisitBritain's Discovery event a success for business tourism
Travel Daily News
"VisitBritain has hailed Discovery, the premier event to champion Britain�s business tourism industry to a global audience , as a huge success.
60 UK tourism businesses held 1350 one-one appointments in just six hours with 75 representatives of major global corporations who arrange exhibitions, conferences, meetings and incentive trips. Opportunities discussed included a two-day event for 1,800 people worth nearly �500,000, a four-day visit for 20 people worth �35,000 and private guided tours for Canadians."
"VisitBritain has hailed Discovery, the premier event to champion Britain�s business tourism industry to a global audience , as a huge success.
60 UK tourism businesses held 1350 one-one appointments in just six hours with 75 representatives of major global corporations who arrange exhibitions, conferences, meetings and incentive trips. Opportunities discussed included a two-day event for 1,800 people worth nearly �500,000, a four-day visit for 20 people worth �35,000 and private guided tours for Canadians."
dot-travel domain discussed
TravelMole Fast Conference
"Hitwise UK general manager Simon Chamberlain said brand is more important. Of the top 1000 searches for travel, over 50% are brand specific, he said. But if .travel is there for the taking, then take it. "
"Hitwise UK general manager Simon Chamberlain said brand is more important. Of the top 1000 searches for travel, over 50% are brand specific, he said. But if .travel is there for the taking, then take it. "
Travelocity enters France with Odysia - 19-Nov-04.
Travelmole
"Travelocity has entered France, giving the online travel company a presence in six European countries.
Sabre’s consumer travel website has opened a French version called Odysia offering dynamic packaging direct to the public
Paris-based Odysia is using the slogan ‘everything proposed, nothing imposed’ in its marketing, claiming that consumers can design and package their own trips in five minutes."
"Travelocity has entered France, giving the online travel company a presence in six European countries.
Sabre’s consumer travel website has opened a French version called Odysia offering dynamic packaging direct to the public
Paris-based Odysia is using the slogan ‘everything proposed, nothing imposed’ in its marketing, claiming that consumers can design and package their own trips in five minutes."
travelmole finally reports that AOL and Yahoo to get into travel
travelmole
"Online giants Yahoo and AOL have stated their intentions of moving into the travel search game, saying that such a move would be crucial to development and strategy. "
Old news for search etc sector watchers, maybe the travel sector is paying attention now the big names are moving in...
"Online giants Yahoo and AOL have stated their intentions of moving into the travel search game, saying that such a move would be crucial to development and strategy. "
Old news for search etc sector watchers, maybe the travel sector is paying attention now the big names are moving in...
Tribal Fusion: Travel Sites inc igougo tripadvisor
Tribal Fusion: Site List
A2Z Las Vegas
AARoads.com
Able2Know.com
Airliners.net
asia-hotels.com
Away.com
BostonRoads.com
Boulevards
Buzzle.com
Calculator.com
Cheapflights.com
Chicago Architecture Info
CityLinkz.com
CoasterBuzz
ConsumerAffairs.Com
Cruise Critic
CruiseMates
DesertUSA
Eatability.com.au
eTravelplan.com
euro-hotels.com
EverytingJamaican.com
Exchange Rates
ExchangeRate.com
Fabulous Travel
Family Travel Forum
FindSchedules.com
Flags.net
FlyerTalk
FrequentFlier.com
Glass Steel and Stone
GlobalSurfers
GLOBOsapiens.net
Gorp.com
GoToTravel
Greece.com
Hometown USA
HowStuffWorks.com
IgoUgo
Independant Traveler
InsideFlyer
iTravel
japan-guide.com
Kasbah Travel
KidznSnow.com
LA.com
LVOL
Maps.com
Megan Edwards - Las Vegas
MousePlanet
NYCRoads.com
NYCtourist.com
OANDA
Outside Online
paris-anglo.com
PhillyRoads.com
PlanetRider
Price.com
RealAdventures
RoadTrip America
Rockclimbing.com
RoomsPlus.com
RoughGuides.com
RV-Coach Online
Scotland for Visitors
SeatGuru.com
SkiReport.com
Snowboard.com
SouthernUtah.com
textamerica.com
the MenuPages
ThrillNetwork.com
Trails.com
Trailspace
Travelers Digest
TravelForecast.com
Travelinfo.gr
Traveljournals.net
Travelnotes
TravLang
USATourist.com
VirginFlyer.com
Virtual Tourist
WalkingGo.com
Wayhoo.com - Geographic Coordinates
Weatherunderground.com
webDominicana
WebFlyer
WxUSA
xe.com
1UpTravel
11th Hour
10 Best
Travel Channels list
Accommodations
Adventure
Air
Car
Cruises
Destinations
General
Resources
Vacation Packages
A2Z Las Vegas
AARoads.com
Able2Know.com
Airliners.net
asia-hotels.com
Away.com
BostonRoads.com
Boulevards
Buzzle.com
Calculator.com
Cheapflights.com
Chicago Architecture Info
CityLinkz.com
CoasterBuzz
ConsumerAffairs.Com
Cruise Critic
CruiseMates
DesertUSA
Eatability.com.au
eTravelplan.com
euro-hotels.com
EverytingJamaican.com
Exchange Rates
ExchangeRate.com
Fabulous Travel
Family Travel Forum
FindSchedules.com
Flags.net
FlyerTalk
FrequentFlier.com
Glass Steel and Stone
GlobalSurfers
GLOBOsapiens.net
Gorp.com
GoToTravel
Greece.com
Hometown USA
HowStuffWorks.com
IgoUgo
Independant Traveler
InsideFlyer
iTravel
japan-guide.com
Kasbah Travel
KidznSnow.com
LA.com
LVOL
Maps.com
Megan Edwards - Las Vegas
MousePlanet
NYCRoads.com
NYCtourist.com
OANDA
Outside Online
paris-anglo.com
PhillyRoads.com
PlanetRider
Price.com
RealAdventures
RoadTrip America
Rockclimbing.com
RoomsPlus.com
RoughGuides.com
RV-Coach Online
Scotland for Visitors
SeatGuru.com
SkiReport.com
Snowboard.com
SouthernUtah.com
textamerica.com
the MenuPages
ThrillNetwork.com
Trails.com
Trailspace
Travelers Digest
TravelForecast.com
Travelinfo.gr
Traveljournals.net
Travelnotes
TravLang
USATourist.com
VirginFlyer.com
Virtual Tourist
WalkingGo.com
Wayhoo.com - Geographic Coordinates
Weatherunderground.com
webDominicana
WebFlyer
WxUSA
xe.com
1UpTravel
11th Hour
10 Best
Travel Channels list
Accommodations
Adventure
Air
Car
Cruises
Destinations
General
Resources
Vacation Packages
Branding Boosted By Paid Ads, Research Says
SEW Forum : Overture and IAB research
"The IAB Search Engine Effectiveness Committee commissioned Nielsen//NetRatings' "Internet Search Brand Effectiveness Research," project " to investigate the effect of paid search ads on branding....
"Brand advertisers, who are not yet placing search advertising, may be missing out on a share of voice opportunity for keywords relevant to their categories," said Marc Ryan, Senior Director, Analysis, Nielsen//NetRatings. "This research suggests that the optimal media mix includes search and display ads, a combination which allows advertisers to take advantage of the push/pull dynamics of the web while still delivering on core branding metrics."
Danny Sullivan comments: "Haven't done a follow-up yet, but a bit concerned that contextual ads were mised in on what's called a "search branding" study.
I have no doubt that paid ads help branding -- have heard plenty of marketers report examples of this. But then that begs the question -- should we see some of these ads then sold on an impression basis, rather than cost-per-click?"
SEM and Branding Influence Shari Thurow analyses the findings and writes:
"A site can generate higher conversion rates and more qualified sales leads from lower positions. In fact, in a SERP's spidered results, people who are willing to go past the top three positions are often better researchers. They are likely to be more qualified prospects than those not willing to research...Additionally, a top position does not necessarily translate into a closed sale "
"The IAB Search Engine Effectiveness Committee commissioned Nielsen//NetRatings' "Internet Search Brand Effectiveness Research," project " to investigate the effect of paid search ads on branding....
"Brand advertisers, who are not yet placing search advertising, may be missing out on a share of voice opportunity for keywords relevant to their categories," said Marc Ryan, Senior Director, Analysis, Nielsen//NetRatings. "This research suggests that the optimal media mix includes search and display ads, a combination which allows advertisers to take advantage of the push/pull dynamics of the web while still delivering on core branding metrics."
Danny Sullivan comments: "Haven't done a follow-up yet, but a bit concerned that contextual ads were mised in on what's called a "search branding" study.
I have no doubt that paid ads help branding -- have heard plenty of marketers report examples of this. But then that begs the question -- should we see some of these ads then sold on an impression basis, rather than cost-per-click?"
SEM and Branding Influence Shari Thurow analyses the findings and writes:
"A site can generate higher conversion rates and more qualified sales leads from lower positions. In fact, in a SERP's spidered results, people who are willing to go past the top three positions are often better researchers. They are likely to be more qualified prospects than those not willing to research...Additionally, a top position does not necessarily translate into a closed sale "
Nielsen//NetRatings Reveals UK's Top 1,500 Travel Websites | Tekrati Research News
Top 1,500 Travel Websites | Tekrati Research News
"Nielsen//NetRatings revealed the top fifteen hundred travel websites surfed in the UK in July 2004. The exhaustive ranking is included in the firm's debut Travel Sector Spotlight Report. The July 2004 research shows the three leading sites in the sector are online only brands--Multimap, Expedia and Lastminute."
Key Performance Metrics include market share, time spent online, content viewed, and rank as well as key demographic data that allows travel companies to benchmark and improve their performance. Each site analysed includes a detailed report with consumer profile of age, gender and income level supplied on a monthly basis.
David Day, Managing Director says “With over 1500 sites in this report, we are delighted to provide the UK’s most detailed and comprehensive ranking showing the performance for the fast-moving and highly competitive online travel sector. Travel companies, regardless of the size, can see how their performance compares to other players and learn from the strategies of other companies to improve performance.
"Nielsen//NetRatings revealed the top fifteen hundred travel websites surfed in the UK in July 2004. The exhaustive ranking is included in the firm's debut Travel Sector Spotlight Report. The July 2004 research shows the three leading sites in the sector are online only brands--Multimap, Expedia and Lastminute."
Key Performance Metrics include market share, time spent online, content viewed, and rank as well as key demographic data that allows travel companies to benchmark and improve their performance. Each site analysed includes a detailed report with consumer profile of age, gender and income level supplied on a monthly basis.
David Day, Managing Director says “With over 1500 sites in this report, we are delighted to provide the UK’s most detailed and comprehensive ranking showing the performance for the fast-moving and highly competitive online travel sector. Travel companies, regardless of the size, can see how their performance compares to other players and learn from the strategies of other companies to improve performance.
TravelDailyNews -marketing brand Europe
TravelDailyNews
E-marketing, market intelligence, operational excellence are the keys to the success of European tourism in the years ahead
"The ETC is currently engaged in an ambitious project to develop a new European tourism portal visiteurope.com, known officially as the `European Tourism Destinations` portal. The development phase of the project started in April of this year. Development and construction of the portal is being funded by the European Union, through its IDA Programme. ETC will take over operation of the new visiteurope.com site when it goes online in late 2005...
An essential component of ETC`s marketing efforts must be to develop `Brand Europe`. Europe already has an identity - as is reflected in the `Image of Europe in North America` study - but this not the same as being a brand. Developing a brand identity requires defining what makes Europe different from other holiday destinations: what themes or values characterize `Brand Europe`, what Europe`s unique selling proposition (or USP) is. Developing `Brand Europe` goes to the core of motivating and exciting potential guests. And a strong brand identity will imbue ETC marketing efforts with greater impact and consistency."
E-marketing, market intelligence, operational excellence are the keys to the success of European tourism in the years ahead
"The ETC is currently engaged in an ambitious project to develop a new European tourism portal visiteurope.com, known officially as the `European Tourism Destinations` portal. The development phase of the project started in April of this year. Development and construction of the portal is being funded by the European Union, through its IDA Programme. ETC will take over operation of the new visiteurope.com site when it goes online in late 2005...
An essential component of ETC`s marketing efforts must be to develop `Brand Europe`. Europe already has an identity - as is reflected in the `Image of Europe in North America` study - but this not the same as being a brand. Developing a brand identity requires defining what makes Europe different from other holiday destinations: what themes or values characterize `Brand Europe`, what Europe`s unique selling proposition (or USP) is. Developing `Brand Europe` goes to the core of motivating and exciting potential guests. And a strong brand identity will imbue ETC marketing efforts with greater impact and consistency."
Travel Daily News - Global megatrends revolutionizing the tourism industry
Travel Daily News - Tourism Trends by Tourism Control Intelligence
Michael Nowlis, consultant and director for the Tourism Control Intelligence makes predictions for the travel industry:
These two items in particular strike me as offering opportunities:
Consumers will systematically consult travel health sites before checking ticket or room availability.
Consumers will increasingly expect to negotiate hotel and airline rates.
While these two items highlight dangers:
The Internet will become the dominant distribution channel for all travel and tourism products eliminating most intermediaries.
As hotel reservations made through global distribution systems diminish, GDS will exploit communications advances to reduce fees and costs.
Other possible openings and dangers include:
London, New York, Sydney and Dubai will be the leading tourism poles through the end of the decade.
While hotel and cafe guests will increasingly expect wireless Internet access, other factors will encourage hospitality operators to invest in it - serving as a platform for mobile point-of-sales, reducing cable costs and more efficient restaurant table auditing.
Understanding customers as people - their likes, dislikes, habits, interests and hobbies - will become critical to establishing competitive advantage in hospitality marketing.
Customer retention will replace customer acquisition as travel agencies` strategic objective.
Data warehousing and data mining will provide one-to-one and relationship-marketing opportunities never imagined.
Print media advertising will move onto the Web.
Increasingly value-conscious customers will demand more and better product information.
"Rave` tourists will travel further abroad in search of the perfect party (BringItOn! Travel, Like Hiptrips, Experienceibiza, etc.)"
"Travel guidebooks will become highly specialized and more frequently consulted - primarily on the web."
"By the end of the decade, a score of management companies will control the world inventory of branded hotel rooms."
"Franchising will experience explosive growth as hotel companies strategically reposition to get out of the hotel business and into the business of hotels (i.e. Radisson, Choice, Cendant, Holiday Inn, etc.)."
Michael Nowlis, consultant and director for the Tourism Control Intelligence makes predictions for the travel industry:
These two items in particular strike me as offering opportunities:
Consumers will systematically consult travel health sites before checking ticket or room availability.
Consumers will increasingly expect to negotiate hotel and airline rates.
While these two items highlight dangers:
The Internet will become the dominant distribution channel for all travel and tourism products eliminating most intermediaries.
As hotel reservations made through global distribution systems diminish, GDS will exploit communications advances to reduce fees and costs.
Other possible openings and dangers include:
London, New York, Sydney and Dubai will be the leading tourism poles through the end of the decade.
While hotel and cafe guests will increasingly expect wireless Internet access, other factors will encourage hospitality operators to invest in it - serving as a platform for mobile point-of-sales, reducing cable costs and more efficient restaurant table auditing.
Understanding customers as people - their likes, dislikes, habits, interests and hobbies - will become critical to establishing competitive advantage in hospitality marketing.
Customer retention will replace customer acquisition as travel agencies` strategic objective.
Data warehousing and data mining will provide one-to-one and relationship-marketing opportunities never imagined.
Print media advertising will move onto the Web.
Increasingly value-conscious customers will demand more and better product information.
"Rave` tourists will travel further abroad in search of the perfect party (BringItOn! Travel, Like Hiptrips, Experienceibiza, etc.)"
"Travel guidebooks will become highly specialized and more frequently consulted - primarily on the web."
"By the end of the decade, a score of management companies will control the world inventory of branded hotel rooms."
"Franchising will experience explosive growth as hotel companies strategically reposition to get out of the hotel business and into the business of hotels (i.e. Radisson, Choice, Cendant, Holiday Inn, etc.)."
World Travel Market`s Global Travel Report 2004-5 : Brits most likely to book on the Internet
Travel Daily News
"Findings unveiled in the World Travel Market`s Global Travel Report 2004-5 revealed that Brits are more likely to use the Internet to book travel than the French or Germans.According to the European Travel Monitor, which conducted 150,000 interviews in the top ten European countries, some 53 per cent of Brits are likely to book on the Internet, compared with 33 per cent in France and 28 per cent in Germany.
Although the Germans are least likely to book online, they are the most frequent bookers of accommodation online, compared with France and the UK. Meanwhile, the French are more likely to book complete package tours on the Internet than Germans or Brits.
The report revealed 45 per cent of pre-booked trips by Europeans went through travel agents, 30 per cent went through the Internet and 25 per cent by other channels.
Of the 30 per cent who used the Internet, 40 per cent booked airline tickets, 35 per cent accommodation and 25 per cent other travel add-ons.
Throughout Europe, online bookings increased by 39 per cent in the first eight months of 2004. "
"Findings unveiled in the World Travel Market`s Global Travel Report 2004-5 revealed that Brits are more likely to use the Internet to book travel than the French or Germans.According to the European Travel Monitor, which conducted 150,000 interviews in the top ten European countries, some 53 per cent of Brits are likely to book on the Internet, compared with 33 per cent in France and 28 per cent in Germany.
Although the Germans are least likely to book online, they are the most frequent bookers of accommodation online, compared with France and the UK. Meanwhile, the French are more likely to book complete package tours on the Internet than Germans or Brits.
The report revealed 45 per cent of pre-booked trips by Europeans went through travel agents, 30 per cent went through the Internet and 25 per cent by other channels.
Of the 30 per cent who used the Internet, 40 per cent booked airline tickets, 35 per cent accommodation and 25 per cent other travel add-ons.
Throughout Europe, online bookings increased by 39 per cent in the first eight months of 2004. "
Visit Britain Marketing Guide - aimed at SMEs: Travel Daily News
Travel Daily News - New guide will help smaller tourism businesses get on the map
"VisitBritain has published a new marketing guide for British tourism businesses, to introduce the many different low-cost and �no cost� ways it can help them to reach potential British and international visitors."
Of course their success stories feature businesses that have profited by paying to feature in Visit Britain campaigns....
"VisitBritain spends over £50 million each year on promoting Britain to the rest of the world, and England within Britain. Its brochures, guides, marketing campaigns, press coverage and websites are seen by millions of potential visitors, and it works with hundreds of travel agents, tour operators and travel media around the world to help bring more people to Britain."
The article quotes the following "examples of the low cost and ‘no cost’ marketing opportunities that VisitBritain offers tourism businesses:
using e-tourism and e-newsletters to reach millions of ‘Britphiles’ in 31 key markets around the globe, with the help of VisitBritain’s distribution partners such as Wanadoo
reaching the global travel trade through a huge programme of agent sales guides, newsletters and missions
targeting thousands of international travel journalists with news from Britain
free marketing advice, market information, insights and research
production, print and distribution of promotional material, bespoke touring maps and guides, and access to over 25,000 quality images of Britain – all at exceptionally low rates
quality assessment schemes, including invaluable advice from qualified assessors
targeted marketing campaigns, costing from as little as £250 to enter"
"VisitBritain has published a new marketing guide for British tourism businesses, to introduce the many different low-cost and �no cost� ways it can help them to reach potential British and international visitors."
Of course their success stories feature businesses that have profited by paying to feature in Visit Britain campaigns....
"VisitBritain spends over £50 million each year on promoting Britain to the rest of the world, and England within Britain. Its brochures, guides, marketing campaigns, press coverage and websites are seen by millions of potential visitors, and it works with hundreds of travel agents, tour operators and travel media around the world to help bring more people to Britain."
The article quotes the following "examples of the low cost and ‘no cost’ marketing opportunities that VisitBritain offers tourism businesses:
using e-tourism and e-newsletters to reach millions of ‘Britphiles’ in 31 key markets around the globe, with the help of VisitBritain’s distribution partners such as Wanadoo
reaching the global travel trade through a huge programme of agent sales guides, newsletters and missions
targeting thousands of international travel journalists with news from Britain
free marketing advice, market information, insights and research
production, print and distribution of promotional material, bespoke touring maps and guides, and access to over 25,000 quality images of Britain – all at exceptionally low rates
quality assessment schemes, including invaluable advice from qualified assessors
targeted marketing campaigns, costing from as little as £250 to enter"
Seth's Blog: Free Godin ebook
Seth's Blog: Free Godin ebook: "Free Godin ebook
This is a better formatted, limited edition ebook edition of The Bootstrapper's Bible, which used to come free when you bought a copy of Purple Cow."
This is a better formatted, limited edition ebook edition of The Bootstrapper's Bible, which used to come free when you bought a copy of Purple Cow."
Reuters Analysis Travel Search V Expedia and Travelocity,
Reuters | AOL Kayak
America Online is teaming with Kayak Software to create an online travel search site in a bid to offer consumers one-stop shopping, but some observers question whether the goal is attainable...
Jeffrey DeKorte, general manager of AOL Travel, estimated that AOL members look at three to four Web sites before making a travel purchase.
He said the new site would not affect AOL's relationship with Travelocity, which currently provides travel booking for AOL's 23 million subscribers.
Kayak's "travel search engine is not yet up to full speed and traffic is modest...Sidestep, which last month, according to Hitwise, captured 64 percent of online traffic for travel search engine sites, is the most established company in the category."
America Online is teaming with Kayak Software to create an online travel search site in a bid to offer consumers one-stop shopping, but some observers question whether the goal is attainable...
Jeffrey DeKorte, general manager of AOL Travel, estimated that AOL members look at three to four Web sites before making a travel purchase.
He said the new site would not affect AOL's relationship with Travelocity, which currently provides travel booking for AOL's 23 million subscribers.
Kayak's "travel search engine is not yet up to full speed and traffic is modest...Sidestep, which last month, according to Hitwise, captured 64 percent of online traffic for travel search engine sites, is the most established company in the category."
Thursday, November 18, 2004
Sabre GDS to be used at German Rail Stations
Huge breakthrough for Sabre Travel Network in Germany - 18-Nov-04.: "German rail network Deutsche Bahn (DB) has switched 204 of its railway station-based Travel Centres and 57 Reiseland Deutsche Bahn travel agencies to the Sabre global distribution system (GDS). The operation is one of Sabre Travel Network's largest single European conversion exercises and all 261 new outlets are expected to be fully converted by Q3 2005. "
Travelgrove.com another travel meta search : Onlypunjab.com
Onlypunjab.com:
Announces the launch of Travelgrove.com travel meta search. Their analysis is that:
"Travel products that can be classified as commodities for instance, such as airline tickets as well as car rentals, will be in the hands of these travel meta searches. All other products that will require somewhat more information and are not readily compareable, will most likely remain in the hands of consolidators and the providers."
From which they conclude that "The successors will be companies that can control search times and more importantly, they will be able to present the search results in the best fashion (mainly vacations, cruises and hotels). Look out for smaller players to see more innovative ways to create customer loyalty...
and ask where the online travel market is heading:
"It will be interesting to see when the more conventional travel marketing companies will actually switch to the more user friendly model going away from the more profitable supersearch model and start focusing on usability again. One thing is certain, Yahoo bought FareChase and more similar acquisitions are going to follow suit."
Announces the launch of Travelgrove.com travel meta search. Their analysis is that:
"Travel products that can be classified as commodities for instance, such as airline tickets as well as car rentals, will be in the hands of these travel meta searches. All other products that will require somewhat more information and are not readily compareable, will most likely remain in the hands of consolidators and the providers."
From which they conclude that "The successors will be companies that can control search times and more importantly, they will be able to present the search results in the best fashion (mainly vacations, cruises and hotels). Look out for smaller players to see more innovative ways to create customer loyalty...
and ask where the online travel market is heading:
"It will be interesting to see when the more conventional travel marketing companies will actually switch to the more user friendly model going away from the more profitable supersearch model and start focusing on usability again. One thing is certain, Yahoo bought FareChase and more similar acquisitions are going to follow suit."
ian.com for affilate schemes with Hotels.com
ian.com quote PhoCus Wright, Inc. "online travel is projected to hit $65.4 billion by 2005." Illustrated with dinky graph...
Search Engine Reach for hotels.com and main partners:
Yahoo: 196,000 for site:hotels.com
Google: 69,400 from hotels.com
"Partners"
uk.hoteldiscount.com Not in Yahoo, pages in Google
travel now . com not in Yahoo, unfriendly results in google
Condosaver.com One listing Yahoo, 38,400 in Google
Turbotrip 4 in Yahoo, Google Search: site:turbotrip.com 1,030
Search Engine Reach for hotels.com and main partners:
Yahoo: 196,000 for site:hotels.com
Google: 69,400 from hotels.com
"Partners"
uk.hoteldiscount.com Not in Yahoo, pages in Google
travel now . com not in Yahoo, unfriendly results in google
Condosaver.com One listing Yahoo, 38,400 in Google
Turbotrip 4 in Yahoo, Google Search: site:turbotrip.com 1,030
Less Web Traffic to Travel Sites from search : U.S. Hitwise Report
Hitwise: "Below are the top five unique search terms which resulted in visits to the Travel - Destinations and Accommodation category, for the week ending 05/22/2004.RankSearch TermMarket Share
1.holiday inn3.42%
2.hotels2.72%
3.hotels.com2.19%
4.las vegas1.81%
5.disneyland1.70%
Based on US data."
Hitwise | Tekrati Research News: "According to Hitwise, online travel shoppers are doing more comparison shopping and becoming less dependent on general and travel-specific search engines."
The Tekrati article states that "The research indicates a fundamental shift in how consumers use the Web to locate travel-related information" based on the following stats:
10% less traffic from search engines and directories to travel sites October 2004 than October 2003
11 percent increase in traffic in directly from other travel sites
The newer travel search/ comparison engines accounted for 0.45% of total visits to the travel category in October 2004. (www.sidestep.com, www.mobissimo.com, yahoo.farechase.com, www.cheapflights.com, www.qixo.com, www.farechase.com)
Seven of the top 10 search terms for the Hitwise “Destinations and Accommodations” category were for specific hotels and destinations... their most frequent searches are for accommodations"
Traffic to discount airline sites increased 12% in October 2004 v October 2003
7% of all traffic to travel sites is to major airlines sites and 5% to discount airlines October 2004
Bill Tancer, Vice President of Research at Hitwise said “The data indicates that consumers are becoming more sophisticated in their online travel shopping...Having gained familiarity with the top online travel agencies, hotel sites, and airline sites, they are less likely to initiate travel research and purchasing from a search engine.”
Tancer is suggesting that loyalty ( and thus branding) is coming into play but it could also be due to sites like Tripadvisor which link to deals on Expedia.co.uk, Hotels.com and Travelocity or Yahoo travel, neither of which are deemed travel search sites, plus the masses of affiliate "travel sites". To me it could mean that users are just going round in ever-decreasing circles? What path are they using to move between travel sites? Favourites? Adverts? Links? Type address? That data could confirm his argument...
1.holiday inn3.42%
2.hotels2.72%
3.hotels.com2.19%
4.las vegas1.81%
5.disneyland1.70%
Based on US data."
Hitwise | Tekrati Research News: "According to Hitwise, online travel shoppers are doing more comparison shopping and becoming less dependent on general and travel-specific search engines."
The Tekrati article states that "The research indicates a fundamental shift in how consumers use the Web to locate travel-related information" based on the following stats:
10% less traffic from search engines and directories to travel sites October 2004 than October 2003
11 percent increase in traffic in directly from other travel sites
The newer travel search/ comparison engines accounted for 0.45% of total visits to the travel category in October 2004. (www.sidestep.com, www.mobissimo.com, yahoo.farechase.com, www.cheapflights.com, www.qixo.com, www.farechase.com)
Seven of the top 10 search terms for the Hitwise “Destinations and Accommodations” category were for specific hotels and destinations... their most frequent searches are for accommodations"
Traffic to discount airline sites increased 12% in October 2004 v October 2003
7% of all traffic to travel sites is to major airlines sites and 5% to discount airlines October 2004
Bill Tancer, Vice President of Research at Hitwise said “The data indicates that consumers are becoming more sophisticated in their online travel shopping...Having gained familiarity with the top online travel agencies, hotel sites, and airline sites, they are less likely to initiate travel research and purchasing from a search engine.”
Tancer is suggesting that loyalty ( and thus branding) is coming into play but it could also be due to sites like Tripadvisor which link to deals on Expedia.co.uk, Hotels.com and Travelocity or Yahoo travel, neither of which are deemed travel search sites, plus the masses of affiliate "travel sites". To me it could mean that users are just going round in ever-decreasing circles? What path are they using to move between travel sites? Favourites? Adverts? Links? Type address? That data could confirm his argument...
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Mobissimo travel search engine launched | Reuters.com
Article outlines online travel major players Internet News Article | Reuters.com: " Mobissimo Inc. officially launched its online travel search engine on Tuesday and said it has added a new service that allows users to search for rental cars"
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
Libra buys Helios Airways - 16-Nov-04.
Libra buys Cypriot Airline LIBRA Holidays has acquired Cypriot carrier Helios Airways for an undisclosed sum. The deal comes as the operator looks to expand into the scheduled flight market across Europe. Libra chief executive Andreas Drakou described the acquisition as a “unique opportunity.”
Travel UCD - consultants & travel website deign
Travel UCD - consultants in travel and hospitality website design: "consultants in travel & hospitality online strategy, marketing & website design"
24 hours until MyTravel decision - 16-Nov-04.
MyTravel decision - 16-Nov-04.: "MYTRAVEL will learn within 24 hours whether it must go to the high court to force through its financial rescue package. "
Still no ebookers deal - 16-Nov-04.
ebookers deal - no deal: "The biggest news of the day was at ebookers, with The Guardian reporting that a �hoped-for bid for the online travel agency failed to materialise�. "
Seth Godin reviews new Travelocity tactics
Seth is less than complimentary about Travelocity trying to push their biggest money earners instead of always providing "best" advice to users...his conclusion quoting Lincoln should be a big lesson to the travel corporations that the consumer is far from eaily duped and tactics like Travelcity's in this case com across as money grabbing and underhand...
Seth's Blog: Abraham Lincoln and the new Travelocity: "new Travelocity"..."I admit it. Travelocity fooled me. They fooled me because I used to trust them. I used to be able to assume that they'd just go ahead and show me the best flights. I was wrong.
Lincoln was right. You can't fool all the people all the time. How much profit makes it worth Travelocity using up their single biggest asset--permission to talk to me about air flights?"
Seth's Blog: Abraham Lincoln and the new Travelocity: "new Travelocity"..."I admit it. Travelocity fooled me. They fooled me because I used to trust them. I used to be able to assume that they'd just go ahead and show me the best flights. I was wrong.
Lincoln was right. You can't fool all the people all the time. How much profit makes it worth Travelocity using up their single biggest asset--permission to talk to me about air flights?"
Swissport UK goes bust; 750 jobs gone - 16-Nov-04.
travelmole cover an article by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd report stating that "Swissport UK, which provides check-in and other ground-handling facilities at London’s Heathrow airport, has folded with the loss of some 750 jobs. According to the online news provider Ananova, the company ceased operational activities early this morning (Tuesday), with four other companies already providing cover at the airport’s four terminals.
The company provided check-in staff for 11 carriers at the airport: Aer Lingus, El Al, IcelandAir, Cyprus Airways, Swiss, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Hellas, Middle East Airlines, Air China, and the Turkish carrier Kibris. "
No explanation is given.
The company provided check-in staff for 11 carriers at the airport: Aer Lingus, El Al, IcelandAir, Cyprus Airways, Swiss, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Hellas, Middle East Airlines, Air China, and the Turkish carrier Kibris. "
No explanation is given.
Monday, November 15, 2004
iMediaConnection: Technorati Blog Search
iMediaConnection: King + Queen = Royal Success: "Editors Note: Blogs, which often provide commentary on content found elsewhere on the Web and provide links to it, are important to monitor as well. A fairly new site, Technorati, enables you to type in your company's Web site or product Web site, or that of your competitors, and see in real time what everybody's saying about your or your competitor's site. Not only will this show you who's linking, but also when the links went live."
Technorati: Search for http://www.totaltravel.co.uk
Technorati: Search for http://www.totaltravel.co.uk
Travelweb : priceline - widening market
Room with a deal: "Earlier this year, Priceline.com obtained majority interest in Travelweb, a site originally launched to give Marriott and other major U.S. hotel chains more control over their inventories. Since the change, the only chain with a financial stake in the site is InterContinental. Now broadening its scope far beyond the major chains, the site offers discounts at properties worldwide, including independents."
Sidestep tested
Room with a deal: "We used SideStep to look for a room at the Colonnade hotel in Boston for a Saturday in mid- October. While SideStep offered us a double for $303, Hotels.com's price was $265, Expedia's was $245, and a phone call to the hotel resulted in a quote of $245. Unlike other brokers, however, SideStep promises to match room prices found on other hotel sites. It also sweetens the deal with possible upgrades and late checkouts -- perks also pitched to frequent users of Expedia, Orbitz and some other sites -- when available."
Expedia Simplifies Sign-on for Corporate Travel Bookings - Computerworld
Sidebar: Expedia Unit Offers Single Sign-on for Travel Bookings - Computerworld: "Indiana University, which uses Expedia's site to book travel for its employees, is testing the single-sign-on feature. 'The bottom line is that you don't need to keep logging into systems to get something done,' said John Harner, director of travel services at the Bloomington-based university. "
Active Hotels to be Distributed Through Eurotunnel Channels
Press release: travmedia.com: "Eurotunnel, the market leader for self-drive cross-Channel travel, has teamed up with Active Hotels, one of Europe�s leading online reservation providers, to offer customers online reservations for over 8,500 hotels across Europe. The service will be launched on http://www.eurotunnel.com/ from 1 December 2004"...
Active "has over 8,500 hotels, which it promotes through 1,500 distribution partners, including many of the market leaders in online travel. Active Hotels currently sell over two million hotel room nights per annum. www.activehotels.com"
Active "has over 8,500 hotels, which it promotes through 1,500 distribution partners, including many of the market leaders in online travel. Active Hotels currently sell over two million hotel room nights per annum. www.activehotels.com"
Saturday, November 13, 2004
Friday, November 12, 2004
JupiterResearch: Online Travel Industry Will Reach $91 Billion by 2009,
JupiterResearch: "JupiterResearch Forecasts The Online Travel Industry Will Reach $91 Billion by 2009, With Supplier Web Sites Increasing Market Share "
The new research entitled "Market Forecast Report, Travel 2004" finds that the U.S. online travel market has grown at a fast pace over the last year, totaling $54 billion in 2004, or 23% of travel purchased. The online market is projected to grow to $91 billion in 2009, or 33% of travel purchased.
Sales are growing for both online agencies such as Orbitz, Expedia and Travelocity, as well as supplier Web sites, with supplier sites capturing the majority of the online market. In this highly price-sensitive industry, search engines are becoming a critical part of the marketing mix: more consumers are prompted to visit travel sites as a result of a search than through any other media source.
Findings of this JupiterResearch forecast include: in 2004 airline tickets remain the largest online leisure travel revenue category, representing $23.3 billion in revenue; over $11.6 billion in hotel revenue was booked by consumers in 2004; supplier Web sites will continue to increase their share of the market, increasing from 56% of online leisure travel revenue in 2004 to 60% by 2009; airlines and car rental companies will lead the charge in increasing direct online share; and new booking tools and increased compliance will drive the online managed travel market to $32 billion by 2009.
"We're seeing steady growth across all segments of the online travel industry," said Diane Clarkson, Analyst at JupiterResearch. "Both business and leisure travelers are booking a growing percentage of their travel online, and search is having an increasing influence on their research and purchase behavior. In this competitive market, the online travel industry must ensure that search is at the forefront of their marketing strategy," added Clarkson.
The complete findings of this forecast are immediately available to JupiterResearch clients online. For more information on the forecast or JupiterResearch's Travel research service please contact Kieran Kelly, Vice President of Global Sales and Client Services at 1-800-481-1212 or researchsales@jupitermedia.com.
About Jupitermedia Corporation
Jupitermedia Corporation (Nasdaq: JUPM) (www.jupitermedia.com), headquartered in Darien, CT, is a leading global provider of original information, images, research and events for information technology, business and creative professionals. JupiterWeb, the online division of Jupitermedia, operates four distinct online networks: internet.com and EarthWeb.com for IT and business professionals; DevX.com for developers; and ClickZ.com for interactive marketers. JupiterWeb properties include more than 150 Web sites and over 150 e-mail newsletters that are viewed by approximately 20 million users and generate approximately 300 million page views monthly. Jupitermedia also includes: JupiterImages, one of the leading images companies in the world with over 3.5 million images online serving creative professionals with products like Comstock Images, Thinkstock Images, Thinkstock Footage, Photos.com and Clipart.com; JupiterResearch, a leading international research advisory organization specializing in business and technology market research in 18 business areas and 14 vertical markets; and JupiterEvents, which produces offline conferences and trade shows focused on IT and business- specific topics, including Search Engine Strategies and Wi-Fi Planet.
The new research entitled "Market Forecast Report, Travel 2004" finds that the U.S. online travel market has grown at a fast pace over the last year, totaling $54 billion in 2004, or 23% of travel purchased. The online market is projected to grow to $91 billion in 2009, or 33% of travel purchased.
Sales are growing for both online agencies such as Orbitz, Expedia and Travelocity, as well as supplier Web sites, with supplier sites capturing the majority of the online market. In this highly price-sensitive industry, search engines are becoming a critical part of the marketing mix: more consumers are prompted to visit travel sites as a result of a search than through any other media source.
Findings of this JupiterResearch forecast include: in 2004 airline tickets remain the largest online leisure travel revenue category, representing $23.3 billion in revenue; over $11.6 billion in hotel revenue was booked by consumers in 2004; supplier Web sites will continue to increase their share of the market, increasing from 56% of online leisure travel revenue in 2004 to 60% by 2009; airlines and car rental companies will lead the charge in increasing direct online share; and new booking tools and increased compliance will drive the online managed travel market to $32 billion by 2009.
"We're seeing steady growth across all segments of the online travel industry," said Diane Clarkson, Analyst at JupiterResearch. "Both business and leisure travelers are booking a growing percentage of their travel online, and search is having an increasing influence on their research and purchase behavior. In this competitive market, the online travel industry must ensure that search is at the forefront of their marketing strategy," added Clarkson.
The complete findings of this forecast are immediately available to JupiterResearch clients online. For more information on the forecast or JupiterResearch's Travel research service please contact Kieran Kelly, Vice President of Global Sales and Client Services at 1-800-481-1212 or researchsales@jupitermedia.com.
About Jupitermedia Corporation
Jupitermedia Corporation (Nasdaq: JUPM) (www.jupitermedia.com), headquartered in Darien, CT, is a leading global provider of original information, images, research and events for information technology, business and creative professionals. JupiterWeb, the online division of Jupitermedia, operates four distinct online networks: internet.com and EarthWeb.com for IT and business professionals; DevX.com for developers; and ClickZ.com for interactive marketers. JupiterWeb properties include more than 150 Web sites and over 150 e-mail newsletters that are viewed by approximately 20 million users and generate approximately 300 million page views monthly. Jupitermedia also includes: JupiterImages, one of the leading images companies in the world with over 3.5 million images online serving creative professionals with products like Comstock Images, Thinkstock Images, Thinkstock Footage, Photos.com and Clipart.com; JupiterResearch, a leading international research advisory organization specializing in business and technology market research in 18 business areas and 14 vertical markets; and JupiterEvents, which produces offline conferences and trade shows focused on IT and business- specific topics, including Search Engine Strategies and Wi-Fi Planet.
Travel market shifts - Worldspan loses Expedia, Cendant Orbitz buyout complete
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis:
"Expedia shifts bookings to competitor Sabre Travel Network, and Cendant completes its acquisition of Orbitz. "
Rakesh Gangwal, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Worldspan was not expecting the Expedia announcement and is reported as saying "that while Worldspan is still in talks with carriers, such as Air Canada, on full fare access, its web fare deals with airlines are virtually complete."
"Expedia shifts bookings to competitor Sabre Travel Network, and Cendant completes its acquisition of Orbitz. "
Rakesh Gangwal, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Worldspan was not expecting the Expedia announcement and is reported as saying "that while Worldspan is still in talks with carriers, such as Air Canada, on full fare access, its web fare deals with airlines are virtually complete."
Forbes.com: AOL Aims at Online Internet Travel Market
Forbes.com: AOL takes a stake in KAyak:
"America Online Inc. plans to announce Friday it is taking a minority stake in Kayak Software Corp., one of a handful of companies whose software allows travelers to simultaneously scour the offerings of thousands of individual airline, hotel and car rental Web sites... " this is part of AOL's strategy to "establish standalone businesses that attract an audience beyond its Internet service customers."
Kayak's USP versus other aggregators is user post ratings and reviews, and its "personalisation" which saves users travel preferences and filters the search results for them.
Forbes.com review the pros and cons of aggregators and traditional online travel agencies for users and the effect they have on the online travel market and its complex relationships between suppliers and online agencies.
The aggregators are basically travel search engines which scrape the net for deals for the consumer to compare and then book with the supplier. This gives users access to inventory which is not otherwise sold through 3rd parties such as budget airlines.
Aggregators (which include www.sidestep.com www.qixo.com http:yahoo.farechase.com www.mobissimo.com www.kayak.com) deal direct with some suppliers but mainly use online agencies for their inventory. Expedia and Travelocity have both excluded Kayak from accessing their inventory. The Forbes article quotes the example of "Travelocity chief executive Michelle Peluso last month accused Kayak of poaching her company's inventory" which resulted in Kayak dropping Travelocity's inventory. The move by AOL is also likely to directly affect Travelocity's business from the travel & booking engine they provide at both Yahoo and AOL.
"Think of Kayak.com as the Google-meets-Amazon of travel search," CEO Steve Hafner, who co-founded Orbitz, said when Kayak launched early October."
"America Online Inc. plans to announce Friday it is taking a minority stake in Kayak Software Corp., one of a handful of companies whose software allows travelers to simultaneously scour the offerings of thousands of individual airline, hotel and car rental Web sites... " this is part of AOL's strategy to "establish standalone businesses that attract an audience beyond its Internet service customers."
Kayak's USP versus other aggregators is user post ratings and reviews, and its "personalisation" which saves users travel preferences and filters the search results for them.
Forbes.com review the pros and cons of aggregators and traditional online travel agencies for users and the effect they have on the online travel market and its complex relationships between suppliers and online agencies.
The aggregators are basically travel search engines which scrape the net for deals for the consumer to compare and then book with the supplier. This gives users access to inventory which is not otherwise sold through 3rd parties such as budget airlines.
Aggregators (which include www.sidestep.com www.qixo.com http:yahoo.farechase.com www.mobissimo.com www.kayak.com) deal direct with some suppliers but mainly use online agencies for their inventory. Expedia and Travelocity have both excluded Kayak from accessing their inventory. The Forbes article quotes the example of "Travelocity chief executive Michelle Peluso last month accused Kayak of poaching her company's inventory" which resulted in Kayak dropping Travelocity's inventory. The move by AOL is also likely to directly affect Travelocity's business from the travel & booking engine they provide at both Yahoo and AOL.
"Think of Kayak.com as the Google-meets-Amazon of travel search," CEO Steve Hafner, who co-founded Orbitz, said when Kayak launched early October."
Thursday, November 11, 2004
Ebookers shares up again
Ebookers on the rise again - 11-Nov-04.: "Ebookers put on an impressive 18p to finish at 285p according to The Guardian, on rumours that chief executive Dinesh Dhamija was visiting financial institutions in New York to thrash out the details of merger or takeover deal"
New agent no frill flights booking search & booking system
No-frills airlines expected to resist fare comparison - 11-Nov-04.: "Comtec has launched what it claims is a unique flight search and booking engine for agents, but is expecting a backlash from no-frills airlines.The web-based solution allows agents to search and compare scheduled flights alongside charter, consolidator, web fares and no-frills flights.
What is unique about the system is that it allows agents to complete the booking within the Comtec system. It masks the website of the airline, be it EasyJet, Ryanair, British Airways or any other carrier, so that agents don't get redirected to a different website to book the flight....
The schedule flights are accessed via a GDS, the no-frills flights by screen scraping and the charter flights by a mixture of screen scraping viewdata for flight-only options and operating an XML connections with companies such as Avro and Thomas Cook.
EasySell flights costs £15 per month per user."
What is unique about the system is that it allows agents to complete the booking within the Comtec system. It masks the website of the airline, be it EasyJet, Ryanair, British Airways or any other carrier, so that agents don't get redirected to a different website to book the flight....
The schedule flights are accessed via a GDS, the no-frills flights by screen scraping and the charter flights by a mixture of screen scraping viewdata for flight-only options and operating an XML connections with companies such as Avro and Thomas Cook.
EasySell flights costs £15 per month per user."
Travel Counsellors annual sales "up a third" - 11-Nov-04.
Travel Counsellors annual sales "up a third" - 11-Nov-04. Travel Counsellors has claimed a 34% rise in total sales in the year ending October 31.
The independent homeworking group put the strong sales growth down in part to an “outstanding contribution” by its top agents.
Six of its top achieving ‘gold’ agents achieved more £1 million in sales for the company over the 12-month period
Welcome To Travel Counsellors: "Enter the first part of your postcode to find your local Travel Counsellor"
The independent homeworking group put the strong sales growth down in part to an “outstanding contribution” by its top agents.
Six of its top achieving ‘gold’ agents achieved more £1 million in sales for the company over the 12-month period
Welcome To Travel Counsellors: "Enter the first part of your postcode to find your local Travel Counsellor"
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
TUI: The package holiday is dead, long live the package holiday.. - 10-Nov-04.
The new package - 10-Nov-04.: TUI chief executive for Northern Europe, Peter Rothwell said "I think people will end up booking the same sort of holiday as they would if they bought the package, theyll just spend longer on the internet doing it and feel like theyve done something trendy by putting it together themselves.'
He added that despite this point, TUI was embracing new technology by concentrating its efforts on launching a 'potent portal'."
'You need to be big, or you need to be specialist' - 10-Nov-04.: TUI "had decided to ditch the Lunn Poly brand.
'One strong brand name is what you need to compete with other big brand names. We can only really support one name, like Lastminute or Expedia does."
He added that despite this point, TUI was embracing new technology by concentrating its efforts on launching a 'potent portal'."
'You need to be big, or you need to be specialist' - 10-Nov-04.: TUI "had decided to ditch the Lunn Poly brand.
'One strong brand name is what you need to compete with other big brand names. We can only really support one name, like Lastminute or Expedia does."
eyefortravel.com - easyJet MSN UK one day ad campaign
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis: "MSN UK today announces that it will be partnering for the first time with easyJet in an exclusive advertising as part of the airlines Come On, Let Fly campaign....takes the form of a one-day MSN Homepage takeover by easyJet and will run on 10 November. The airline’s campaign will run as a 300x250 expanding takeover, a new solution to be offered by MSN.
"
"
TLC (Travel Lodging Connector), : Helping agents to compete with online - 10-Nov-04.
Helping agents to compete with online - 10-Nov-04.: "Agents can compare GDS hotel rates and merchant rates on one screen with a new product launched at WTM.
The product, called TLC (Travel Lodging Connector), is being launched in the UK by CNG Travel Group, the company that owns PlacesToStay.com, the consumer hotel booking site...
TLC connects to 17,000 hotels in 111 countries, which adds to an average 40,000 GDS properties. TLC will work with Worldspan, Sabre and Galileo by the end of this year, and will work with Amadeus in the first quarter of next year...According to Mr Wright a booking can be made by agents in six to eight key strokes. He said this ease of use was crucial to ensuring high levels of bookings
TLC was launched in the US about one year ago and is being used on 3,000 agency desktops. CNG signed its first UK customer for TLC at WTM – CorporateChoice, the business travel division of Worldchoice "
The product, called TLC (Travel Lodging Connector), is being launched in the UK by CNG Travel Group, the company that owns PlacesToStay.com, the consumer hotel booking site...
TLC connects to 17,000 hotels in 111 countries, which adds to an average 40,000 GDS properties. TLC will work with Worldspan, Sabre and Galileo by the end of this year, and will work with Amadeus in the first quarter of next year...According to Mr Wright a booking can be made by agents in six to eight key strokes. He said this ease of use was crucial to ensuring high levels of bookings
TLC was launched in the US about one year ago and is being used on 3,000 agency desktops. CNG signed its first UK customer for TLC at WTM – CorporateChoice, the business travel division of Worldchoice "
UKinbound Formerly The British Incoming Tour Operators Association (BITOA)
UKinbound NAME GAME: The British Incoming Tour Operators Association (BITOA) announced at World Travel Market in London Nov. 8 that it changed its name to UKinbound...The website includes details of all UKinbound members, information about the association and how it can help you, useful industry contacts and employment opportunities within the industry. Visitors can also access valuable safety and security tips to help them enjoy their stay in the UK
:: Travel Weekly - The National Newspaper of the Travel Industry ::
:: Travel Weekly - The National Newspaper of the Travel Industry ::: "After just a year in the post, IAC Travel CEO Erik Blachford will leave the company early next year, IAC/InterActiveCorp said.
Dara Khosrowshahi, the chief financial officer (CFO) of IAC, will succeed Blachford."
Dara Khosrowshahi, the chief financial officer (CFO) of IAC, will succeed Blachford."
Total Travel and Easycottages
Total Travel: "We have teamed up with Easycottages to bring you a superb selection of over 4000 hand-picked cottages throughout the UK and beyond."
:: Travel Weekly - Yahoo said it is 'de-emphasizing' the FareChase
:: Travel Weekly - The National Newspaper of the Travel Industry ::: "Yahoo said it is 'de-emphasizing' the FareChase business-to-business search product in use by several major travel companies...
FareChase's clients include Sabre, American Express, Worldspan, Outtask, e-Travel, Amadeus, TRX and i:FAO. Previously, FareChase worked with Orbitz, as well.
In related news, Worldspan discontinued using the FareChase Web search product, which the GDS company called Worldspan Total Rates, on Oct. 29.
Sabre calls the FareChase product WebFares by FareChase, and the Internet fares are integrated into GDS screens. "
FareChase's clients include Sabre, American Express, Worldspan, Outtask, e-Travel, Amadeus, TRX and i:FAO. Previously, FareChase worked with Orbitz, as well.
In related news, Worldspan discontinued using the FareChase Web search product, which the GDS company called Worldspan Total Rates, on Oct. 29.
Sabre calls the FareChase product WebFares by FareChase, and the Internet fares are integrated into GDS screens. "
Branding “boutique” so overused it has become relatively meaningless : Travel Weekly - The National Newspaper of the Travel Industry ::
:: Travel Weekly - The National Newspaper of the Travel Industry :: Kimpton will pull the wraps off a marketing campaign today that is expected to drop the use of the term “boutique” when describing the hotels.
Hotel officials claim the term has been so overused in the industry that it has become relatively meaningless. Instead, the chain of 38 hotels is now calling itself a “Lifestyle Hotel Collection...Kimpton Hotels also intends to promote what it calls the five core elements of what the chain stands for: care, comfort, style, flavor and fun.
According to LaTour, the core elements refer to “Our individuality, along with our commitment to care on a number of levels; our wish to provide comfort; and our sensibilities when it comes to style, flavor and fun are what remain at the heart and soul of the Kimpton hotel experience. That experience is what keeps guests coming back.”
Hotel officials claim the term has been so overused in the industry that it has become relatively meaningless. Instead, the chain of 38 hotels is now calling itself a “Lifestyle Hotel Collection...Kimpton Hotels also intends to promote what it calls the five core elements of what the chain stands for: care, comfort, style, flavor and fun.
According to LaTour, the core elements refer to “Our individuality, along with our commitment to care on a number of levels; our wish to provide comfort; and our sensibilities when it comes to style, flavor and fun are what remain at the heart and soul of the Kimpton hotel experience. That experience is what keeps guests coming back.”
iMediaConnection: Nielsen//NetRatings Week in Review (10/24/04)
iMediaConnection: Nielsen//NetRatings Week in Review (10/24/04): top 10 online travel destinations
WTO Facts & Figures: Tourism grows by 10% for 2004
Facts & Figures
travmedia.com: "Additional data and graphs are available in the excerpt of the current issue of the WTO World Tourism Barometer that can be downloaded from the Facts&Figures section of the WTO website at www.world-tourism.org/facts/wtb.html. See this section also for the previous news release Spectacular rebound of international tourism in 2004, which provides a more in-depth discussion of the 2004 results for January-August.
A complimentary electronic copy of the full version of the October 2004 issue of the WTO World Tourism Barometer will be provided to media only upon request to comm@world-tourism.org."
travmedia.com: "Additional data and graphs are available in the excerpt of the current issue of the WTO World Tourism Barometer that can be downloaded from the Facts&Figures section of the WTO website at www.world-tourism.org/facts/wtb.html. See this section also for the previous news release Spectacular rebound of international tourism in 2004, which provides a more in-depth discussion of the 2004 results for January-August.
A complimentary electronic copy of the full version of the October 2004 issue of the WTO World Tourism Barometer will be provided to media only upon request to comm@world-tourism.org."
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
Scottish hotel staff �dour and lazy" - 09-Nov-04.
Scottish hotel staff dour and lazy" - 09-Nov-04.:
"An Australian hotel owner in Scotland has staffed almost the entire operation with staff from Down Under – because he says Scottish workers are “dour and shiftless”.
"An Australian hotel owner in Scotland has staffed almost the entire operation with staff from Down Under – because he says Scottish workers are “dour and shiftless”.
WTM: Business travel poised to bounce back - 09-Nov-04.
Business travel poised to bounce back - 09-Nov-04.: "WTM 2004 Special: Business travel out of Europe is set to grow next year after a stagnant period in 2004"
WTM Global tourism rises 12 per cent in 2004 - 09-Nov-04.
Global tourism rises 12 per cent in 2004 - 09-Nov-04.: "WTM 2004 Special: Global tourism is increasing rapidly with worldwide arrivals rising 12 per cent to around 526 million in the first eight months of 2004, compared with the same period as last year."
Internet use in UK higher than in France or Germany - 09-Nov-04.
Internet use in UK higher than in France or Germany - 09-Nov-04.: "WTM 2004 Special: Brits are more likely to use the Internet to book travel than the French or Germans...Of the 30 per cent who used the Internet, 40 per cent booked airline tickets, 35 per cent accommodation and 25 per cent other travel add-ons.
Throughout Europe, online bookings increased by 39 per cent in the first eight months of 2004.
Report by Jeremy Skidmore"
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis: "Adapting to the online requirements of different nations:
World Travel Market�s Global Travel Report has revealed major differences in the way consumers in Europe�s three biggest travel markets use the internet" EFT summarise the study as "Britons book airline tickets online, Germans book hotels, while the French like to book package holidays."
Throughout Europe, online bookings increased by 39 per cent in the first eight months of 2004.
Report by Jeremy Skidmore"
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis: "Adapting to the online requirements of different nations:
World Travel Market�s Global Travel Report has revealed major differences in the way consumers in Europe�s three biggest travel markets use the internet" EFT summarise the study as "Britons book airline tickets online, Germans book hotels, while the French like to book package holidays."
Eddington: Airlines are going to go bust - 09-Nov-04.
Eddington: Airlines are going to go bust - 09-Nov-04. There were several significant moves among travel and tourism shares yesterday as London’s equity markets slumped.
The FTSE 100 index dropped 23.2 points to end the day at 4716.6, while the FTSE 250 had a similar session, falling 41.7 points to close at 6474.4.
Shares in British Airways fell 5.5p to 219p after it posted better-than-expected results but gave a less-than-optimistic forecast for the future.
The FTSE 100 index dropped 23.2 points to end the day at 4716.6, while the FTSE 250 had a similar session, falling 41.7 points to close at 6474.4.
Shares in British Airways fell 5.5p to 219p after it posted better-than-expected results but gave a less-than-optimistic forecast for the future.
the allegiance of the online travel buyer up for grabs :: Travel Weekly :: Travel Weekly - The National Newspaper of the Travel Industry ::
:: Travel Weekly - The National Newspaper of the Travel Industry ::: reporter Dennis Schaal reports: "the meta-searchers and screen-scrapers, in alliance with big-name portals and suppliers, squaring off against the online agencies.
At stake is the allegiance of the online travel buyer, and by some accounts the outcome could reshape online travel distribution and the Internet balance of power....
The result could be a next-generation of travel search engines that promise to further reduce distribution costs for suppliers and take market share from the online agencies...
one search company, while acknowledging that supplier direct is the least costly channel, claimed it costs an airline $8 to sell a ticket through the meta-searcher compared with $22 through an online agency and GDS and $27 through an offline agency and GDS...
The meta-searchers and aggregators are a diverse group with varying operations and business models:
screen-scrapers...crawl the Web carrying out simultaneous searches of supplier and agency Web sites and present "results to consumers in a comparison-shopping frenzy"
revenue from online advertising
service fee from consumers
cost-per-click basis
licensing fees
revenue share
IAC’s TripAdvisor, which markets itself to consumers as a destination-research tool uses the advertising model
Will paid search become the dominant form of online travel distribution? Terry Jones of KAyak, ex Sabre and Travelocity leader said. “We think the time is right...Paid search is really working now on the Web. It’s very successful. Suppliers of all kinds of goods -- not just travel -- understand it....people are searching multiple sites, and they are buying where they want....“So we [at Kayak] said, ‘Why don’t we build a site where people can search multiple sites and buy where they want?’"
In response Travelocity, Orbitz and Expedia actions against the meta-searchers deeming scraping unauthorized...."Expedia North America, said the company views unauthorized commercial searches of its sites as the “travel-search equivalent of spam.”...xpedia have sent cease-and- desist letters to screen-scrapers;"...Erik Blachford, who heads IAC Travel said "“There have been lots of people who tried really hard to capture the hearts and minds of travel consumers, and I think it’s a pretty tricky business,” Blachford said. "
At stake is the allegiance of the online travel buyer, and by some accounts the outcome could reshape online travel distribution and the Internet balance of power....
The result could be a next-generation of travel search engines that promise to further reduce distribution costs for suppliers and take market share from the online agencies...
one search company, while acknowledging that supplier direct is the least costly channel, claimed it costs an airline $8 to sell a ticket through the meta-searcher compared with $22 through an online agency and GDS and $27 through an offline agency and GDS...
The meta-searchers and aggregators are a diverse group with varying operations and business models:
screen-scrapers...crawl the Web carrying out simultaneous searches of supplier and agency Web sites and present "results to consumers in a comparison-shopping frenzy"
revenue from online advertising
service fee from consumers
cost-per-click basis
licensing fees
revenue share
IAC’s TripAdvisor, which markets itself to consumers as a destination-research tool uses the advertising model
Will paid search become the dominant form of online travel distribution? Terry Jones of KAyak, ex Sabre and Travelocity leader said. “We think the time is right...Paid search is really working now on the Web. It’s very successful. Suppliers of all kinds of goods -- not just travel -- understand it....people are searching multiple sites, and they are buying where they want....“So we [at Kayak] said, ‘Why don’t we build a site where people can search multiple sites and buy where they want?’"
In response Travelocity, Orbitz and Expedia actions against the meta-searchers deeming scraping unauthorized...."Expedia North America, said the company views unauthorized commercial searches of its sites as the “travel-search equivalent of spam.”...xpedia have sent cease-and- desist letters to screen-scrapers;"...Erik Blachford, who heads IAC Travel said "“There have been lots of people who tried really hard to capture the hearts and minds of travel consumers, and I think it’s a pretty tricky business,” Blachford said. "
Monday, November 08, 2004
E-Commerce News: E-Commerce: This Site Could Go Far
Start up story...E-Commerce News: E-Commerce: This Travel Search Site Could Go Far: "Essentially, Socialtext's wiki software allows everybody in a group or even a whole company to literally stay on the same page -- that is, on their shared Web pages. That speeds up everything that involves coordination, helping to cut costs."
Internet Travel News - Qantas to Use Amadeus' Altea Plan
Internet Travel News - Qantas to Use Amadeus' Altea Plan: "Amadeus today announced that Qantas has become the first airline in the world to process its yield, pricing and inventory via Alt�a Plan."
Weblogs Inc Launches Adventure Travel Blog
Gadling - www.gadling.com
Weblogs Inc Launches Adventure Travel Blog: "Weblogs, Inc. launched their 60th Weblog-Gadling, an �engaged' travel Weblog for people who like to be active - both physically and mentally - when they travel.
'I wanted to do something that was a little more than just adventure travel, so I came up with the term 'engaged travel' which means pure adrenaline travel plus intellectually adventurous travel,' explains Weblogs, Inc. co-founder Jason McCabe Calacanis. "
Weblogs Inc Launches Adventure Travel Blog: "Weblogs, Inc. launched their 60th Weblog-Gadling, an �engaged' travel Weblog for people who like to be active - both physically and mentally - when they travel.
'I wanted to do something that was a little more than just adventure travel, so I came up with the term 'engaged travel' which means pure adrenaline travel plus intellectually adventurous travel,' explains Weblogs, Inc. co-founder Jason McCabe Calacanis. "
Forbes.com: Second Internet IPO Boom Is More Modest
Forbes.com: Second Internet IPO Boom Is More Modest: "Second Internet IPO Boom Is More Modest"
Business Travelers Still Use Offline Travel Services: Survey results emarketer and eyefortravel.com
Business Travelers Still Use Offline Travel Services: "Harris Interactive conducted a study for Travelport Corporate Solutions, Inc. to determine US business travelers' attitudes toward online and offline travel purchasing."
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis: "Survey results identified key reasons why American business travellers using online services to book a trip also access offline services:
- The desire to have a person confirm what is booked online is actually booked – 49%
- While on the road or at the last minute it's too difficult to update plans online – 32%
- Online booking cannot address some specific travel needs – 29%"
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis: "Survey results identified key reasons why American business travellers using online services to book a trip also access offline services:
- The desire to have a person confirm what is booked online is actually booked – 49%
- While on the road or at the last minute it's too difficult to update plans online – 32%
- Online booking cannot address some specific travel needs – 29%"
Travel made easy with online point-by-point directions: multimap press release: eyefortravel.com
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis: "Multimap, Europe’s leading online mapping provider, has deployed its ‘Travel Directions’ service on www.avisba.com, enabling British Airways’ (BA’s) Executive Club members interested in Avis’s car-hire services to receive point-by-point travel directions. . "
Question marks hang over IAC: eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis Question marks hang over IAC despite a healthy third quarter profit...IAC's key online travel division, composed of Expedia, the market's leading Web site, Hotels.com and Hotwire, faces challenges in the form of tighter hotel inventory, falling commissions and increased competition from rivals like Orbitz and Travelocity.
“Diller must also counter criticism that he has done little to stitch a common thread through his network of sites, which he began assembling only a couple of years ago...Diller is adament however that his internet empire will grow by assertively expanding overseas and cross-selling products on its sites."
“Diller must also counter criticism that he has done little to stitch a common thread through his network of sites, which he began assembling only a couple of years ago...Diller is adament however that his internet empire will grow by assertively expanding overseas and cross-selling products on its sites."
Internet shopping will grow five-fold by 2010 Reuters |
Reuters | Latest Financial News / Full News Coverage: "By Matt Falloon
LONDON (Reuters) - Internet shopping will grow five-fold to make up one third of the country's consumer spending by 2010...
Cyberspace spending is expanding six times faster than that on the high street and Roper estimates 3.5 billion pounds will pass through the Web this Christmas as more and more Britons look to their computer screens for bargains."
LONDON (Reuters) - Internet shopping will grow five-fold to make up one third of the country's consumer spending by 2010...
Cyberspace spending is expanding six times faster than that on the high street and Roper estimates 3.5 billion pounds will pass through the Web this Christmas as more and more Britons look to their computer screens for bargains."
Supranational Hotels re-positions to improve electronic distribution - 08-Nov-04.
Supranational re-positions to improve electronic distribution - 08-Nov-04. Supranational plans a series of measures as part of the re-positioning, including the $3 million acquisition of a full license to use Columbus reservations technology to make available “next generation” links to GDSs and websites....
The group is to promote more widely a “total pricing” approach to GDS customers offering rates inclusive of taxes and fixed service charges. A new GDS brand will be launched for small and off the beaten track hotels which tend to be excluded from major systems.
Supranational Hotels - Online Hotel Reservations
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis: "About Supranational Hotels
Supranational Hotels, headquartered in London, is one of the world�s largest representation companies, supplying reservations, sales, marketing and technology solutions to the hotel industry. The portfolio of properties, serving both business and leisure guests, can be found in over 500 destinations worldwide. More information about Supranational Hotels is available at: www.snrhotels.com or by writing to supranational@supranational.co.uk."
The group is to promote more widely a “total pricing” approach to GDS customers offering rates inclusive of taxes and fixed service charges. A new GDS brand will be launched for small and off the beaten track hotels which tend to be excluded from major systems.
Supranational Hotels - Online Hotel Reservations
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis: "About Supranational Hotels
Supranational Hotels, headquartered in London, is one of the world�s largest representation companies, supplying reservations, sales, marketing and technology solutions to the hotel industry. The portfolio of properties, serving both business and leisure guests, can be found in over 500 destinations worldwide. More information about Supranational Hotels is available at: www.snrhotels.com or by writing to supranational@supranational.co.uk."
NevOn: Travel: Hotel Blogs
NevOn: Travel: "it's still rare to find a hotel that offers high-speed access, it's even more rare to find one that offers WiFi access.
Enter Starwood Hotels. The mavens that they are, Starwood have started offering not only WiFi access in rooms, but also local hotel-based blogs for guests. [...] The blog is created by hotel guests like yourself from the past and present, and nothing beats the experience of real people. Future services are planned like streaming music and other online entertainment."
Nev writes: "I like the hotel blog idea: a very effective way of building community relationships with guests especially frequent ones."
Enter Starwood Hotels. The mavens that they are, Starwood have started offering not only WiFi access in rooms, but also local hotel-based blogs for guests. [...] The blog is created by hotel guests like yourself from the past and present, and nothing beats the experience of real people. Future services are planned like streaming music and other online entertainment."
Nev writes: "I like the hotel blog idea: a very effective way of building community relationships with guests especially frequent ones."
Aggregate This! Airfare Searching Grows Up...
Aggregate This! Airfare Searching Grows Up...: "This new group of aggregator sites is different from traditional travel sites because these sites don't sell tickets, are neutral third parties and offer a more comprehensive selection of bargains. Travelers get a view of the best deals available to their destination(s) - with the aggregators' independent view of the marketplace, the sites offer a fresh perspective from the often complex and fragmented world of flight prices. On the business end, instead of selling travel and gaining a more traditional agency commission or markup, aggregators generally work on a cost per click-type model. "
Internet Travel News - Tiscover Takes Tourism into the Mobile Era
Internet Travel News - Tiscover Takes Tourism into the Mobile Era: "Tiscover has unveiled Tiscover05, the latest generation system of its online marketing platform, featuring the one of the world's first tourism content solutions for PDAs and mobile phones....Through Tiscover05's Tiscover Mobile technology, tourism boards and their local partners can stream information on everything from attraction opening hours to local weather to PDAs and mobiles, thereby maximising interaction with consumers both before they book and during their holiday itself "
Friday, November 05, 2004
Netimperative - Most products "invisible" on retail sites
Netimperative - Most products "invisible" on retail sites: "03-11-2004 People searching on retail sites like Amazon, Argos, Tesco and Figleaves can't find almost 60% of products available, according to a new report...." which "recommends that the three different customer types- tracker, hunter or explorer- can be catered for with interactive product guides, advanced filtering options for search results and online customer service tools.
“Early-adopters of this research are likely to gain a competitive advantage in the online retail space and we look forward to publishing some real-world case studies in the 2005 version of this report,” Friedlein concluded.
“Early-adopters of this research are likely to gain a competitive advantage in the online retail space and we look forward to publishing some real-world case studies in the 2005 version of this report,” Friedlein concluded.
Topix, Citysearch Team for Local Content
Topix, Citysearch Team for Local Content Source: ClickZ - In a partnership of two local service providers, Citysearch will feature local news headlines from Topix.net on forty of its local guides, and Topix.net will in turn feature advertising from Citysearch's ad network throughout its local news pages.
Thursday, November 04, 2004
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis
Rebranding to follow: eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis: "Lunn Poly, is to lose its name after more than a century, and be rebranded into the TUI Thomson ...
“We want to use our High Street shops, our aircraft, websites and advertising to focus the customer even more on Thomson, Peter Rothwell, Managing Director of TUI, UK, was quoted as saying."
“We want to use our High Street shops, our aircraft, websites and advertising to focus the customer even more on Thomson, Peter Rothwell, Managing Director of TUI, UK, was quoted as saying."
Orbitz has introduced a Low Air Fare Promise eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis: "Displaying its confidence in its very low fares, Orbitz has introduced a Low Fare Promise on Orbitz.com air bookings."
Orbitz profits up
Chicagobusiness.com: "Hotel bookings lift Orbitz profit"
Eyefortravel reported that "revenue growth was led by hotel revenue increases, which were fuelled by the expansion of Orbitz Merchant Hotel (OMH) bookings. (11/5/2004)"
Eyefortravel reported that "revenue growth was led by hotel revenue increases, which were fuelled by the expansion of Orbitz Merchant Hotel (OMH) bookings. (11/5/2004)"
IAC Reports Q3 2004 Results Full press release
IAC Reports Q3 2004 Results: "Press ReleaseSource: C/InterActiveCorp IAC Reports Q3 2004 Results"
MediaDailyNews 11-04-04: "IAC/InterActiveCorp, owner of online travel agency Expedia.com, reported on Wednesday that its third-quarter net income rose to $89 million, up from $19 million last year. Revenue was $1.51 billion, which was down from $1.61 billion a year, but the company said that was due to an accounting change at hotels.com. The company's stock closed the day 13.68 percent higher, at $25.01"
MediaDailyNews 11-04-04: "IAC/InterActiveCorp, owner of online travel agency Expedia.com, reported on Wednesday that its third-quarter net income rose to $89 million, up from $19 million last year. Revenue was $1.51 billion, which was down from $1.61 billion a year, but the company said that was due to an accounting change at hotels.com. The company's stock closed the day 13.68 percent higher, at $25.01"
Travel Extras scoops e-commerce award - 04-Nov-04.
Travel Extras scoops e-commerce award - 04-Nov-04.: "Travel Extras has triumphed in the �best use of e-commerce� category at the 2004 Rising Stars Awards, which are organised by Bedfordshire Newspapers and the Learning and Skills Council...
...Travel Extras was the first UK travel company to introduce an online messenger service to assist customers with enquiries and bookings without the need to use a telephone.This interactive tool has been joined by travel information, affiliate schemes and members areas, with further advanced features in the pipeline"
See site: :::: Travel Extras::::
Tag everything but the flight
:::: About Us Travel Extras::::
...Travel Extras was the first UK travel company to introduce an online messenger service to assist customers with enquiries and bookings without the need to use a telephone.This interactive tool has been joined by travel information, affiliate schemes and members areas, with further advanced features in the pipeline"
See site: :::: Travel Extras::::
Tag everything but the flight
:::: About Us Travel Extras::::
Record breaking year for UK tourism - 04-Nov-04.
Record breaking year for UK tourism - 04-Nov-04.: "2004 is set to be a record year for UK tourism, according to the latest statistics...
VisitBritain says it has a target of making the UK tourism industry worth £100 billion a year by 2010, and called for further investment in tourism."
VisitBritain says it has a target of making the UK tourism industry worth £100 billion a year by 2010, and called for further investment in tourism."
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
EyeforTravel attendees list Global Travel Distribution Conference 2004
EyeforTravel Global Travel Distribution Conference 2004: "companies who have already confirmed to attend...
... EyeforTravel Global Travel Distribution Conference 2004: "Identify the distribution trends affecting the travel market at present and hear from the experts their future predictions
Proven methods to maximise your online marketing and product visbility in an expanding marketplace "
Booking details
... EyeforTravel Global Travel Distribution Conference 2004: "Identify the distribution trends affecting the travel market at present and hear from the experts their future predictions
Proven methods to maximise your online marketing and product visbility in an expanding marketplace "
Booking details
Priceline.com 44% increase gross travel bookings: eyefortravel.com
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis: "Priceline.com has reported third quarter 2004 gross travel bookings of $432 million, a 44% increase over a year ago. Gross travel bookings are the total dollar value inclusive of taxes and fees of all travel products purchased by consumers...
Airline ticket unit bookings grew 65% compared to the same period a year ago. Hotel room night unit bookings grew 27% compared to the same period last year and rental car day unit bookings increased 12% year over year. Hotel room night unit bookings include bookings of Travelweb, which was acquired in May 2004, and ten days of results from Active Hotels, which was acquired in September 2004."
Airline ticket unit bookings grew 65% compared to the same period a year ago. Hotel room night unit bookings grew 27% compared to the same period last year and rental car day unit bookings increased 12% year over year. Hotel room night unit bookings include bookings of Travelweb, which was acquired in May 2004, and ten days of results from Active Hotels, which was acquired in September 2004."
Online Travel Marketing and Selling: eMarketer report
Online Travel Marketing and Selling: "
eMarketer predicts that leisure and unmanaged travel bookings in the US will total around $50 billion in 2004
All sections of the travel market will see strong growth over the next five years. Vacation package and cruise sales will more than triple between 2004 and 2009, but will remain relatively small niches nonetheless, accounting for a fraction of the revenues generated by the Big Two: airline tickets and hotel rooms. "
eMarketer predicts that leisure and unmanaged travel bookings in the US will total around $50 billion in 2004
All sections of the travel market will see strong growth over the next five years. Vacation package and cruise sales will more than triple between 2004 and 2009, but will remain relatively small niches nonetheless, accounting for a fraction of the revenues generated by the Big Two: airline tickets and hotel rooms. "
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
EG press release re booking engine
Press release Travelers booking reservations at Hotel 5A’s website are presented with all available rate offers and room types on one single page.
“When travelers visit other sites, usually one rate and one room type is shown at any one time, and usually this will result in some lengthy scrolling on that page,”
Brill says. “This is a big differentiator from other providers. We show all relevant offers and available room types on one page. The buyer’s advantage is that he sees the information faster...
About FastBooking:
FastBooking is a global leader in Internet hotel booking engines with closely integrated global distribution services. With 2,000 hotel clients spanning the globe and representing all property sizes and types, FastBooking caters to independent properties, multi-unit owner/operators, franchisees, franchisors, management companies, destination portals and on-line travel companies. For more information and a free demo, go to www.fastbooking.com, or call (212) 752-8500, option 2.
Contact:
Ed Brill, Chief Manager Americas
FastBooking
(212)-752-8500, option 2
Email: ebrill@fastbooking.com
www.fastbooking.com
“When travelers visit other sites, usually one rate and one room type is shown at any one time, and usually this will result in some lengthy scrolling on that page,”
Brill says. “This is a big differentiator from other providers. We show all relevant offers and available room types on one page. The buyer’s advantage is that he sees the information faster...
About FastBooking:
FastBooking is a global leader in Internet hotel booking engines with closely integrated global distribution services. With 2,000 hotel clients spanning the globe and representing all property sizes and types, FastBooking caters to independent properties, multi-unit owner/operators, franchisees, franchisors, management companies, destination portals and on-line travel companies. For more information and a free demo, go to www.fastbooking.com, or call (212) 752-8500, option 2.
Contact:
Ed Brill, Chief Manager Americas
FastBooking
(212)-752-8500, option 2
Email: ebrill@fastbooking.com
www.fastbooking.com
Former Yahoo top exec to head start-up Blinkx | CNET News.com
Former Yahoo top exec to head start-up Blinkx | CNET News.com: "Mark Opzoomer, former Yahoo Europe chief, will be the new CEO of Blinkx, a San Francisco company whose search engines scout the Net and the desktop alike...
Blinx announced a new tool uses self-learning algorithms that scrutinize the content a user is viewing and automatically initiate a search progress both the Internet as well as on the user's PC"
Blinx announced a new tool uses self-learning algorithms that scrutinize the content a user is viewing and automatically initiate a search progress both the Internet as well as on the user's PC"
Monday, November 01, 2004
Travel Factory
"Travel Factory "Travel Factory is a fast growing independent ABTA bonded travel agency call centre based in the West Midlands, which was set up in 2003 by former founding Directors and Managers of one of the UK's largest national travel agency chains."
UK a �stepping stone� into Europe for Australian chain - 01-Nov-04.
UK a �stepping stone� into Europe for Australian chain - 01-Nov-04.: "Australian agency chain Harvey World Travel is to launch in the UK as a stepping stone into Europe...
Harvey World Travel is acquiring Mr Donnelly’s Midlands-based Travel Factory call centre and affinity business which has an online presence."
Harvey World Travel is acquiring Mr Donnelly’s Midlands-based Travel Factory call centre and affinity business which has an online presence."
Qantas raises Oz flight frequencies - 01-Nov-04.
Qantas raises Oz frequencies - 01-Nov-04.: "Qantas has added six London-Australia flights a week - and plans more next year."
EasyJet plans Bristol expansion - 01-Nov-04.
EasyJet plans Bristol expansion - 01-Nov-04.: "EasyJet is to detail expansion from Bristol airport today."
:: Travel Weekly - The National Newspaper of the Travel Industry ::
:: Travel Weekly - The National Newspaper of the Travel Industry ::: "THE AUSTRALIAN BUREAU OF STATISTICS reported that overseas tourist arrivals to Australia grew by 14% to a record 3.3 million visitors in the first eight months of this year, signaling that Australia is on track to reach a record 5.2 million overseas visitors this year. Arrivals from the U.S. and Canada, two of Australia's top markets, were up compared to the same period last year, with the U.S. up 10% and Canada up 22%."
Destination Wales trade site :: Travel Weekly - The National Newspaper of the Travel Industry ::
:: Travel Weekly - The National Newspaper of the Travel Industry ::: "The Wales Tourist Board (WTB) said it will add an online destination specialist program in the second week of November to the travel trade information Web site it launched earlier this year.
Officials said the modular 'e-training' program at www.traveltradewales.com -- to be premiered at next month's World Travel Market show in London -- is a bid to increase the knowledge and confidence of international tour operators and travel agents selling Wales product.
The trade site -- to which hundreds of overseas agents have subscribed since its March debut -- already offers retailers updates on tourism initiatives, attractions, accommodations, maps and other information"
Officials said the modular 'e-training' program at www.traveltradewales.com -- to be premiered at next month's World Travel Market show in London -- is a bid to increase the knowledge and confidence of international tour operators and travel agents selling Wales product.
The trade site -- to which hundreds of overseas agents have subscribed since its March debut -- already offers retailers updates on tourism initiatives, attractions, accommodations, maps and other information"
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