Wednesday, May 12, 2004
England Travel | Guide to travelling England | Travellerspoint
TravelMole announces 2004 web awards winner online agency cat: England Travel | Guide to travelling England | Travellerspoint: "Online Travel Guide > England"
Tuesday, May 11, 2004
Thursday, May 06, 2004
Consumers' Travel Plans Include Visit to Net
Consumers' Travel Plans Include Visit to Net: "Consumers in the US are increasingly using the Internet to plan trips, and the number of people using the Web to actually book their trips is growing at an even faster rate."
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis: "Despite recent reports that intensifying fare wars and mounting competition have put pressure on the airline industry, the latest figures from Hitwise provide an extremely positive outlook for the online travel market in the UK." Online Travel Sector up 27% in 12 Months
Hitwise today reports that visits to travel related websites have increased by over a quarter in the 12 months to April 2004, reflecting the continued strength of this sector online.
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis: "Low cost carrier EasyJet sent its share price into a tailspin yesterday after it warned it was suffering the impact of fierce competition from full service airlines and budget start-ups."
Hitwise today reports that visits to travel related websites have increased by over a quarter in the 12 months to April 2004, reflecting the continued strength of this sector online.
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis: "Low cost carrier EasyJet sent its share price into a tailspin yesterday after it warned it was suffering the impact of fierce competition from full service airlines and budget start-ups."
Wednesday, May 05, 2004
Web Awards 2004
Web Awards 2004:
"Web-based Technology
* http://www.skyscanner.net
* http://www.gazetteers.com
* http://www.netizen.co.uk
* http://www.hotels-direct-uk.com
Online-only Agency
* http://www.travelocity.co.uk
* http://www.travellerspoint.com
* http://www.opodo.co.uk
* http://www.experiencenz.com"
See link for further cats...
"Web-based Technology
* http://www.skyscanner.net
* http://www.gazetteers.com
* http://www.netizen.co.uk
* http://www.hotels-direct-uk.com
Online-only Agency
* http://www.travelocity.co.uk
* http://www.travellerspoint.com
* http://www.opodo.co.uk
* http://www.experiencenz.com"
See link for further cats...
DMNews.com | News | Article
DMNews.com | News | Article: "SideStep Moves Straight Into the Online Travel Battle"
SideStep Inc., a travel search engine, is sharpening its positioning and awareness efforts to compete better with more aggressive online travel agencies like Travelocity and Expedia. After narrowing 225 prospective tag lines to eight, the company soon will dump the current generic-sounding tag line, "The travel search engine," in favor of "The traveler's search engine." "The change seems slight -- the addition of four extra characters," said Phil Carpenter, vice president of corporate marketing at SideStep. "But the difference in interpretation was dramatic. "Consumers saw this line, and SideStep, as a product designed for them, a service they felt they owned," he said.
Cheap Airline Tickets, Discount Hotels, Travel Deals - SideStep: "Find travel deals from dozens of sites � with one search!
Search dozens of sites at once for flight, hotel, and rental car bargains
Automatically compare prices side-by-side with sites like Expedia and Travelocity.
Discover deals from travel providers that other sites miss like JetBlue"
SideStep Inc., a travel search engine, is sharpening its positioning and awareness efforts to compete better with more aggressive online travel agencies like Travelocity and Expedia. After narrowing 225 prospective tag lines to eight, the company soon will dump the current generic-sounding tag line, "The travel search engine," in favor of "The traveler's search engine." "The change seems slight -- the addition of four extra characters," said Phil Carpenter, vice president of corporate marketing at SideStep. "But the difference in interpretation was dramatic. "Consumers saw this line, and SideStep, as a product designed for them, a service they felt they owned," he said.
Cheap Airline Tickets, Discount Hotels, Travel Deals - SideStep: "Find travel deals from dozens of sites � with one search!
Search dozens of sites at once for flight, hotel, and rental car bargains
Automatically compare prices side-by-side with sites like Expedia and Travelocity.
Discover deals from travel providers that other sites miss like JetBlue"
Tuesday, May 04, 2004
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis
This is applicable to all three blog topics......Bad news for "landing pages, doorways whatever you call them...
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis: "The world's largest hotel chain has been accused of misleading customers searching for hotels by setting up dozens of websites that look like independent travel agents but, in reality, direct customers to its own products. (5/4/2004)"
Telegraph | News | Top hotel 'is behind misleading internet sites': "Customers visiting the sites are invited to look for hotels in their city of choice. Those who do so might think that they are carrying out a comprehensive search of all available accommodation, as can be done on genuinely independent travel websites. In fact, all inquiries are directed to InterContinental's own named search facility and the only results given to the customer are hotels belonging to the group.
The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) said that its lawyers had looked at the sites, which InterContinental calls 'destination portals', and concluded that they were 'pretty misleading'.
A spokesman said: 'If you were a consumer you would think that it was a generic website. We would always advocate complete transparency which this does not appear to have. It does not say InterContinental anywhere on the top of the screen.'He suggested that the issue might be pursued by the Office of Fair Trading. Last night a spokesman for the OFT said that it would examine the sites."
Peter Gowers, the executive vice-president of global brand services for the hotelier, said: "I don't think it is misleading. I think it is very clear and we guard our reputation for trust and confidence as tightly as we can and we think these sites are absolutely in line with that reputation.
"We find that customers who are searching on the web do it in a number of ways. Some put in the name of the hotel, some the name and location and some just the destination. We have to find a way to reach people who just search by destination.
If you look you will see that not only does it have the usual source information at the bottom but right next to the search button it says 'powered by InterContinental Hotels'.
In fact, of the 10 sites viewed by The Sunday Telegraph, only one site, dealson-hotels.com, said "powered by InterContinental" next to the search button.
When this was pointed out to Mr Gowers he said: "It may be as the sites get rotated it hasn't come up on all of them. I'm not that familiar with all the sites. We take our reputation as the hotel company you can trust very seriously.
The competition for hotels to draw in customers on the internet has become fierce in recent months. The move by InterContinental is being seen within the industry as an attempt to circumvent the independent hotel search sites that buy cheap rooms from the hoteliers before selling them on to customers with a 20-30 per cent mark-up added on.
Last week the hotel chain threatened to stop offering its rooms through the sites unless they improved their operating terms. Its rival Hilton has, meanwhile, pledged to pay $50 (£28.20) to anyone able to book rooms cheaper at independent sites rather than through the company itself."
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis: "The world's largest hotel chain has been accused of misleading customers searching for hotels by setting up dozens of websites that look like independent travel agents but, in reality, direct customers to its own products. (5/4/2004)"
Telegraph | News | Top hotel 'is behind misleading internet sites': "Customers visiting the sites are invited to look for hotels in their city of choice. Those who do so might think that they are carrying out a comprehensive search of all available accommodation, as can be done on genuinely independent travel websites. In fact, all inquiries are directed to InterContinental's own named search facility and the only results given to the customer are hotels belonging to the group.
The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) said that its lawyers had looked at the sites, which InterContinental calls 'destination portals', and concluded that they were 'pretty misleading'.
A spokesman said: 'If you were a consumer you would think that it was a generic website. We would always advocate complete transparency which this does not appear to have. It does not say InterContinental anywhere on the top of the screen.'He suggested that the issue might be pursued by the Office of Fair Trading. Last night a spokesman for the OFT said that it would examine the sites."
Peter Gowers, the executive vice-president of global brand services for the hotelier, said: "I don't think it is misleading. I think it is very clear and we guard our reputation for trust and confidence as tightly as we can and we think these sites are absolutely in line with that reputation.
"We find that customers who are searching on the web do it in a number of ways. Some put in the name of the hotel, some the name and location and some just the destination. We have to find a way to reach people who just search by destination.
If you look you will see that not only does it have the usual source information at the bottom but right next to the search button it says 'powered by InterContinental Hotels'.
In fact, of the 10 sites viewed by The Sunday Telegraph, only one site, dealson-hotels.com, said "powered by InterContinental" next to the search button.
When this was pointed out to Mr Gowers he said: "It may be as the sites get rotated it hasn't come up on all of them. I'm not that familiar with all the sites. We take our reputation as the hotel company you can trust very seriously.
The competition for hotels to draw in customers on the internet has become fierce in recent months. The move by InterContinental is being seen within the industry as an attempt to circumvent the independent hotel search sites that buy cheap rooms from the hoteliers before selling them on to customers with a 20-30 per cent mark-up added on.
Last week the hotel chain threatened to stop offering its rooms through the sites unless they improved their operating terms. Its rival Hilton has, meanwhile, pledged to pay $50 (£28.20) to anyone able to book rooms cheaper at independent sites rather than through the company itself."
Friday, April 30, 2004
Tiscover and its partners have won the contract to power the new VisitEurope.com
VisitEurope.com: "Tiscover and its partners have won the contract to power the new VisitEurope.com, the EU's official tourism website."
Monday, April 26, 2004
Amazon.com
Industry online but not travel...Amazon.com
Amazon.com opens jewelry store
By Frank Barnako, CBS.MarketWatch.com WASHINGTON (CBS.MW) -- Amazon.com announced Thursday it has launched an online jewelry and watches outlet and promised "significant savings" for customers. Breaking from the company's normal practice, however, Amazon will sell product from its own inventory.
While half a dozen other jewelers, including Ice.com, are "featured sellers" in the store, CEO Jeff Bezos told the Wall Street Journal Amazon (AMZN) itself will stock "millions of dollars of jewelry in a secure warehouse," giving it the ability to price the goods, rather than rely on selling partners to do so. "The margins in a typical jewelry retailer are so high you can save people a significant amount of money," Bezos said.
Amazon.com opens jewelry store
By Frank Barnako, CBS.MarketWatch.com WASHINGTON (CBS.MW) -- Amazon.com announced Thursday it has launched an online jewelry and watches outlet and promised "significant savings" for customers. Breaking from the company's normal practice, however, Amazon will sell product from its own inventory.
While half a dozen other jewelers, including Ice.com, are "featured sellers" in the store, CEO Jeff Bezos told the Wall Street Journal Amazon (AMZN) itself will stock "millions of dollars of jewelry in a secure warehouse," giving it the ability to price the goods, rather than rely on selling partners to do so. "The margins in a typical jewelry retailer are so high you can save people a significant amount of money," Bezos said.
Hospitality Net - Industry News - London Hotels Full Again - Deloitte Reports
Hospitality Net - Industry News - London Hotels Full Again - Deloitte Reports: "London Hotels Full Again - Deloitte Reports
London hotel occupancies have returned to boom levels, according to preliminary data from Deloitte. The HotelBenchmark Survey shows that occupancies averaged 74 percent in the first quarter of 2004, up eight percent on the same period last year. This level beats the 73 percent recorded in quarter one of 2001, before the downturn began eroding hotel performance"
London hotel occupancies have returned to boom levels, according to preliminary data from Deloitte. The HotelBenchmark Survey shows that occupancies averaged 74 percent in the first quarter of 2004, up eight percent on the same period last year. This level beats the 73 percent recorded in quarter one of 2001, before the downturn began eroding hotel performance"
Friday, April 23, 2004
The pride of Britain
Features: "All this means that, from an investment perspective, things are indeed looking up. New funding rounds by TMT businesses are no longer welcomed by titters and pointing. Indeed, some are even pleading for internet IPOs (well, one IPO in particular). And, the perceptional integration of 'internet' with 'business' is nearing completion. Technology and the Internet itself still warrants 'treatment' of its own - but it's getting harder and harder to tell what is and isn't an 'internet business'."
Thursday, April 22, 2004
Ryanair: ‘One low-cost carrier will fail this year’
Article
Ryanair has predicted that at least one European no-frills carrier would go bust this year because of an ongoing price war.
The Irish airline said it is expecting its fares to drop by between five and 20 per cent this year, which in turn is likely to reduce its post-tax profits by some 10 per cent.
He reportedly singled out bmibaby, MyTravel Lite, FlyBe, Germania, German Wings and Hapag Lloyd Express as those carriers “most exposed”, adding: “They won’t all go bust but there will be consolidations, acquisitions and mergers.”
'GDSs are not user-friendly interfaces' - 21-Apr-04.: "'GDSs are not user-friendly interfaces' Agents should turn to web-based booking systems like Octopus, says its managing director, Ray Mason, because GDSs are too complex...Despite maintaining its branding on third party websites, rather than white-labelling the product, Octopus bosses say the company is unlikely to start pursuing direct consumer bookings and start competing with websites like lastminute and Expedia. Mr Mason said that the company doesn’t have the advertising spend of B2C websites like Expedia – less than 10% of bookings are direct from consumers, he said."
Ryanair has predicted that at least one European no-frills carrier would go bust this year because of an ongoing price war.
The Irish airline said it is expecting its fares to drop by between five and 20 per cent this year, which in turn is likely to reduce its post-tax profits by some 10 per cent.
He reportedly singled out bmibaby, MyTravel Lite, FlyBe, Germania, German Wings and Hapag Lloyd Express as those carriers “most exposed”, adding: “They won’t all go bust but there will be consolidations, acquisitions and mergers.”
'GDSs are not user-friendly interfaces' - 21-Apr-04.: "'GDSs are not user-friendly interfaces' Agents should turn to web-based booking systems like Octopus, says its managing director, Ray Mason, because GDSs are too complex...Despite maintaining its branding on third party websites, rather than white-labelling the product, Octopus bosses say the company is unlikely to start pursuing direct consumer bookings and start competing with websites like lastminute and Expedia. Mr Mason said that the company doesn’t have the advertising spend of B2C websites like Expedia – less than 10% of bookings are direct from consumers, he said."
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis: "TheTrainline today announce the appointment of Ian Chaplin, previously Head of UK Distribution at Eurostar, to the role of Projects and Implementation Manager within TheTrainline's Corporate Sales "
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis: "Active Hotels has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Advences. (4/21/2004)
Advences acts as a content provider and distributor, powering travel agency and tour operator websites across France and other countries.
Via an extranet developed by Advences, travel agencies and tour operators will download the Active Hotels content database so that the hotel information is automatically branded to each agencys unique requirements."
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis:
European Online Travel Sales Increase by 43%
Online travel sales increased by as much as 43% from 2002 to 2003 and reached EUR 11.2 billion in the European market in 2003 - or 5.2% of the market (up from EUR 7.8 billion. or 3.7% in 2002).
"A further increase of about 29% during 2004 to about EUR 14.4 billion may be expected (6.4% of the market).
The W. European online travel market could reach EUR 20.2 billion or 8.5% of the market by 2006.
The UK accounted for 39% of the European online travel market in 2003, with Germany in second place at 21%.
The intermediaries gained 1.5 percentage points to 36% during 2003, but the direct sellers still account for 64%.
In 2003 the breakdown of the market by type of service was as follows:
� Air travel 57.6%
� Hotels 15.8%
� Package tours 13.3%
� Rail 8.7%
� Rental cars 2.5%
� Other services 2.1%
Air travel dropped its share from 59.2 to 57.6% during 2003, whereas hotels increased their share from 14.4 to 15.8%.
Package tours started slowly regaining online share in 2002, and continued in 2003. "
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis: "Active Hotels has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Advences. (4/21/2004)
Advences acts as a content provider and distributor, powering travel agency and tour operator websites across France and other countries.
Via an extranet developed by Advences, travel agencies and tour operators will download the Active Hotels content database so that the hotel information is automatically branded to each agencys unique requirements."
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis:
European Online Travel Sales Increase by 43%
Online travel sales increased by as much as 43% from 2002 to 2003 and reached EUR 11.2 billion in the European market in 2003 - or 5.2% of the market (up from EUR 7.8 billion. or 3.7% in 2002).
"A further increase of about 29% during 2004 to about EUR 14.4 billion may be expected (6.4% of the market).
The W. European online travel market could reach EUR 20.2 billion or 8.5% of the market by 2006.
The UK accounted for 39% of the European online travel market in 2003, with Germany in second place at 21%.
The intermediaries gained 1.5 percentage points to 36% during 2003, but the direct sellers still account for 64%.
In 2003 the breakdown of the market by type of service was as follows:
� Air travel 57.6%
� Hotels 15.8%
� Package tours 13.3%
� Rail 8.7%
� Rental cars 2.5%
� Other services 2.1%
Air travel dropped its share from 59.2 to 57.6% during 2003, whereas hotels increased their share from 14.4 to 15.8%.
Package tours started slowly regaining online share in 2002, and continued in 2003. "
Wired News: Flaw Could Cripple Entire Net
Wired News: Flaw Could Cripple Entire Net: "Researchers found a serious security flaw that left core Internet technology vulnerable to hackers, prompting a secretive effort by international governments and industry experts in recent weeks to prevent global disruptions of Web surfing, e-mails and instant messages.
Experts said the flaw, disclosed Tuesday by the British government, affects the underlying technology for nearly all Internet traffic. Left unaddressed, they said, it could allow hackers to knock computers offline and broadly disrupt vital traffic-directing devices, called routers, that coordinate the flow of data among distant groups of computers. "
Experts said the flaw, disclosed Tuesday by the British government, affects the underlying technology for nearly all Internet traffic. Left unaddressed, they said, it could allow hackers to knock computers offline and broadly disrupt vital traffic-directing devices, called routers, that coordinate the flow of data among distant groups of computers. "
Tuesday, April 20, 2004
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis
The introduction of FlightScanner Internet Booking Engine (IBE), an XML-based search and booking engine, will at last enable third party websites and applications to seamlessly sell “no frills” flights and web fares directly to their customers and as part of dynamic packages. (4/20/2004)
London, 24 February 2004: Dolphin Dynamics Ltd, developers of FlightScanner, the easiest way to book low cost carriers, has announced the availability of FlightScanner Internet Booking Engine (IBE). FlightScanner IBE allows users to book selected “no frills” flights and web fares from a single booking engine without ever having to see the suppliers’ website. Travel Agencies can now offer their customers access to a range of low cost airlines and web-based fares all under their own brand look and feel, without having to develop an interface for each carrier site. For full story click here
Travel Agency Software and Backoffice Systems - Travel Accounting - Dolphin Dynamics Ltd.
: "FlightScanner is a web-based search and booking engine, offered exclusively to travel agents, that allows the user to enter search criteria in a single screen and returns real-time fares and availability from the websites of over 40 low cost, charter and traditional airlines.
FlightScanner goes further than simply searching for fares and can provide a fully automated end-to-end solution for web fares, making booking flights via the web as easy and fast as via the GDS."
The introduction of FlightScanner Internet Booking Engine (IBE), an XML-based search and booking engine, will at last enable third party websites and applications to seamlessly sell “no frills” flights and web fares directly to their customers and as part of dynamic packages. (4/20/2004)
London, 24 February 2004: Dolphin Dynamics Ltd, developers of FlightScanner, the easiest way to book low cost carriers, has announced the availability of FlightScanner Internet Booking Engine (IBE). FlightScanner IBE allows users to book selected “no frills” flights and web fares from a single booking engine without ever having to see the suppliers’ website. Travel Agencies can now offer their customers access to a range of low cost airlines and web-based fares all under their own brand look and feel, without having to develop an interface for each carrier site. For full story click here
Travel Agency Software and Backoffice Systems - Travel Accounting - Dolphin Dynamics Ltd.
: "FlightScanner is a web-based search and booking engine, offered exclusively to travel agents, that allows the user to enter search criteria in a single screen and returns real-time fares and availability from the websites of over 40 low cost, charter and traditional airlines.
FlightScanner goes further than simply searching for fares and can provide a fully automated end-to-end solution for web fares, making booking flights via the web as easy and fast as via the GDS."
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis: "OctopusTravel.com allows retail agents to book chauffeur-driven cars, limousines, minibuses or even a coach to transfer clients to and from the airport, railway station or port, in over 250 cities worldwide."
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis
Galileo International Inc has announced the introduction of Galileo Optimal Shopping, a robust, new, fare-shopping tool available to Galileo-connected travel agencies in the US and Canada. (4/20/2004)
This new search tool identifies as many as 150 alternative itineraries at a time; includes fares from low-cost carriers and many airlines' Web fares; and uses an intelligent search logic to allow agents to tailor fare searches and solutions to fit the preferences of individual customers, such as focusing a search on the cheapest fare, fastest route or most convenient travel time.
Galileo International Inc has announced the introduction of Galileo Optimal Shopping, a robust, new, fare-shopping tool available to Galileo-connected travel agencies in the US and Canada. (4/20/2004)
This new search tool identifies as many as 150 alternative itineraries at a time; includes fares from low-cost carriers and many airlines' Web fares; and uses an intelligent search logic to allow agents to tailor fare searches and solutions to fit the preferences of individual customers, such as focusing a search on the cheapest fare, fastest route or most convenient travel time.
atp Corporate Traveller
atp Corporate Traveller: "Corporate Traveller receives the 2004 Agent Achievement Award's honor of Best Bookable E-commerce Site"
Hitwise United Kingdom List
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis
Top 10 Global "Travel - Agencies" sites for the week ending 17 April, 2004 based on VISITS (4/20/2004)
1. (8.94 %) Expedia.co.uk http://www.expedia.co.uk
2. (6.22 %) lastminute.com http://www.lastminute.com
3. (4.18 %) Airline Network http://www.netflights.com
4. (3.93 %) Opodo UK http://www.opodo.co.uk
5. (3.89 %) MyTravel UK http://www.uk.mytravel.com
6. (2.34 %) Expedia.com http://www.expedia.com
7. (2.23 %) Thomson Holidays http://www.thomson-holidays.com
8. (2.08 %) Cheapflights.co.uk http://www.cheapflights.co.uk
9. (2.05 %) Teletext Holidays http://www.teletextholidays.co.uk
10. (1.87 %) First Choice http://www.firstchoice.co.uk
Top 10 Global "Travel - Agencies" sites for the week ending 17 April, 2004 based on VISITS (4/20/2004)
1. (8.94 %) Expedia.co.uk http://www.expedia.co.uk
2. (6.22 %) lastminute.com http://www.lastminute.com
3. (4.18 %) Airline Network http://www.netflights.com
4. (3.93 %) Opodo UK http://www.opodo.co.uk
5. (3.89 %) MyTravel UK http://www.uk.mytravel.com
6. (2.34 %) Expedia.com http://www.expedia.com
7. (2.23 %) Thomson Holidays http://www.thomson-holidays.com
8. (2.08 %) Cheapflights.co.uk http://www.cheapflights.co.uk
9. (2.05 %) Teletext Holidays http://www.teletextholidays.co.uk
10. (1.87 %) First Choice http://www.firstchoice.co.uk
Friday, April 16, 2004
Lastminute incorporates trains into dynamic packaging - 15-Apr-04.
Lastminute incorporates trains into dynamic packaging - 15-Apr-04.: "Lastminute.com has incorporated Eurostar bookings into its self-packaging tool.
The breakthrough means customers searching the UK website for short breaks to Paris, Brussels and Lille will be offered Eurostar train tickets alongside flights.
Lastminute offers self-packaging on its websites in UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. The online agent claims that it will be the first online travel portal in the UK to integrate Eurostar tickets into its self-packaging product.
Lastminute head of dynamic packaging, Nicky Denvir said: ?DParis is one of our top shortbreak destinations and we anticipate the Eurostar hotel option will be popular with our users.?D"
The breakthrough means customers searching the UK website for short breaks to Paris, Brussels and Lille will be offered Eurostar train tickets alongside flights.
Lastminute offers self-packaging on its websites in UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. The online agent claims that it will be the first online travel portal in the UK to integrate Eurostar tickets into its self-packaging product.
Lastminute head of dynamic packaging, Nicky Denvir said: ?DParis is one of our top shortbreak destinations and we anticipate the Eurostar hotel option will be popular with our users.?D"
Wednesday, April 14, 2004
Continental to ditch paper tickets - 14-Apr-04.
Continental to ditch paper tickets - 14-Apr-04. Continental Airlines has announced its intention to scrap paper tickets all together by the end of the year.
The airline claims that 95% of domestic customers are already travelling on e-tickets, and 88% of international customers.
A move to 100% e-tickets will reduce loss, theft and paperwork hassles for the airline and its customers according to Continental. Continental says the scrapping of paper tickets will also include multi-carrier interline paper tickets. This means the airline has had to terminate 50 of its 180 interline and baggage agreements with various carriers that don’t have e-ticket capabilities.
The airline claims that 95% of domestic customers are already travelling on e-tickets, and 88% of international customers.
A move to 100% e-tickets will reduce loss, theft and paperwork hassles for the airline and its customers according to Continental. Continental says the scrapping of paper tickets will also include multi-carrier interline paper tickets. This means the airline has had to terminate 50 of its 180 interline and baggage agreements with various carriers that don’t have e-ticket capabilities.
Tuesday, April 13, 2004
Hitwise United Kingdom List
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis:
"Top 10 Global "Travel" sites for the week ending 3 April, 2004 based on VISITS (4/13/2004)
1. (4.57 %) Multimap.com http://www.multimap.com
2. (2.80 %) easyJet http://www.easyjet.co.uk
3. (2.59 %) Expedia.co.uk http://www.expedia.co.uk
4. (2.02 %) lastminute.com http://www.lastminute.com
5. (2.00 %) RyanAir.com http://www.ryanair.com
6. (1.93 %) Streetmap.co.uk http://www.streetmap.co.uk
7. (1.66 %) Opodo UK http://www.opodo.co.uk
8. (1.57 %) The Automobile Association UK http://www.theaa.com
9. (1.51 %) British Airways http://www.britishairways.com
10. (1.27 %) National Rail http://www.nationalrail.co.uk"
"Top 10 Global "Travel" sites for the week ending 3 April, 2004 based on VISITS (4/13/2004)
1. (4.57 %) Multimap.com http://www.multimap.com
2. (2.80 %) easyJet http://www.easyjet.co.uk
3. (2.59 %) Expedia.co.uk http://www.expedia.co.uk
4. (2.02 %) lastminute.com http://www.lastminute.com
5. (2.00 %) RyanAir.com http://www.ryanair.com
6. (1.93 %) Streetmap.co.uk http://www.streetmap.co.uk
7. (1.66 %) Opodo UK http://www.opodo.co.uk
8. (1.57 %) The Automobile Association UK http://www.theaa.com
9. (1.51 %) British Airways http://www.britishairways.com
10. (1.27 %) National Rail http://www.nationalrail.co.uk"
vnunet.com Online transport site on track
vnunet.com Online transport site remains on track: "The government's target of a single portal for all travel information, the Transport Direct Portal, is moving closer after the first stage came online last month.
IT services company Atos Origin has completed stage one of the project, designing a system that can link travel information databases in real time."
IT services company Atos Origin has completed stage one of the project, designing a system that can link travel information databases in real time."
Friday, April 09, 2004
Thursday, April 08, 2004
UK destinations
News: "Data from the MSN Search Trends Barometer released today indicate that UK holidaymakers are choosing UK destinations over foreign options. In the run up to Easter, 13 of the top 100 search terms were UK short break destination favourites such as Edinburgh - the highest placed city - Brighton and York."
Malta a popular destination - on the internet Malta is among the most searched destinations by the British on the internet, according to survey results released yesterday. However, the British are keener to discover the delights of places like Yorkshire than find out what more exotic locations have to offer. The MSN Search Trends Barometer for 2003 showed that Blackpool was the most searched-for place on the internet, followed by Bradford. Prague was in third position followed by Edinburgh and Malta was the only other foreign destination listed, at number five. London did not even make it to the top 10!
Highest Climbers Week ending April 2, 2004 MSN
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Glastonbury
2. Easter
3. Blackpool
4. cricket
5. Alton Towers
6. Britney Spears
7. Tenerife
8. Lake District
9. Prague
10. Madonna
thisisDevon : Western Morning News : : "Internet hit parade
CORNWALL is among the most searched-for places in the world on the Internet, survey results released yesterday showed. The MSN Search Trends Barometer for 2003 showed that Blackpool was the most searched-for place, followed by Bradford. Prague was third, followed by Edinburgh, with Malta fifth. Cornwall shared sixth spot with Leeds, Brighton, York and the Lake District."
Malta a popular destination - on the internet Malta is among the most searched destinations by the British on the internet, according to survey results released yesterday. However, the British are keener to discover the delights of places like Yorkshire than find out what more exotic locations have to offer. The MSN Search Trends Barometer for 2003 showed that Blackpool was the most searched-for place on the internet, followed by Bradford. Prague was in third position followed by Edinburgh and Malta was the only other foreign destination listed, at number five. London did not even make it to the top 10!
Highest Climbers Week ending April 2, 2004 MSN
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Glastonbury
2. Easter
3. Blackpool
4. cricket
5. Alton Towers
6. Britney Spears
7. Tenerife
8. Lake District
9. Prague
10. Madonna
thisisDevon : Western Morning News : : "Internet hit parade
CORNWALL is among the most searched-for places in the world on the Internet, survey results released yesterday showed. The MSN Search Trends Barometer for 2003 showed that Blackpool was the most searched-for place, followed by Bradford. Prague was third, followed by Edinburgh, with Malta fifth. Cornwall shared sixth spot with Leeds, Brighton, York and the Lake District."
Top 10 UK 'Aviation' sites
Airlines: Features: "5/April/2004
Top 10 UK 'Aviation' sites for the week ending 27 March, 2004, based on visits.
1. (22.51 %) easyJet http://www.easyjet.co.uk
2. (15.55 %) RyanAir.com http://www.ryanair.com
3. (11.97 %) British Airways http://www.britishairways.com
4. (5.88 %) bmibaby http://www.bmibaby.com
5. (5.17 %) FlyBE.com http://www.flybe.com
6. (4.50 %) BMI British Midlands http://www.flybmi.com
7. (3.22 %) BAA http://www.baa.co.uk
8. (2.80 %) Monarch Airlines http://www.flymonarch.com
9. (2.42 %) Thomson Flights http://www.thomsonflights.com
10. (2.32 %) MyTravelLite.com http://www.mytravellite.com
Provided by Hitwise "
Top 10 UK 'Aviation' sites for the week ending 27 March, 2004, based on visits.
1. (22.51 %) easyJet http://www.easyjet.co.uk
2. (15.55 %) RyanAir.com http://www.ryanair.com
3. (11.97 %) British Airways http://www.britishairways.com
4. (5.88 %) bmibaby http://www.bmibaby.com
5. (5.17 %) FlyBE.com http://www.flybe.com
6. (4.50 %) BMI British Midlands http://www.flybmi.com
7. (3.22 %) BAA http://www.baa.co.uk
8. (2.80 %) Monarch Airlines http://www.flymonarch.com
9. (2.42 %) Thomson Flights http://www.thomsonflights.com
10. (2.32 %) MyTravelLite.com http://www.mytravellite.com
Provided by Hitwise "
National Express Group Announces New Brand Name
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis National Express Group PLC has commenced operation of the new Greater Anglia franchise, incorporating Anglia, Great Eastern, West Anglia and Stansted Express. (4/8/2004)
‘One’, (operated by National Express) will be the new brand name for the franchise to reflect the new integrated and seamless operation which is being introduced across East Anglia operating out of one London terminal (Liverpool Street).
‘One’ is about unity, clear direction and clear responsibilities, and the introduction of one single management structure to lead the new business.
www.nationalexpressgroup.com
‘One’, (operated by National Express) will be the new brand name for the franchise to reflect the new integrated and seamless operation which is being introduced across East Anglia operating out of one London terminal (Liverpool Street).
‘One’ is about unity, clear direction and clear responsibilities, and the introduction of one single management structure to lead the new business.
www.nationalexpressgroup.com
UK inbound tourism prospects improve - 08-Apr-04.
UK inbound tourism prospects improve - 08-Apr-04.: "More than 3.5 million people visited the UK in the first two months of the year, a 10% rise on the same period in 2003, latest figures from VisitBritain show.
The increase came on the back of campaigns by the tourist office and industry partners, including a six-month European short break campaign which attracted 1.75 million potential visitors from 11 countries to website featuring the promotion. A push in the US for out of season trips saw three night city breaks being sold for $278 including return flights.
If demand is maintained then VisitBritain’s forecast of a 3.3% rise in visits and a 3.4% increase in spending this year “look achievable”, according to Mr Wright."
The increase came on the back of campaigns by the tourist office and industry partners, including a six-month European short break campaign which attracted 1.75 million potential visitors from 11 countries to website featuring the promotion. A push in the US for out of season trips saw three night city breaks being sold for $278 including return flights.
If demand is maintained then VisitBritain’s forecast of a 3.3% rise in visits and a 3.4% increase in spending this year “look achievable”, according to Mr Wright."
Wednesday, April 07, 2004
Tuesday, April 06, 2004
Keeping Tabs on Travel Industry Online
Keeping Tabs on Travel Industry Online
Keynote Systems monitored the transaction response times on and success rates of 25 leading US travel, airline and hotel Web sites during the week of 22 March 2004 and determined that Continental, Southwest and American Airlines’ sites are the most responsive airline sites with response times of 6.97 seconds, 7.87 seconds and 8.61 seconds, respectively..
Travel agency sites displayed longer transaction response times than airline sites, with Hotels.com and Expedia.com leading the pack with respective response times of 18.04 seconds and 22.52 seconds. Helping give some perspective to the Keynote response times, Webmetrics reports this month that with a load time of 0.83 seconds, Google leads all Web sites in page load time. Gator.com follows Google with a load time of 1.31 seconds and AltaVista.com rounds out third place last month, with a load time of 1.48 seconds.
I have the full article off-line...
Keynote Systems monitored the transaction response times on and success rates of 25 leading US travel, airline and hotel Web sites during the week of 22 March 2004 and determined that Continental, Southwest and American Airlines’ sites are the most responsive airline sites with response times of 6.97 seconds, 7.87 seconds and 8.61 seconds, respectively..
Travel agency sites displayed longer transaction response times than airline sites, with Hotels.com and Expedia.com leading the pack with respective response times of 18.04 seconds and 22.52 seconds. Helping give some perspective to the Keynote response times, Webmetrics reports this month that with a load time of 0.83 seconds, Google leads all Web sites in page load time. Gator.com follows Google with a load time of 1.31 seconds and AltaVista.com rounds out third place last month, with a load time of 1.48 seconds.
I have the full article off-line...
Top 10 "Travel - Transport" sites for the week ending 27 March, 2004
eyefortravel.com
1. (10.79 %) easyJet http://www.easyjet.co.uk
2. (7.45 %) RyanAir.com http://www.ryanair.com
3. (5.74 %) British Airways http://www.britishairways.com
4. (5.16 %) National Rail http://www.nationalrail.co.uk
5. (3.15 %) The TrainLine http://www.thetrainline.com
6. (2.82 %) bmibaby http://www.bmibaby.com
7. (2.56 %) Thetrainline Store http://www.thetrainlinestore.com
8. (2.48 %) FlyBE.com http://www.flybe.com
9. (2.23 %) RAC http://www.rac.co.uk
10. (2.16 %) BMI British Midlands http://www.flybmi.com
1. (10.79 %) easyJet http://www.easyjet.co.uk
2. (7.45 %) RyanAir.com http://www.ryanair.com
3. (5.74 %) British Airways http://www.britishairways.com
4. (5.16 %) National Rail http://www.nationalrail.co.uk
5. (3.15 %) The TrainLine http://www.thetrainline.com
6. (2.82 %) bmibaby http://www.bmibaby.com
7. (2.56 %) Thetrainline Store http://www.thetrainlinestore.com
8. (2.48 %) FlyBE.com http://www.flybe.com
9. (2.23 %) RAC http://www.rac.co.uk
10. (2.16 %) BMI British Midlands http://www.flybmi.com
More acquisitions...Cendant Acquires Flairview Travel
eyefortravel.com - Cendant Acquires Flairview Travel
Cendant TDS will gain access to Flairview Travel’s network of 7,000 hotel partners worldwide and tap into existing distribution channels including 6,000 affiliate partner and 7,000 travel agents.
It will also allow TDS to distribute this rich international hotel content through its many other channels, strengthening value it brings to its customers in key European and Asia Pacific markets.
www.HotelClub.com
www.RatesToGo.com
Cendant TDS will gain access to Flairview Travel’s network of 7,000 hotel partners worldwide and tap into existing distribution channels including 6,000 affiliate partner and 7,000 travel agents.
It will also allow TDS to distribute this rich international hotel content through its many other channels, strengthening value it brings to its customers in key European and Asia Pacific markets.
www.HotelClub.com
www.RatesToGo.com
Monday, April 05, 2004
Cendant FT.com
FT.com / Industries / Internet & e-commerce:
"Cendant, the world's largest franchiser of hotels, capped a week of industry consolidation with the purchase of an Australian online hotel room distributor.
The move follows European acquisitions this week by Expedia and Travelocity, two of the biggest US online travel agencies.
Travel is the largest consumer spending category on the internet. In a new report released this week, Forrester Research said it expected $53bn in online leisure travel sales this year in the US alone. The latest forecast is dramatically higher than the $34bn in 2004 sales that Forrester projected in 2002.
Cendant's announcement came a day after Travelocity said it would acquire German online travel site, travelchannel.de. Last month Travelocity also bought Boomerang Voyages, a French tour operator. Earlier this week Expedia announced the purchase of Egencia, a Paris-based online corporate travel company. The wave of acquisitions signals efforts by US online travel companies to break into new, growing markets.
'This is part of the ongoing attempt to expand abroad. The US market is mature and fairly saturated,' said Henry Harteveldt, analyst with Forrester. 'New growth will take place outside US borders. Europe, Australia and Asia will be the biggest markets.'"
"Cendant, the world's largest franchiser of hotels, capped a week of industry consolidation with the purchase of an Australian online hotel room distributor.
The move follows European acquisitions this week by Expedia and Travelocity, two of the biggest US online travel agencies.
Travel is the largest consumer spending category on the internet. In a new report released this week, Forrester Research said it expected $53bn in online leisure travel sales this year in the US alone. The latest forecast is dramatically higher than the $34bn in 2004 sales that Forrester projected in 2002.
Cendant's announcement came a day after Travelocity said it would acquire German online travel site, travelchannel.de. Last month Travelocity also bought Boomerang Voyages, a French tour operator. Earlier this week Expedia announced the purchase of Egencia, a Paris-based online corporate travel company. The wave of acquisitions signals efforts by US online travel companies to break into new, growing markets.
'This is part of the ongoing attempt to expand abroad. The US market is mature and fairly saturated,' said Henry Harteveldt, analyst with Forrester. 'New growth will take place outside US borders. Europe, Australia and Asia will be the biggest markets.'"
Friday, April 02, 2004
Hitwise Highlights from Online Travel Sector Report
ONLINE TRAVEL AGENCY CATEGORY INCREASES
Leading Agency websites lose share to competition
March 26, 2004 – New York – Hitwise, the world’s leading online competitive intelligence service has released the latest Industry Report on the Online Travel sector. Key highlights from this report include:
· The market share of visits to Travel sites in the U.S. (compared with all Internet sites) has grown over 28% from January 2003 to February 2004. Since December 2003, market share of visits in the Travel category has increased over 38%.
· Growth in market share of visits by sub-category, was led by Destinations and Accommodations with 128% growth from January 2003 to February 2004. The Transport and Agencies sub-categories achieved a 35% and 29% growth in market share during that same period, respectively.
· While the market share of the Travel – Agencies sub-category is increasing, the major agency sites; Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz, are losing market share to sites such as Trip Advisor, Cheap Tickets and Hotwire.
· Over 30% of all visits to sites in the Travel category are referred from other Travel related sites. Over 45% of visits leaving a site within the Travel category are going to another Travel related site.
· The Travel category is recording a relatively small percentage of traffic from Email Services, indicating that online travel vendors are not currently leveraging web-based electronic mail as the primary means of driving visits to their sites.
· The Travel category received 30.7% of visits from Search Engines and Directories
· When looking at the top 30 successful search terms for Travel sub-categories, brands are more prevalent for Destinations & Accommodations and Transport than for Agencies. Less than 50% of the top 30 successful terms for Agencies are brand-related whereas Destinations & Accommodations and Transport have 66% and 86% respectively.
· The predominant demographic in the Travel category is: Female (58.3%), over 35 years of age (69.9%), with household earnings over $75,000 per year (41%).
· Cruise Ships and Domestic Airlines do not follow the same trend as the rest of the Travel category for the period May through July 2003.
Site Market Share of visits to Travel sites
maps.yahoo.com 7.61%
www.expedia.com 6.40%
www.travelocity.com 5.09%
www.mapquest.com 4.55%
www.orbitz.com 4.13%
www.southwest.com 2.55%
www.hotwire.com 2.26%
www.cheaptickets.com 1.82%
www.tripadvisor.com 1.81%
travel.yahoo.com 1.75%
Leading Agency websites lose share to competition
March 26, 2004 – New York – Hitwise, the world’s leading online competitive intelligence service has released the latest Industry Report on the Online Travel sector. Key highlights from this report include:
· The market share of visits to Travel sites in the U.S. (compared with all Internet sites) has grown over 28% from January 2003 to February 2004. Since December 2003, market share of visits in the Travel category has increased over 38%.
· Growth in market share of visits by sub-category, was led by Destinations and Accommodations with 128% growth from January 2003 to February 2004. The Transport and Agencies sub-categories achieved a 35% and 29% growth in market share during that same period, respectively.
· While the market share of the Travel – Agencies sub-category is increasing, the major agency sites; Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz, are losing market share to sites such as Trip Advisor, Cheap Tickets and Hotwire.
· Over 30% of all visits to sites in the Travel category are referred from other Travel related sites. Over 45% of visits leaving a site within the Travel category are going to another Travel related site.
· The Travel category is recording a relatively small percentage of traffic from Email Services, indicating that online travel vendors are not currently leveraging web-based electronic mail as the primary means of driving visits to their sites.
· The Travel category received 30.7% of visits from Search Engines and Directories
· When looking at the top 30 successful search terms for Travel sub-categories, brands are more prevalent for Destinations & Accommodations and Transport than for Agencies. Less than 50% of the top 30 successful terms for Agencies are brand-related whereas Destinations & Accommodations and Transport have 66% and 86% respectively.
· The predominant demographic in the Travel category is: Female (58.3%), over 35 years of age (69.9%), with household earnings over $75,000 per year (41%).
· Cruise Ships and Domestic Airlines do not follow the same trend as the rest of the Travel category for the period May through July 2003.
Site Market Share of visits to Travel sites
maps.yahoo.com 7.61%
www.expedia.com 6.40%
www.travelocity.com 5.09%
www.mapquest.com 4.55%
www.orbitz.com 4.13%
www.southwest.com 2.55%
www.hotwire.com 2.26%
www.cheaptickets.com 1.82%
www.tripadvisor.com 1.81%
travel.yahoo.com 1.75%
Thursday, April 01, 2004
top ten third-party Web sites for hotel bookings
TravelCLICK has released results from their 2003 eTRAK report, demonstrating that major hotel chains continue to receive the majority of their Internet reservations through their own brand sites. (10/10/2003)
eTRAK analyses the booking production of central reservation offices (CRO) for 28 major hotel chains. For the first six months of 2003, total Internet reservations showed a growth of 36 percent compared to the same period in 2002.
eTRAK statistics indicate that voice bookings received at reservation offices continue to decline, now representing less than 39% of total reservations processed by CRO’s. GDS distribution continues to dominate Internet third party distribution totals. GDS reservations represent 35.6% of all CRO reservations, compared to the 8.5% of CRO reservations produced by third party Internet sites.
Results from this study can differ with overall hospitality industry performance on the Internet and GDS because eTRAK reflects only the performance of these 28 brands, and only reflect reservations received through a CRO.
For the first six months of 2003, the top ten third-party Web sites for hotel bookings to brand CRO’s were, in order: Priceline, Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, Hotwire, TravelNow, USA Hotelguide, Lodging.com, WorldRes, and Southwest. Some well- known third party Web distributors, such as Hotels.com, did not place in the top ten on this list because these sites usually obtain rates and inventory directly from individual properties rather than a brand or chain CRO.
eTRAK analyses the booking production of central reservation offices (CRO) for 28 major hotel chains. For the first six months of 2003, total Internet reservations showed a growth of 36 percent compared to the same period in 2002.
eTRAK statistics indicate that voice bookings received at reservation offices continue to decline, now representing less than 39% of total reservations processed by CRO’s. GDS distribution continues to dominate Internet third party distribution totals. GDS reservations represent 35.6% of all CRO reservations, compared to the 8.5% of CRO reservations produced by third party Internet sites.
Results from this study can differ with overall hospitality industry performance on the Internet and GDS because eTRAK reflects only the performance of these 28 brands, and only reflect reservations received through a CRO.
For the first six months of 2003, the top ten third-party Web sites for hotel bookings to brand CRO’s were, in order: Priceline, Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, Hotwire, TravelNow, USA Hotelguide, Lodging.com, WorldRes, and Southwest. Some well- known third party Web distributors, such as Hotels.com, did not place in the top ten on this list because these sites usually obtain rates and inventory directly from individual properties rather than a brand or chain CRO.
Wednesday, March 31, 2004
News - Hoover's Online
News - Hoover's Online: "Expedia, Inc. to Acquire Activity World"
Online travel site Expedia said it would buy Hawaiian tour company
Activity World. The move puts Expedia in position to expand its
services on its Web site. It also allows customers the option of
booking their activities and tours online or through an office at
their vacation destination. The transaction is expected to close next
month.
Online travel site Expedia said it would buy Hawaiian tour company
Activity World. The move puts Expedia in position to expand its
services on its Web site. It also allows customers the option of
booking their activities and tours online or through an office at
their vacation destination. The transaction is expected to close next
month.
Trendsetters.com - 31-Mar-04 :: Trip Hop, flash-mob computing, Wi-Fi in the sky
Trendsetters.com - 31-Mar-04 :: Trip Hop, flash-mob computing, Wi-Fi in the sky: "International travel is rebounding. Between October and February, passport applications shot up 13%, compared to a 1% growth rate in 2003, and declines in 2001 and 2002. And because the Euro is strong, travel to the U.S. is also booming. Get that passport app in soon!"
Friday, March 26, 2004
Travelocity unveils redesign of travel Web site
Travelocity unveils redesign of travel Web site: "CHICAGO, March 25 (Reuters) - Travelocity on Thursday will unveil the first full makeover of its travel Web site since its 1996 launch -- the company's latest attempt to build brand as the top online travel firms vie for market share...
The redesigned site, which operates twice as quickly as the old one, will also feature a new logo with hand-drawn stars -- designed to highlight how stars light a traveler's journey, Jeff Glueck, Travelocity's chief marketing officer, told Reuters.
"One of the things consumers told us was that they perceived all the major Web sites in travel looked alike. We heard that loud and clear," Glueck said. "Stripping away a lot of the clutter enables us to highlight what's most important."
The redesigned site, which operates twice as quickly as the old one, will also feature a new logo with hand-drawn stars -- designed to highlight how stars light a traveler's journey, Jeff Glueck, Travelocity's chief marketing officer, told Reuters.
"One of the things consumers told us was that they perceived all the major Web sites in travel looked alike. We heard that loud and clear," Glueck said. "Stripping away a lot of the clutter enables us to highlight what's most important."
Wednesday, March 24, 2004
Mission statement Tralliance Corporation
Tralliance Corporation
Tralliance (an acronym for travel alliance) intends to provide the definitive directory – a comprehensive library of information about travel, tourism, or travel-related products or services – to effectively and efficiently match buyers to sellers. The precise indexing and cataloguing of products and services, to such a degree of detail, will relieve travel consumers’ frustration locating the greatest value, or most tailored, travel offering.
The idea of “concept (activity)-based retrieval” (as opposed to text-based or “free word” retrieval) will help users hone in on the specific products, services, or information that they desire. The end result will be a travel industry directory that will allow for searches that expeditiously produce information that is explicitly bound to the query. For example the query—What is the name of the tour operator that offers submarine tours of the Titanic?— will return tour operators that offers this service.
Highly focused responses—as the Internet continues to grow exponentially over the decades to come—will only be possible through the establishment of directories (complete data sets) like the Directory Tralliance is currently developing.
Tralliance (an acronym for travel alliance) intends to provide the definitive directory – a comprehensive library of information about travel, tourism, or travel-related products or services – to effectively and efficiently match buyers to sellers. The precise indexing and cataloguing of products and services, to such a degree of detail, will relieve travel consumers’ frustration locating the greatest value, or most tailored, travel offering.
The idea of “concept (activity)-based retrieval” (as opposed to text-based or “free word” retrieval) will help users hone in on the specific products, services, or information that they desire. The end result will be a travel industry directory that will allow for searches that expeditiously produce information that is explicitly bound to the query. For example the query—What is the name of the tour operator that offers submarine tours of the Titanic?— will return tour operators that offers this service.
Highly focused responses—as the Internet continues to grow exponentially over the decades to come—will only be possible through the establishment of directories (complete data sets) like the Directory Tralliance is currently developing.
Tralliance Corporation
Tralliance Corporation
The Travel Partnership Corporation (TTPC), a non-profit corporation, has been formed to promote the addition to the Internet of a new sponsored top-level domain (sTLD) to be known as .travel; and, to recommend policies and practices concerning the administration of the registered domain names in the .travel sTLD.
Open to all bona fide travel and tourism associations, TTPC is a consortium of travel industry bodies representing a broad cross-section of the industry. The actual size of the industry, from the perspective of directory subscribers and domain name holders, is estimated to be in excess of 1,000,000 travel providers, purveyors, and associated entities—a constituency comprised of travel agents, tour operators, airlines, hotels, car rental companies, cruise lines, bus companies, ferries, rail lines, theme parks, convention bureaus, and national tourism offices.
Tourism’s economic impact is four times as large as global steel exports, 50% larger than the export of clothes and textiles, and equal to the global export of automobiles. Underscoring these statistics, travel and tourism accounts for 10% of all international trade, 5% of total global economic output, and leads all online transactions at 28% of the total.
The Travel Partnership Corporation (TTPC), a non-profit corporation, has been formed to promote the addition to the Internet of a new sponsored top-level domain (sTLD) to be known as .travel; and, to recommend policies and practices concerning the administration of the registered domain names in the .travel sTLD.
Open to all bona fide travel and tourism associations, TTPC is a consortium of travel industry bodies representing a broad cross-section of the industry. The actual size of the industry, from the perspective of directory subscribers and domain name holders, is estimated to be in excess of 1,000,000 travel providers, purveyors, and associated entities—a constituency comprised of travel agents, tour operators, airlines, hotels, car rental companies, cruise lines, bus companies, ferries, rail lines, theme parks, convention bureaus, and national tourism offices.
Tourism’s economic impact is four times as large as global steel exports, 50% larger than the export of clothes and textiles, and equal to the global export of automobiles. Underscoring these statistics, travel and tourism accounts for 10% of all international trade, 5% of total global economic output, and leads all online transactions at 28% of the total.
Dot-travel domains TW Crossroads
TW Crossroads: "Dot-travel again is being considered as a Web address suffix akin to dot-com and dot-net. "
...a New York-based, for-profit company called Tralliance would provide the day-to-day management, and also would create a travel-specific search engine based on a dot-travel directory. That's supposed to make it easier for consumers to find what they want, and for the businesses to get new customers.
Only "verified" travel organizations or businesses would be entitled to register for dot-travel addresses, in an attempt to prevent non-travel businesses from snapping up rights to names to sell to legitimate travel businesses. Travel associations would be involved in authenticating all registrants, and would get "fee revenue" for doing it.
The proposals will be open for public comment from April 1 to April 30, then reviewed by an independent evaluation panel beginning in May. Icann did not specify when it would make its final decision. More information is available on the Web at www.icann.org.
...a New York-based, for-profit company called Tralliance would provide the day-to-day management, and also would create a travel-specific search engine based on a dot-travel directory. That's supposed to make it easier for consumers to find what they want, and for the businesses to get new customers.
Only "verified" travel organizations or businesses would be entitled to register for dot-travel addresses, in an attempt to prevent non-travel businesses from snapping up rights to names to sell to legitimate travel businesses. Travel associations would be involved in authenticating all registrants, and would get "fee revenue" for doing it.
The proposals will be open for public comment from April 1 to April 30, then reviewed by an independent evaluation panel beginning in May. Icann did not specify when it would make its final decision. More information is available on the Web at www.icann.org.
Tuesday, March 23, 2004
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and AnalysisThe capital’s visitor economy enjoyed three months continuous growth to January 2004, according to the first results of Visit London’s new monthly Visitor Index.
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis: "A new study by teletextholidays.co.uk shows that over a third of UK holidaymakers are opting for home-grown tourist attractions as an alternative to the treasures of international travel."
Iceland Express seals distribution deal with Active Hotels - 23-Mar-04.
Iceland Express seals distribution deal with Active Hotels - 23-Mar-04.
Active Hotels, Europe’s leading online hotel reservations provider has signed a partnership agreement with Iceland Express, the newly established low fare airline, operating twice daily flights between Iceland, Denmark and the UK.
Active Hotels, Europe’s leading online hotel reservations provider has signed a partnership agreement with Iceland Express, the newly established low fare airline, operating twice daily flights between Iceland, Denmark and the UK.
Hotels forced to undercut internet rivals - 23-Mar-04.
Hotels forced to undercut internet rivals - 23-Mar-04.
More hotels are being booked online than ever before, but consumers are not booking direct with hotel websites because they are finding lower rates elsewhere on the web.
When searching for the cheapest room rate in UK hotels, a survey by KPMG found that 58% of the cheapest rates were offered by an online travel agent rather then by the hotel direct. In Western Europe as a whole the figure is about 45%.
In the US, online agents like Expedia and Travelocity offer the cheapest hotel around 10% of the time, because in 45% of cases a corporate travel agent offered the best rates, according to KPMG.
KPMG’s Global Hotel Distribution Survey 2004 researched room rates through multiple online channels and direct channels (including calls to the hotel and hotel call centre) from 310 hotels in 13 countries.
Only 2% of hotels showed consistent pricing across all direct and indirect channels. According to Mr Pattie, 14% of US hotel bookings were generated from the internet in 2003.
More hotels are being booked online than ever before, but consumers are not booking direct with hotel websites because they are finding lower rates elsewhere on the web.
When searching for the cheapest room rate in UK hotels, a survey by KPMG found that 58% of the cheapest rates were offered by an online travel agent rather then by the hotel direct. In Western Europe as a whole the figure is about 45%.
In the US, online agents like Expedia and Travelocity offer the cheapest hotel around 10% of the time, because in 45% of cases a corporate travel agent offered the best rates, according to KPMG.
KPMG’s Global Hotel Distribution Survey 2004 researched room rates through multiple online channels and direct channels (including calls to the hotel and hotel call centre) from 310 hotels in 13 countries.
Only 2% of hotels showed consistent pricing across all direct and indirect channels. According to Mr Pattie, 14% of US hotel bookings were generated from the internet in 2003.
Friday, March 19, 2004
Hospitality Net - Industry News - More Upside Than Downside For UK Hotel Sector In 2004, But Changing Booking And Buying Patterns May Challenge Hoteliers -
Hospitality Net - Industry News - More Upside Than Downside For UK Hotel Sector In 2004, But Changing Booking And Buying Patterns May Challenge Hoteliers - PricewaterhouseCoopers reports: "'Forecast Alert' also identifies that there appears to have been an overall shift in business and leisure travel patterns. Corporate travellers are now booking later (like leisure travellers), using the internet more and increasingly shopping for better rates as they become more cost conscious. The implication is that the travellers are returning, but the business model may have changed for good.
Robert Milburn, UK Leader for Hospitality & Leisure at PricewaterhouseCoopers, said the name of the game for hoteliers in 2004 is revenue maximisation:
'Forecast Alert' also concludes that although London bore the brunt of the downturn in international travel throughout the past three years, it is expected to lead the recovery in the European hotel sector.
Liz Hal, research manager, PricewaterhouseCoopers added:
"There are already signs of a change in fortunes for the capital. For the first time since 1995, London increased its global market share of tourism.We anticipate RevPAR growth of 1.7% in London this year and a further robust gain of 6.4% in 2005.""
Robert Milburn, UK Leader for Hospitality & Leisure at PricewaterhouseCoopers, said the name of the game for hoteliers in 2004 is revenue maximisation:
'Forecast Alert' also concludes that although London bore the brunt of the downturn in international travel throughout the past three years, it is expected to lead the recovery in the European hotel sector.
Liz Hal, research manager, PricewaterhouseCoopers added:
"There are already signs of a change in fortunes for the capital. For the first time since 1995, London increased its global market share of tourism.We anticipate RevPAR growth of 1.7% in London this year and a further robust gain of 6.4% in 2005.""
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis: "WorldRes is to unveil a system at ITB Berlin (12-16 March) that will enable independent hotels to distribute through thousands of websites worldwide.
The extranet solution, due for launch in the fourth quarter of 2004 and code-named 'Project Easy Extranet', will allow hotels to instantly sell through WorldRes, and so enjoy distribution through over 5,000 websites, internet service providers (ISP?Ds), online travel agents, tourist boards and global destination management companies (DMC?Ds) worldwide.Developed in conjunction with PeopleSoft, Inc, the system will be on show as a BETA test version at this year's ITB.
The extranet's inventory management tools will enable hotels to instantly update their rates at any PC, and to track payments and commissions, and will feature statistical analysis tools that will allow hotels to model their marketing strategies to shifts in demand.WorldRes' network creates an online settlement process for hotels, with details of bookings, amendments and final payments available through the internet."
The extranet solution, due for launch in the fourth quarter of 2004 and code-named 'Project Easy Extranet', will allow hotels to instantly sell through WorldRes, and so enjoy distribution through over 5,000 websites, internet service providers (ISP?Ds), online travel agents, tourist boards and global destination management companies (DMC?Ds) worldwide.Developed in conjunction with PeopleSoft, Inc, the system will be on show as a BETA test version at this year's ITB.
The extranet's inventory management tools will enable hotels to instantly update their rates at any PC, and to track payments and commissions, and will feature statistical analysis tools that will allow hotels to model their marketing strategies to shifts in demand.WorldRes' network creates an online settlement process for hotels, with details of bookings, amendments and final payments available through the internet."
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis: "Between 1999 and 2003, the percentage of UK adults taking three or more holidays per year rose from around 11% to over 13%. In a new report released today by leading market intelligence provider Key Note, it is revealed that word of mouth prompts nearly half of all holidays taken in the UK, above television advertising and brochures.
However, it is hard for travel companies operating in the industry to stimulate this type of promotion other than using a 'recommend a friend' type scheme".
The findings show that holiday brochures are a much more powerful prompt for holiday decisions than television programmes. 19% of respondents agreed that their last holiday decision was prompted by holiday brochures compared with only 4% prompted by television programmes. Although these numbers look relatively small, brochures influenced around 27million holidays, and television 6 million, out of the 141.6 million holidays taken during 2002. Holiday programmes are extremely popular and Key Note suggests this is less related to inducing people to take holidays and more related to general public interest in different holiday locations.
The Internet is also having a major impact on the travel industry and the survey indicates that more people obtain information on travel from the Internet than they do through travel agents. Some products such as low cost air services offer incentives to book over the Internet, which result in nearly all bookings coming through this channel.
Over 60% of adults took one holiday in the last year and the average number of holidays taken per person in the UK is well over two per year. The UK holiday market is mature with consumers seeking a greater variety of holiday experiences as lifestyles, employment and attitudes change. Increasingly consumers require more choice and greater value for money. This desire for change and variety means that many people are not content with one similar holiday every year, but would prefer to take holidays more frequently."
However, it is hard for travel companies operating in the industry to stimulate this type of promotion other than using a 'recommend a friend' type scheme".
The findings show that holiday brochures are a much more powerful prompt for holiday decisions than television programmes. 19% of respondents agreed that their last holiday decision was prompted by holiday brochures compared with only 4% prompted by television programmes. Although these numbers look relatively small, brochures influenced around 27million holidays, and television 6 million, out of the 141.6 million holidays taken during 2002. Holiday programmes are extremely popular and Key Note suggests this is less related to inducing people to take holidays and more related to general public interest in different holiday locations.
The Internet is also having a major impact on the travel industry and the survey indicates that more people obtain information on travel from the Internet than they do through travel agents. Some products such as low cost air services offer incentives to book over the Internet, which result in nearly all bookings coming through this channel.
Over 60% of adults took one holiday in the last year and the average number of holidays taken per person in the UK is well over two per year. The UK holiday market is mature with consumers seeking a greater variety of holiday experiences as lifestyles, employment and attitudes change. Increasingly consumers require more choice and greater value for money. This desire for change and variety means that many people are not content with one similar holiday every year, but would prefer to take holidays more frequently."
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis: "OctopusTravel.com, the innovative travel company that offers an extensive range of accommodation and sightseeing products on the Internet, today announced that it has signed deals with LTUR, Air Luxor and Freeserve and it has hired Soren Langelund, formerly a senior executive at OPODO"
TUI eyes independent sector with direct sell - 16-Mar-04.
TUI eyes independent sector with direct sell - 16-Mar-04.: "TUI has launched an online channel for selling hotel beds directly in a bid to capture the “independent” travel market.
The travel group has launched www.tui-hotels.com, which will sell nights in the hotels featured in its brochures as well as other hotels that sign up to the site. There will be about 5,000 hotels on the site by the end of the year...
TUI interactive managing director, Michael Ohm said: ?DThe Hotel Portal is a market place for customers who wish to book flexibly, and hoteliers who wish to manage flexibly. We provide hoteliers with a dynamic tool with which to manage their products in line with the market situation.?D "
The travel group has launched www.tui-hotels.com, which will sell nights in the hotels featured in its brochures as well as other hotels that sign up to the site. There will be about 5,000 hotels on the site by the end of the year...
TUI interactive managing director, Michael Ohm said: ?DThe Hotel Portal is a market place for customers who wish to book flexibly, and hoteliers who wish to manage flexibly. We provide hoteliers with a dynamic tool with which to manage their products in line with the market situation.?D "
Insurance opportunity
Travel insurers missing �reckless� skiers - 15-Mar-04.: "Irresponsible skiers who travel without insurance represent a �massive� opportunity for insurers. "
Irresponsible skiers who travel without insurance represent a “massive” opportunity for insurers.
The claim comes from First Rate Travel Services, quoting Foreign Office statistics showing that two out of five UK holidaymakers travel with no insurance or inadequate cover...The company says that the average winter sport claim it receives is for more than £3,000, about six times the price of the average ski holiday, while a week’s winter sports cover costs £22."
Irresponsible skiers who travel without insurance represent a “massive” opportunity for insurers.
The claim comes from First Rate Travel Services, quoting Foreign Office statistics showing that two out of five UK holidaymakers travel with no insurance or inadequate cover...The company says that the average winter sport claim it receives is for more than £3,000, about six times the price of the average ski holiday, while a week’s winter sports cover costs £22."
The end of the package holiday? - 15-Mar-04.
The end of the package holiday? - 15-Mar-04.: "Travellers are turning their backs on traditional beach holidays provided by the leading tour operators, according to a survey from responsibletravel.com. "
The company quotes research from MORI which states that package holidays are declining - it claims that 32% of people are taking "independent holidays" versus 30% on package holidays and 19% going on tailor-made or specialist holidays.
Responsibletravel surveyed more than a thousand adults by phone, and found that 88% of respondents think the big holiday companies have a responsibility to preserve the local environment and culture. The survey also identified a “new breed” of traveller who wants a more authentic and experimental travel experience. The survey found that:
80% disagree with the statement: “I just want to have fun on holiday; I don’t really care about the locals and their environment”;
60% have had enough of crowded beaches on resort-type holidays;
57% say too many holidays only offer chips and Sky football in the sun; and
60% believe big tour companies “just pump out superficial holidays and it is time they changed.
Responsibletravel is encouraging people to sign an online petition saying: “I've had enough of the way mass tourism tramples over local people and cultures, and damages the environment”, and wants people to tell of their “mass tourism holidays and evidence of environmental degradation and of negative impacts on local people and culture”. The petition is at http://www.responsibletravel.com/hadenough.
The company quotes research from MORI which states that package holidays are declining - it claims that 32% of people are taking "independent holidays" versus 30% on package holidays and 19% going on tailor-made or specialist holidays.
Responsibletravel surveyed more than a thousand adults by phone, and found that 88% of respondents think the big holiday companies have a responsibility to preserve the local environment and culture. The survey also identified a “new breed” of traveller who wants a more authentic and experimental travel experience. The survey found that:
80% disagree with the statement: “I just want to have fun on holiday; I don’t really care about the locals and their environment”;
60% have had enough of crowded beaches on resort-type holidays;
57% say too many holidays only offer chips and Sky football in the sun; and
60% believe big tour companies “just pump out superficial holidays and it is time they changed.
Responsibletravel is encouraging people to sign an online petition saying: “I've had enough of the way mass tourism tramples over local people and cultures, and damages the environment”, and wants people to tell of their “mass tourism holidays and evidence of environmental degradation and of negative impacts on local people and culture”. The petition is at http://www.responsibletravel.com/hadenough.
Friday, March 12, 2004
Opodo
Opodo: "ght search"
Opodo bumph...
In December, we launched an all-singing-all-dancing new flight search engine. It could find you one way, return, or multistop flights from over 400 airlines, all at competitively low prices. It could also do lots of other clever things like email flight details to your friends.
Now, we've made it even smarter to save you money. Search for any one of a range of holiday destinations, including mainland Spain, Greece, the Balearics and Canaries and it'll also give you the option to look for charter flights from select UK airports. To find your ideal flight
Opodo bumph...
In December, we launched an all-singing-all-dancing new flight search engine. It could find you one way, return, or multistop flights from over 400 airlines, all at competitively low prices. It could also do lots of other clever things like email flight details to your friends.
Now, we've made it even smarter to save you money. Search for any one of a range of holiday destinations, including mainland Spain, Greece, the Balearics and Canaries and it'll also give you the option to look for charter flights from select UK airports. To find your ideal flight
Travelodge pricing experiment
Weekly Newsletter An interesting experiment on selling hotel rooms is underway in Britain. Travelodge is now pricing all its hotel rooms at rates that start as low as £25/night, year round. Rates start at the lowest possible price, and then gradually move higher and higher, the closer to travel date the booking becomes.
My prediction? This is a stupid idea that won't work. This pricing is exactly the opposite of the level of desperation that the hotel feels to get your business. Six months in advance, the hotel doesn't really worry if you choose its room or not. But six weeks in advance, it starts to get a clear feeling for how many unsold rooms will remain, and six nights (or six hours) in advance, it very definitely is staring at the worry of empty rooms.
Websites like www.lastminute.com have responded by contracting with hotels and offering very inexpensive rates on rooms that hotels think will remain unsold, and which are only offered for sale in the last three weeks until travel.
Of course Travelodge would love you to commit for their rooms as early as possible. But it doubly wants/needs your business when it is staring at the virtual certainty of the rooms otherwise going unsold. Accordingly, I don't expect this new pricing model to last long.
My prediction? This is a stupid idea that won't work. This pricing is exactly the opposite of the level of desperation that the hotel feels to get your business. Six months in advance, the hotel doesn't really worry if you choose its room or not. But six weeks in advance, it starts to get a clear feeling for how many unsold rooms will remain, and six nights (or six hours) in advance, it very definitely is staring at the worry of empty rooms.
Websites like www.lastminute.com have responded by contracting with hotels and offering very inexpensive rates on rooms that hotels think will remain unsold, and which are only offered for sale in the last three weeks until travel.
Of course Travelodge would love you to commit for their rooms as early as possible. But it doubly wants/needs your business when it is staring at the virtual certainty of the rooms otherwise going unsold. Accordingly, I don't expect this new pricing model to last long.
Thursday, March 11, 2004
Tourism set to recover in 2004 - 11-Mar-04.
Tourism set to recover in 2004 - 11-Mar-04.: "Global tourism is set for a robust recovery this year according the World Travel and Tourism Council, but it will not get back to pre September 11 levels.
Demand for travel and tourism will grow by 5.9% in 2004 according to the WTTC, generating $5.5 billion of economic activity."
Demand for travel and tourism will grow by 5.9% in 2004 according to the WTTC, generating $5.5 billion of economic activity."
Tourism set to recover in 2004 - 11-Mar-04.
Tourism set to recover in 2004 - 11-Mar-04.: "Global tourism is set for a robust recovery this year according the World Travel and Tourism Council, but it will not get back to pre September 11 levels. "
British holiday parks enjoy �purple patch� - 11-Mar-04.
British holiday parks enjoy ?Dpurple patch?D - 11-Mar-04.: "
British holiday parks enjoyed a ?Dpurple patch?D last year, drawing a record six million people last year, according to a survey.
A report by the research group Mintel found that such organisations as Butlin?Ds, Pontin?Ds and Center Parcs had a very busy year last year, helped, of course, by the record-breaking summer enjoyed in Britain. "
British holiday parks enjoyed a ?Dpurple patch?D last year, drawing a record six million people last year, according to a survey.
A report by the research group Mintel found that such organisations as Butlin?Ds, Pontin?Ds and Center Parcs had a very busy year last year, helped, of course, by the record-breaking summer enjoyed in Britain. "
Wi-Fi Eire
TW Crossroads: "NO STRINGS: Irish airports authority Aer Rianta began offering wireless Internet access at Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports. Wireless connectivity, available in departure lounges and other airport 'congregation points,' will be provided free through June 30, to coincide with Ireland's six-month-long European Union presidency. For more, go to Aer Rianta Corporate Website "
Ireland smoking ban
TW Crossroads: "CLEAR THE AIR: Nonsmokers can brave Ireland's once-hazy pubs come March 29, when the country's ban on workplace smoking starts clearing the air in restaurants and bars nationwide."
Wednesday, March 10, 2004
Opodo launches charter flights - 08-Mar-04.
Opodo launches charter flights - 08-Mar-04. Opodo has started selling charter flights on its UK website.
Opodo's rivals, Online Travel Corporation already sells charter flights through its ownership of the website, bargainholidays.com. OTC is currently the subject of a £55 million bid by lastminute.com.
Opodo's rivals, Online Travel Corporation already sells charter flights through its ownership of the website, bargainholidays.com. OTC is currently the subject of a £55 million bid by lastminute.com.
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and AnalysisThe official travel website for the UK, TravelBritain, and a group of Regional Tourism Boards have set up a new online platform to connect local and regional destination management systems through the tourism boards.
The focus of the move is to offer SME’s access to broader markets through the distribution system which had previously only been accessible to major travel companies and airlines.
The website will go live before the end of the month, with travellers being able to book holidays in the UK online. Customers will be charged a 10% commission and an initial subscription fee.
The focus of the move is to offer SME’s access to broader markets through the distribution system which had previously only been accessible to major travel companies and airlines.
The website will go live before the end of the month, with travellers being able to book holidays in the UK online. Customers will be charged a 10% commission and an initial subscription fee.
Budget bus passengers stranded - 10-Mar-04.
Budget bus passengers stranded - 10-Mar-04. The UK’s newest budget bus company has come under fire after passengers were stranded for hours with no heating or toilets... the Megabus journey from London to Brighton was scheduled to take just to hours and 20 minutes, but the passengers did not reach their destination for some seven hours after being rescued by a National Express coach and then being forced to catch a train that finally arrived at 1.30am.
Agents must look to independent sector - 10-Mar-04.
Agents must look to independent sector - 10-Mar-04. Agents are being offered a service that will add hundreds of holiday villas to their website, something that should help them appeal to the independent traveller.
Villaclick.com is offering a white label version of its online villa rental product that can be planted into an agency website and used by an agent or by the consumer directly to book a holiday villa.
Villaclick.com previously offered the service for agents to search and book its inventory of 1,600 villas in Southern Europe and the US, but bookings were made only through the villaclick.com website. Agents don’t receive a percentage commission, but instead can add their own mark-up.
Villaclick.com is offering a white label version of its online villa rental product that can be planted into an agency website and used by an agent or by the consumer directly to book a holiday villa.
Villaclick.com previously offered the service for agents to search and book its inventory of 1,600 villas in Southern Europe and the US, but bookings were made only through the villaclick.com website. Agents don’t receive a percentage commission, but instead can add their own mark-up.
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis: "London, March 4th 2004. Opodo, the pan-European online travel service, today announced it has launched a new charter flight service on its UK site:"
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis: "Formula One Minardi team boss Paul Stoddart plans to launch OzJet, a third discount carrier in Australia to compete directly with Virgin Blue and Jetstar, in October. (3/9/2004)
Initially, it will connect Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane and at a later date, Adelaide. One-way tickets will be going for $149 available via the Internet, phone or at the airport. "
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis: "Plans by EUjet to develop an underused airport in Kent as its UK hub for European low cost flights are dependent on the raising of additional finance. The Irish carrier was formed by ex-Ryanair chief executive P J McGoldrick last May. "
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis: "Formula One Minardi team boss Paul Stoddart plans to launch OzJet, a third discount carrier in Australia to compete directly with Virgin Blue and Jetstar, in October. (3/9/2004)
Initially, it will connect Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane and at a later date, Adelaide. One-way tickets will be going for $149 available via the Internet, phone or at the airport. "
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis: "Plans by EUjet to develop an underused airport in Kent as its UK hub for European low cost flights are dependent on the raising of additional finance. The Irish carrier was formed by ex-Ryanair chief executive P J McGoldrick last May. "
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis
Active Hotels gained particular recognition in the ‘employee well-being’ category which examines stress, pressure and the balance between home and work life. Statistics revealed that 74% are in complete control of their workload, and 88% are able to take all their holidays. These factors combined with a profit related pay of 10% of salary ensured that Active Hotels scored highly on the employee satisfaction scale.
Active Hotels is based in Cambridge and employs 80 people. The company is experiencing rapid growth throughout Europe and predicted to process over €200 million worth of bookings for hotels in 2004.
Active Hotels gained particular recognition in the ‘employee well-being’ category which examines stress, pressure and the balance between home and work life. Statistics revealed that 74% are in complete control of their workload, and 88% are able to take all their holidays. These factors combined with a profit related pay of 10% of salary ensured that Active Hotels scored highly on the employee satisfaction scale.
Active Hotels is based in Cambridge and employs 80 people. The company is experiencing rapid growth throughout Europe and predicted to process over €200 million worth of bookings for hotels in 2004.
travel meta search for hotels air & cars (comparison)
TW Crossroads: "SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- SideStep launched a hotel search engine on SideStepHotels.com, where Web shoppers can conduct a search without downloading SideStep's tool.
Vice president of marketing Phil Carpenter explained that SideStep is trying to expand its reach, as there were consumers who 'wouldn't or couldn't' download the search tool (the software is not compatible with Mac computers).
Similar to the downloaded version, when consumers decide to make a purchase on SideStepHotels.com, they are taken to the hotel supplier's Web site to book. Suppliers pay SideStep a referral fee for each completed booking.
In the next three to four months, Carpenter said SideStep plans to launch search engines for air and car that don't require downloading. Today, consumers can conduct searches for air, car and hotel by downloading the software from SideStep.com. "
SideStep Hotels
Vice president of marketing Phil Carpenter explained that SideStep is trying to expand its reach, as there were consumers who 'wouldn't or couldn't' download the search tool (the software is not compatible with Mac computers).
Similar to the downloaded version, when consumers decide to make a purchase on SideStepHotels.com, they are taken to the hotel supplier's Web site to book. Suppliers pay SideStep a referral fee for each completed booking.
In the next three to four months, Carpenter said SideStep plans to launch search engines for air and car that don't require downloading. Today, consumers can conduct searches for air, car and hotel by downloading the software from SideStep.com. "
SideStep Hotels
Monday, March 08, 2004
Expedia retains its lead over Lastminute - 04-Mar-04.: "Expedia.com has held its lead over Lastminute.com for share of UK visits since the beginning of the year, according to Hitwise.
Expedia got a 9.6% share of visits to UK agency websites in the week ending 28 February. Lastminute.com was close behind with a 7.4% share.
Hitwise UK general manager, Simon Chamberlain told TravelMole: 'Expedia.co.uk has consistently been the most visited travel agency site since the beginning of January, according to Hitwise UK data. Their TV campaign, coupled with the instant win promotion they ran during January, certainly seems to have created the desired surge in visitors to the site.
�It will be interesting to see whether they can sustain a lead over Lastminute.com. In the past week the gap between the two has narrowed, although according to Hitwise - Search Terms 'expedia' is currently the most searched company name amongst travel agencies. This indicates that it is one of the brands that is front of mind with consumers doing their holiday planning.'
Lastminute led the UK table for most of 2003, and hit a high point in the week ending 6 December when it had a 12.5% share of UK visits. Lastminute's proportion of UK hits could increase if its bid for OTC, made public on Wednesday, goes ahead. "
Expedia got a 9.6% share of visits to UK agency websites in the week ending 28 February. Lastminute.com was close behind with a 7.4% share.
Hitwise UK general manager, Simon Chamberlain told TravelMole: 'Expedia.co.uk has consistently been the most visited travel agency site since the beginning of January, according to Hitwise UK data. Their TV campaign, coupled with the instant win promotion they ran during January, certainly seems to have created the desired surge in visitors to the site.
�It will be interesting to see whether they can sustain a lead over Lastminute.com. In the past week the gap between the two has narrowed, although according to Hitwise - Search Terms 'expedia' is currently the most searched company name amongst travel agencies. This indicates that it is one of the brands that is front of mind with consumers doing their holiday planning.'
Lastminute led the UK table for most of 2003, and hit a high point in the week ending 6 December when it had a 12.5% share of UK visits. Lastminute's proportion of UK hits could increase if its bid for OTC, made public on Wednesday, goes ahead. "
'Best Hotels on the Web 2003' just released by TripAdvisor
Leading Travel Research Site Compiles Annual Ranking of Best Hotels Worldwide
29 February 2004
NEEDHAM, Mass. - TripAdvisor, the leading travel research site, announced today the results of a year-long study of the most popular hotels on the web for 2003. Using its Hotel Popularity Index, TripAdvisor's "Best Hotels on the Web - 2003" award ranks the top hotel in major cities worldwide, based on the quantity and quality of information found on the web for more than 100,000 hotels in over 14,000 cities.
Unlike other hotel awards that are based solely on editorial opinions or user surveys, TripAdvisor's award utilizes the wealth of information available on the web, including articles, user reviews, guidebooks and net comments written about a hotel property. The greater the amount of positive information published on the web about a hotel, the higher the hotel's ranking.
Reviews Can Make a Difference
In addition to online newspaper articles and guidebooks, the winners of the Best Hotels on the Web - 2003 award generated dozens of favorable user reviews posted on www.tripadvisor.com. These reviews remarked on a variety of themes, including service, friendliness of staff, overall cleanliness, comfort and size of rooms, convenient locations, beautiful pools and great dining experiences.
Below is a sampling of the top hotel recipient for the following cities worldwide:
United States
Las Vegas, Nevada - JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort, Spa & Golf
New York City, New York - The Carlyle
Orlando, Florida - Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort
Miami, Florida - Mandarin Oriental
San Francisco, California - The Orchard Hotel
Honolulu, Hawaii - Hale Koa Hotel
New Orleans, Louisiana - Le Pavillon
Washington, D.C. - Willard InterContinental
Chicago, Illinois - Fitzpatrick Chicago Hotel
San Diego, California - Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
Canada
Toronto, Ontario - Toronto Marriott Eaton Centre
Vancouver, British Columbia - Barclay House in the West End
Montreal, Quebec - Le Petit Prince Bed & Breakfast
Europe
Paris, France - Four Seasons Hotel George V
Rome, Italy - St. Regis Grand Hotel
London, England - The Bentley
Barcelona, Spain - Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel
Caribbean and Mexico
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic - Club Med Punta Cana
Cancun, Mexico - JW Marriott Cancun Resort and Spa
Playa del Carmen, Mexico - Royal Hideaway Playacar
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic - Iberostar Costa Dorada
South Pacific
Sydney, Australia - The Observatory Hotel
Melbourne, Australia - The Windsor Hotel Melbourne
The full results of the study can be seen at:
www.tripadvisor.com/pages/bhotw.html
Methodology
During 2003, TripAdvisor's search technology continuously scoured the web for articles, reviews and opinions published on various travel topics including hotel properties. Based on the quantity (i.e., number of articles, reviews and opinions published on the web) and quality (i.e., whether the content was favorable or negative towards a hotel) of content found on the web, TripAdvisor assigned a "web popularity" score for over 100,000 hotels worldwide. TripAdvisor then ranked the hotels in that city based on their web popularity score.
29 February 2004
NEEDHAM, Mass. - TripAdvisor, the leading travel research site, announced today the results of a year-long study of the most popular hotels on the web for 2003. Using its Hotel Popularity Index, TripAdvisor's "Best Hotels on the Web - 2003" award ranks the top hotel in major cities worldwide, based on the quantity and quality of information found on the web for more than 100,000 hotels in over 14,000 cities.
Unlike other hotel awards that are based solely on editorial opinions or user surveys, TripAdvisor's award utilizes the wealth of information available on the web, including articles, user reviews, guidebooks and net comments written about a hotel property. The greater the amount of positive information published on the web about a hotel, the higher the hotel's ranking.
Reviews Can Make a Difference
In addition to online newspaper articles and guidebooks, the winners of the Best Hotels on the Web - 2003 award generated dozens of favorable user reviews posted on www.tripadvisor.com. These reviews remarked on a variety of themes, including service, friendliness of staff, overall cleanliness, comfort and size of rooms, convenient locations, beautiful pools and great dining experiences.
Below is a sampling of the top hotel recipient for the following cities worldwide:
United States
Las Vegas, Nevada - JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort, Spa & Golf
New York City, New York - The Carlyle
Orlando, Florida - Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort
Miami, Florida - Mandarin Oriental
San Francisco, California - The Orchard Hotel
Honolulu, Hawaii - Hale Koa Hotel
New Orleans, Louisiana - Le Pavillon
Washington, D.C. - Willard InterContinental
Chicago, Illinois - Fitzpatrick Chicago Hotel
San Diego, California - Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
Canada
Toronto, Ontario - Toronto Marriott Eaton Centre
Vancouver, British Columbia - Barclay House in the West End
Montreal, Quebec - Le Petit Prince Bed & Breakfast
Europe
Paris, France - Four Seasons Hotel George V
Rome, Italy - St. Regis Grand Hotel
London, England - The Bentley
Barcelona, Spain - Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel
Caribbean and Mexico
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic - Club Med Punta Cana
Cancun, Mexico - JW Marriott Cancun Resort and Spa
Playa del Carmen, Mexico - Royal Hideaway Playacar
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic - Iberostar Costa Dorada
South Pacific
Sydney, Australia - The Observatory Hotel
Melbourne, Australia - The Windsor Hotel Melbourne
The full results of the study can be seen at:
www.tripadvisor.com/pages/bhotw.html
Methodology
During 2003, TripAdvisor's search technology continuously scoured the web for articles, reviews and opinions published on various travel topics including hotel properties. Based on the quantity (i.e., number of articles, reviews and opinions published on the web) and quality (i.e., whether the content was favorable or negative towards a hotel) of content found on the web, TripAdvisor assigned a "web popularity" score for over 100,000 hotels worldwide. TripAdvisor then ranked the hotels in that city based on their web popularity score.
More stats
HSMAI Europe: News syndicate:
"In 2003, 45% of online travel buyers purchased all of their travel online, according to The PhoCusWright Consumer Travel Trends Survey Sixth Edition, a recently released tracking report that annually documents online shopping and purchasing behavior. In total, 35 million Americans bought travel online in 2003, up 17% from 2002. Yet online travel buyers are divided as to which type of site ultimately gets the sale -- supplier or online travel agency.
Online travel agencies are feeling the heat from the supplier channel. Online travelers are now almost as likely to purchase travel from a supplier (online and offline) as an online agency. In fact, The PhoCusWright Consumer Travel Trends Survey Sixth Edition finds that nearly two-thirds of 'online travelers' buy personal travel from either online travel agency or supplier Web sites. And, the majority of online travelers usually check at least one online agency site (88%) and one supplier site (73%) before purchasing airline tickets online.
Price parity between online and offline channels and erratic content availability across Web sites are encouraging online shoppers to use multiple channels for comparison shopping and purchasing. In addition, half of all online travelers continue to shop online but purchase offline. Together, these underscore the slower growth pace of the Internet as an exclusive purchase channel due to the increased complexity of online travel offerings, consumers' use of offline support, and supplier success in nurturing consumer-direct relationships in the leisure segment."
"In 2003, 45% of online travel buyers purchased all of their travel online, according to The PhoCusWright Consumer Travel Trends Survey Sixth Edition, a recently released tracking report that annually documents online shopping and purchasing behavior. In total, 35 million Americans bought travel online in 2003, up 17% from 2002. Yet online travel buyers are divided as to which type of site ultimately gets the sale -- supplier or online travel agency.
Online travel agencies are feeling the heat from the supplier channel. Online travelers are now almost as likely to purchase travel from a supplier (online and offline) as an online agency. In fact, The PhoCusWright Consumer Travel Trends Survey Sixth Edition finds that nearly two-thirds of 'online travelers' buy personal travel from either online travel agency or supplier Web sites. And, the majority of online travelers usually check at least one online agency site (88%) and one supplier site (73%) before purchasing airline tickets online.
Price parity between online and offline channels and erratic content availability across Web sites are encouraging online shoppers to use multiple channels for comparison shopping and purchasing. In addition, half of all online travelers continue to shop online but purchase offline. Together, these underscore the slower growth pace of the Internet as an exclusive purchase channel due to the increased complexity of online travel offerings, consumers' use of offline support, and supplier success in nurturing consumer-direct relationships in the leisure segment."
Latest internet business news : News: "Tiscover makes UK push London, March 5 2004, (netimperative) by Susie Harwood.
European online travel portal Tiscover has launched its first dedicated UK portal after winning deals to power websites for several major tourist boards here last year.
The company, which already has a European portal, Tiscover.com, as well as country-specific websites in Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Italy, said that it also plans to launch a portal in South Africa in the next several months. Karsten Karcher, director of sales, marketing and finance at Tiscover, said that the group will initially focus on these six markets, but did not rule out moving into other new countries if the company were to sign an important partnership elsewhere.
'The long-term goal is to provide tourist and destination information across a number of European countries,' said Karcher.
In the UK, Tiscover already has partnerships with the East England Tourist Board, Bournemouth City Council and Plymouth Marketing Bureau, and its UK portal will initially focus on these areas, before extending to cover more of the country.As well as providing lots of information on the destinations in these areas, the new Tiscover.co.uk website also enables visitors to book accommodation and services such as restaurants, theatre and local attractions online.
Karcher said the company has already signed deals with over 200 accommodation providers in these regions, which he expects to grow rapidly.
Tiscover takes a small fee for successful bookings, and also gets revenue from providing services and consultancy to destinations such as Bournemouth, where it powers the city-run tourist website, and software licence fees.The company joins an already crowded online travel market in the UK, and will find itself competing against a number of much bigger players, including Lastminute.com, which earlier this week made a £55m bid to acquire rival Online Travel Corp.
Karcher claims the company differentiates itself by focusing much more on destinations, providing a much wider range of information and accommodation in each destination, as opposed to the big travel sites, which tend to just focus on the bigger hotel chains.
European online travel portal Tiscover has launched its first dedicated UK portal after winning deals to power websites for several major tourist boards here last year.
The company, which already has a European portal, Tiscover.com, as well as country-specific websites in Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Italy, said that it also plans to launch a portal in South Africa in the next several months. Karsten Karcher, director of sales, marketing and finance at Tiscover, said that the group will initially focus on these six markets, but did not rule out moving into other new countries if the company were to sign an important partnership elsewhere.
'The long-term goal is to provide tourist and destination information across a number of European countries,' said Karcher.
In the UK, Tiscover already has partnerships with the East England Tourist Board, Bournemouth City Council and Plymouth Marketing Bureau, and its UK portal will initially focus on these areas, before extending to cover more of the country.As well as providing lots of information on the destinations in these areas, the new Tiscover.co.uk website also enables visitors to book accommodation and services such as restaurants, theatre and local attractions online.
Karcher said the company has already signed deals with over 200 accommodation providers in these regions, which he expects to grow rapidly.
Tiscover takes a small fee for successful bookings, and also gets revenue from providing services and consultancy to destinations such as Bournemouth, where it powers the city-run tourist website, and software licence fees.The company joins an already crowded online travel market in the UK, and will find itself competing against a number of much bigger players, including Lastminute.com, which earlier this week made a £55m bid to acquire rival Online Travel Corp.
Karcher claims the company differentiates itself by focusing much more on destinations, providing a much wider range of information and accommodation in each destination, as opposed to the big travel sites, which tend to just focus on the bigger hotel chains.
Latest internet business news : News
Latest internet business news : News: "TravelBritain offers one-stop travel site London, March 5 2004, (netimperative) by Gareth Vorster
TravelBritain and a chain of Regional Tourism Boards (RTB) have launched, an internet-based platform, EnglandNet that will connect all the local and regional destination management systems (DMS) via the RTBs around the UK.
TravelBritain and a chain of Regional Tourism Boards (RTB) have launched, an internet-based platform, EnglandNet that will connect all the local and regional destination management systems (DMS) via the RTBs around the UK.
Tourists travelling to or within Britain will be able to access information on tourism products and destination and then book their holidays online.
Customers will be charged a subscription fee, in addition to a 10% commission for each booking made via the EnglandNet platform.
The site will go live by the end of the month, with an initial database of about 60,000 to 70,000 products and destinations, a spokesperson for EnglandNet said.The venture will offer SMEs access to wider national and international markets through a global distribution system, previously exclusive to major tour operators and airlines. "
TravelBritain and a chain of Regional Tourism Boards (RTB) have launched, an internet-based platform, EnglandNet that will connect all the local and regional destination management systems (DMS) via the RTBs around the UK.
TravelBritain and a chain of Regional Tourism Boards (RTB) have launched, an internet-based platform, EnglandNet that will connect all the local and regional destination management systems (DMS) via the RTBs around the UK.
Tourists travelling to or within Britain will be able to access information on tourism products and destination and then book their holidays online.
Customers will be charged a subscription fee, in addition to a 10% commission for each booking made via the EnglandNet platform.
The site will go live by the end of the month, with an initial database of about 60,000 to 70,000 products and destinations, a spokesperson for EnglandNet said.The venture will offer SMEs access to wider national and international markets through a global distribution system, previously exclusive to major tour operators and airlines. "
Lastminute and OTC plan £55m trip together
News: "Lastminute.com today made a surprise bid for rival Online Travel Corp, in a deal that will combine two of the biggest and most successful UK internet travel players.
Lastminute said the deal would also provide it with access to a wider, more comprehensive choice of travel options, as well as a potential customer base of more than 15 million online users..
While further consolidation in the fragmented online travel sector is no surprise, many industry analysts had been touting Lastminute and OTC as potential targets for major US firms such as Expedia.com or Travelocity.com, which are looking to expand their businesses over this side of the pond. The move could help fend off approaches from US firms."
Lastminute said the deal would also provide it with access to a wider, more comprehensive choice of travel options, as well as a potential customer base of more than 15 million online users..
While further consolidation in the fragmented online travel sector is no surprise, many industry analysts had been touting Lastminute and OTC as potential targets for major US firms such as Expedia.com or Travelocity.com, which are looking to expand their businesses over this side of the pond. The move could help fend off approaches from US firms."
Tuesday, March 02, 2004
Stena pays £50m for P&O routes and ferries
Stena Line has secured the purchase of one of P&O’s Irish Sea routes after the UK Competition Commission blocked an earlier bid.
Stena has bought the Fleetwood-Larne route and five ferries from P&O for £50 million in cash. These are European Leader, European Pioneer, European Seafarer, and the two P&O ferries currently operating on the Mostyn-Dublin route, European Ambassador and European Envoy. The sale is expected to be completed on 5 April.
Monday, March 01, 2004
Top 10 travel destination sites
Top 10 Global "Travel - Destinations and Accommodation" sites for the week ending 28 February, 2004 based on VISITS (3/1/2004)
1. (5.88 %) lastminute.com http://www.lastminute.com
2. (3.02 %) Trip Advisor http://www.tripadvisor.com
3. (2.03 %) Active Hotels http://www.activehotels.com
4. (1.97 %) SuperBreak http://www.superbreak.com
5. (1.73 %) Travelodge UK http://www.travelodge.co.uk
6. (1.47 %) InterContinental Hotels Group http://www.ichotelsgroup.com
7. (1.42 %) Holidays Uncovered http://www.holidaysuncovered.co.uk
8. (1.15 %) OctopusTravel.com http://www.octopustravel.com
9. (1.00 %) Travel Inn http://www.travelinn.co.uk
10. (0.99 %) Hotels.com - UK http://www.hotels.co.uk
1. (5.88 %) lastminute.com http://www.lastminute.com
2. (3.02 %) Trip Advisor http://www.tripadvisor.com
3. (2.03 %) Active Hotels http://www.activehotels.com
4. (1.97 %) SuperBreak http://www.superbreak.com
5. (1.73 %) Travelodge UK http://www.travelodge.co.uk
6. (1.47 %) InterContinental Hotels Group http://www.ichotelsgroup.com
7. (1.42 %) Holidays Uncovered http://www.holidaysuncovered.co.uk
8. (1.15 %) OctopusTravel.com http://www.octopustravel.com
9. (1.00 %) Travel Inn http://www.travelinn.co.uk
10. (0.99 %) Hotels.com - UK http://www.hotels.co.uk
Friday, February 27, 2004
Growing online threat to business travel agents - 26-Feb-04.
Growing online threat to business travel agents - 26-Feb-04.: "The Company Barclaycard annual Travel in Business survey reveals a 49% rise in overall business travel bookings via the internet since 2000 when only 17% of business travellers booked travel online.
Booking flights and trains online has increased by 8% in the last 12 months, according to Company Barclaycard. The research found that 66% of business travellers had booked flights online and 45% booked rail via the internet. "
“With the internet only a click away, business travel agents need to focus on promoting the added value that they alone can bring to customers. Business travel agents should communicate the clear advantages of having a travel expert rather than a computer serving customers’ travel needs.”
Booking flights and trains online has increased by 8% in the last 12 months, according to Company Barclaycard. The research found that 66% of business travellers had booked flights online and 45% booked rail via the internet. "
“With the internet only a click away, business travel agents need to focus on promoting the added value that they alone can bring to customers. Business travel agents should communicate the clear advantages of having a travel expert rather than a computer serving customers’ travel needs.”
Wednesday, February 25, 2004
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis: "Under the new agreement, customers booking train tickets on TheTrainLine will be presented with lastminute.com hotel offers matching their destination and travel dates. The new functionality will allow them to purchase train tickets and book hotels simultaneously as part of the same transaction."
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and AnalysisAimed at UK visitors, the new website offers a great wealth of information and useful tips on travelling to and within Germany’s exciting cities and towns, on scenic routes and popular itineraries.
In addition, it supplies information on transport links, accommodation for every budget and taste, and ideas what to do and see while you’re in Germany.
A brochure order service, a detailed event search and an extensive listing of practical information are also available
In addition, it supplies information on transport links, accommodation for every budget and taste, and ideas what to do and see while you’re in Germany.
A brochure order service, a detailed event search and an extensive listing of practical information are also available
Trends in Travel: New Insurance for Last-Minute Travelers
Trends in Travel: New Insurance for Last-Minute Travelers: "According to the Travel Industry Association of America, an increasing number of Americans will enjoy more vacations this year than last, but they are booking closer to their departure date. "
"The landscape of the travel industry is definitely evolving. People are taking shorter, last-minute trips," said Beth Godlin, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Access America.
"The landscape of the travel industry is definitely evolving. People are taking shorter, last-minute trips," said Beth Godlin, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Access America.
Monday, February 23, 2004
New car hire deal for Stelios - 23-Feb-04.
New car hire deal for Stelios - 23-Feb-04.The Guardian reports that Stelios has set up the deal in Cyprus, where a businessman will operate four sites with a total of 200 cars, in return for “a royalty to use the EasyCar name”, and intends to roll out the concept in other overseas destinations.
He reportedly told the newspaper: “The credibility of a company like EasyCar with headquarters in Camden to run a business in Cyprus is zero. This type of deal is the only way to expand internationally.”
He reportedly told the newspaper: “The credibility of a company like EasyCar with headquarters in Camden to run a business in Cyprus is zero. This type of deal is the only way to expand internationally.”
Thursday, February 19, 2004
TravelMole Interview: Richard Carrick, Hoseasons - 19-Feb-04.
TravelMole Interview: Richard Carrick, Hoseasons - 19-Feb-04.: "UK tourism is set for a bumper year in 2004, but the boost will come from domestic trips, not overseas visitors"
Wednesday, February 18, 2004
On the right track
On the right track: "A couple of years ago there would have been a staff wake and Qjump would have been filed alongside the likes of boo.com in the history of dotcom failures. Instead, its merger with the Thetrainline has underlined two inescapable aspects of a maturing web market that now has only one national rail ticket booking site."
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
Targeted Email Newsletters Show Continued Strength (Jakob Nielsen's Alertbox)
Targeted Email Newsletters Show Continued Strength (Jakob Nielsen's Alertbox): "Summary:
E-newsletters that are informative, convenient, and timely are often preferred over other media. However, a new study found that only 11% of newsletters were read thoroughly, so layout and content scannability is paramount. "
E-newsletters that are informative, convenient, and timely are often preferred over other media. However, a new study found that only 11% of newsletters were read thoroughly, so layout and content scannability is paramount. "
Travelocity Strengthens TotalTrip Offering With New Booking Options
Travelocity Strengthens TotalTrip Offering With New Booking Options: "Travelocity TotalTrip(SM) make booking dream vacations online easier and more convenient than ever before. Travelocity(R) shoppers can now simultaneously reserve attractions tickets, ski lift tickets and airport transfers along with great flight hotel options in one itinerary with TotalTrip"
About Travelocity
Travelocity, a Sabre Holdings(TM) company, the pioneer in online travel, gives consumers access to hundreds of airlines, thousands of hotels, cruise, last-minute and vacations packages, entertainment tickets, best-in-class car rental companies, and ground transportation all backed by 24-hour customer service. With 41 million members, Travelocity is the sixth largest travel agency in the United States and has been recognized for its global leadership in online travel and powers five multi-lingual travel Web sites worldwide
About Travelocity
Travelocity, a Sabre Holdings(TM) company, the pioneer in online travel, gives consumers access to hundreds of airlines, thousands of hotels, cruise, last-minute and vacations packages, entertainment tickets, best-in-class car rental companies, and ground transportation all backed by 24-hour customer service. With 41 million members, Travelocity is the sixth largest travel agency in the United States and has been recognized for its global leadership in online travel and powers five multi-lingual travel Web sites worldwide
Monday, February 16, 2004
22% of online users buy airline tickets
Features: "Nearly one in three UK adults, 13.8 million of us, have become online-savvy and are using the internet to buy, according to new research."
Lastminute to push on with buy-up plans
News: "Lastminute to push on with buy-up plans "
Lastminute.com said today that it will continue its strategy of growth by acquisition over the next few months despite wider net losses for the first quarter...
In tandem with its acquisition spree, Lastminute is currently in the throes of a major marketing offensive in the UK aimed at strengthening its brand as the market becomes increasingly competitive
Lastminute.com said today that it will continue its strategy of growth by acquisition over the next few months despite wider net losses for the first quarter...
In tandem with its acquisition spree, Lastminute is currently in the throes of a major marketing offensive in the UK aimed at strengthening its brand as the market becomes increasingly competitive
OTC rejects ad campaigns for search push
News
Online Travel Corp has invested £500,000 in search engine marketing activity including SEO and keyword campaigns in a bid to drive more traffic to its own brand websites.
Darvey said OTC was particularly focusing on strengthening its core onlinetravel.com brand, but at the same time trying to build up distinct communities around all its own brand websites, which include bargainholidays.com, ifyouski.com, deckchair.com, and all-hotels.com.
The investment in search engine marketing comes just several weeks after the company signed a deal with WebAbacus to monitor and analyse traffic across its top 30 websites.
Online Travel Corp has invested £500,000 in search engine marketing activity including SEO and keyword campaigns in a bid to drive more traffic to its own brand websites.
Darvey said OTC was particularly focusing on strengthening its core onlinetravel.com brand, but at the same time trying to build up distinct communities around all its own brand websites, which include bargainholidays.com, ifyouski.com, deckchair.com, and all-hotels.com.
The investment in search engine marketing comes just several weeks after the company signed a deal with WebAbacus to monitor and analyse traffic across its top 30 websites.
Thursday, February 12, 2004
alternative to traditional mobile tariffs for travellers
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis: "A new service launched today may cut the cost of international mobile phone charges by up to 80%"
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Independent travel soars to Spain - 09-Feb-04.
Independent travel soars to Spain - 09-Feb-04.: "Numbers of UK package holidaymakers to Spain declined by almost 4% last year while independent travellers soared by a massive 30%. "
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis: "Corus hotels has seen its online bookings grow by 45% across its 68 UK hotels since implementing Active Hotels' online booking service"
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
Trainline & Qjump to merge
BBC NEWS | Business | Rail booking firms set to merge: "Rail booking groups Trainline.com and Qjump are to merge, creating a new firm responsible for issuing 10% of all rail tickets.
Up to 190 jobs are expected to go at Qjump with the closure of its Sheffield call centre in an attempt to cut costs.
Call-centre provider Sitel UK has been given the contract to manage calls at its site in Newcastle.
The company, to be called TheTrainline, will be the UK's largest rail retailer with annual sales of about �300m....
The new business will be 86% owned by Virgin, which has increased its holding through the purchase of a 49% shareholding from Stagecoach for £4m. "
Up to 190 jobs are expected to go at Qjump with the closure of its Sheffield call centre in an attempt to cut costs.
Call-centre provider Sitel UK has been given the contract to manage calls at its site in Newcastle.
The company, to be called TheTrainline, will be the UK's largest rail retailer with annual sales of about �300m....
The new business will be 86% owned by Virgin, which has increased its holding through the purchase of a 49% shareholding from Stagecoach for £4m. "
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis: "1. (11.59 %) easyJet http://www.easyjet.co.uk
2. (7.76 %) RyanAir.com http://www.ryanair.com
3. (5.89 %) British Airways http://www.britishairways.com
4. (4.75 %) National Rail http://www.nationalrail.co.uk
5. (3.32 %) bmibaby http://www.bmibaby.com
6. (2.91 %) The TrainLine http://www.thetrainline.com
7. (2.63 %) BMI British Midlands http://www.flybmi.com
8. (2.44 %) FlyBE.com http://www.flybe.com
9. (2.35 %) Thetrainline Store http://www.thetrainlinestore.com
10. (2.13 %) RAC Travel http://www.rac.co.uk"
2. (7.76 %) RyanAir.com http://www.ryanair.com
3. (5.89 %) British Airways http://www.britishairways.com
4. (4.75 %) National Rail http://www.nationalrail.co.uk
5. (3.32 %) bmibaby http://www.bmibaby.com
6. (2.91 %) The TrainLine http://www.thetrainline.com
7. (2.63 %) BMI British Midlands http://www.flybmi.com
8. (2.44 %) FlyBE.com http://www.flybe.com
9. (2.35 %) Thetrainline Store http://www.thetrainlinestore.com
10. (2.13 %) RAC Travel http://www.rac.co.uk"
Wednesday, February 04, 2004
1.8 million page impressions
eyefortravel.com - Travel Distribution News, Events and Analysis
Tiscover has predicted that recovery in the global travel market "is underway", as the company reports passing the 1,000 transactions-per-minute barrier on its site Tiscover.com.
Tiscover has predicted that recovery in the global travel market "is underway", as the company reports passing the 1,000 transactions-per-minute barrier on its site Tiscover.com.
Monday, February 02, 2004
Cautious Americans favour Mexico over UK - 02-Feb-04.
Cautious Americans favour Mexico over UK - 02-Feb-04.: "Mexico is becoming far more popular than the UK for Americans taking winter holidays abroad according to a new survey. "
Sunday, February 01, 2004
News
News: "Former local information website e-street, which went into liquidation in May 2003, is making a comeback, initially via a CD-Rom with plans to move back onto the web in the near future...
e-street, which was founded in 1998, raised around £5m investment and in its prime had partnerships with key websites including This is London, MSN Lycos, Reuters and Virgin.net. The company went into liquidation last May after running out of cash"
e-street, which was founded in 1998, raised around £5m investment and in its prime had partnerships with key websites including This is London, MSN Lycos, Reuters and Virgin.net. The company went into liquidation last May after running out of cash"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)