Big Data, The Deep Web and the Semantic Web are all buzzwords that are bandied about, but they represent very real technologies that will dramatically alter the foundations of travel marketing. Robert Cole’s Keynote presentation to the 2013 Association of Travel Marketing Executives addresses the main benefits of deploying the technologies. Incredible opportunities exist for those who smartly plan to adopt the technologies to effectively engage with travelers.
Kevin May – the travel industry’s cross between rock-star pundit and travel technology god is celebrated with topics ranging from his discovery, as portrayed in documentary film Up!, to the exclusive club of famous Kevins, the legacy of Saint Kevin, his scientific origins, and the stories surrounding his younger years. Breaking tradition from past posts regarding this travel industry titan, this year’s investigative feature respectfully details the historic significance and cultural impact of this legendary individual.
It’s traveler versus hotel revenue manager when it comes to finding the lowest hotel rate. Comparison shopping is unfortunately still essential as the chaos of managing multiple distribution channels sometimes get the best of the hotels. Deals my pop up in unlikely spots, disappear completely from the most obvious places and create deals that may not be as attractive as presented. This example is for The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel on Hawaii’s Big Island. At least they don’t charge resort fees…
The personalization and customization of the customer experience will mark the greatest transformation for travel booking. To sustain relevance and foster loyalty, travel sellers and suppliers will need to focus on understanding the context of traveler behaviors to create sustainable value in an effort to extend lifelong customer relationships. A Tnooz-Monetate webinar titled “Transforming the Supplier-driven Travel Booking Experience” included presentations by RockCheetah founder Robert Cole and Monetate CMO, Kurt Heinemann.
The ultimate Valentines Day gift includes roundtrip travel on a JetWay Private Air jet, a romantic dinner-for-two dinner prepared by an award winning chef, and overnight accommodation in the best suite at at arguably the best hotel in New York City – The Four Seasons.
SkiTops, the Ski Tour Operator Association, invited Robert Cole to give the keynote presentation at its annual SkiTops University event on July 31, 2012 at Grans sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nevada. The subject was how Search, Social, Local and Mobile was impacting travel marketing and technology, as well as the ski industry. The conference also featured a presentation by Roy Tuscany of the High Fives Foundation, a non-profit that supports athletes that have sustained life altering injuries while participating in winter action sports.
Changing rules, or a complete lack of rules governing the use of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) methods to increase Social Media ranking results in many groups using new technology to approach and cross the Creepy Line. The presentation is a discussion of the issues in play and what travel companies can do to engage customers and avoid crossing the creepy line – even when competitors are behaving badly.
Consumers wanting to save money booking hotels need to learn how to play the game. The best way to save money on hotel bookings is to use a simple process that includes searching Hotwire and Priceline before aggressively rebidding on Priceline exploiting a major rebidding loophole. It seems the hotel industry itself is an active participant in the game and somewhat unintentionally provides the reward and positive reinforcement that incent consumers to abandon hotel brands and seek the best deals in a commoditized purchase process.
Kevin May is the first renaissance man of the 3rd millennium. A team of researchers working for nearly a year reveal insights into exactly what makes the Tnooz editor so much more than a travel technology pundit – making him the most powerful man in travel.
Golf courses and private golf clubs in particular may be the premier example of offline social networking. In a presentation at the National Golf Course Owners Association annual Conference, RockCheetah’s Robert Cole and ChrisStrauss of OB Sports Golf Management explain how to creatively apply social media and mobile technologies to help players and members interact with each other, drive more rounds and improve the end-to-end experience of the game itself.
I would like to see the world. I would like to see it all at once. Tomorrow. #travelquote
In Hordaland, Norway
Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, Montreux, Switzerland
