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.
Travel Gamification – How to Save Money Booking Hotels
May 16, 2012 By Leave a Comment
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.
The Awesomosity of Kevin May
April 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment
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.
Measuring and Monetizing Social Networking & Mobile Media
March 26, 2012 By Leave a Comment
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.
The Yin and Yang of Social Media
February 8, 2012 By 1 Comment
The theme of the luncheon keynote presentation to the 2012 Receptive Services Association of America Summit Conference was “The Yin and Yang of Social Media.” The event was held at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans on February 7, 2012.
Unsuspecting Travel Hero and Travel Zero Awards 2011
January 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment
The 2011 Unsuspecting Travel Hero Award goes to the anonymous hrrmph for his outstanding 9,000+ word TripAdvisor review of Kandholhu Island Resort & Spa in The Maldives. The big loser (aka winner) of the 2011 Unsuspecting Travel Zero Award is hotelreputationmanagement.org for serving as the poster-child for brashly promoting black-hat hotel reputation management tactics.
2011 PhoCusWright Travel Innovation Summit Predictions
November 15, 2011 By 1 Comment
Hipmunk, Rearden Commerce and FlexTrip were voted as having the best odds of winning the title of the Most Game-Changing Travel Innovation at the 2011 PhoCusWright Travel Innovation Summit. Unfortunately, a number of participants attempted to stuff the ballot box, underlying the challenges of using the wisdom of crowds to gauge audience sentiment.
Handicapping 2011 PhoCusWright Travel Innovation Summit
November 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Thirty companies battle for the title of Most Game-Changing Travel Innovation at the 2011 PhoCusWright Travel Innovation Summit. Held annually in conjunction with The PhoCusWright Conference, attendees and the general public are being asked to complete a survey and vote for the demonstrators they predict will win the $15,000 prizes for topping a category and the DEMO Award.
A Faster Way to Search Google Flights – Cut and Paste
September 15, 2011 By 4 Comments
Google Flight search provides incredibly fast search air fare results by leveraging technology acquired through the ITA Software acquisition. While not yet supporting flight routing outside of the US, it provides many interesting new features. By copying the URL/query string text into a Chrome browser, experienced travelers can experience Google Flights searches with unprecedented speed and efficiency.
What are Most Trusted Sources for Hotel Reviews and Ratings?
September 9, 2011 By 4 Comments
Hotel reviews and ratings are a popular topic of discussion, with many hoteliers relying on hotel rating sources to validate the quality of their hotel operation and promote it to a broad spectrum of travelers that would otherwise have been too difficult to reach. A key question asked by this survey is what source does a traveler trust most when it comes to hotel reviews and ratings.
