CEO and co-founder Don Thorson has been “Swipping” his team’s startup into shape, according WIRED’s Ryan Tate, actually “quietly honing its social search system” until BANG. Even Tom Foremski admires the team behind the data/social/whatchamakawlit Facebook ankle biter.
With Updated Nearby Feature, Facebook Outplays Groupon as Travel Tool
Mobile apps are a big part of the modern travel experience and being able to offer the best selection of nearby activities seems to the winning strategy. Facebook and Groupon have both launched a Nearby feature as part as their free apps for iOS and Android, but the social network giant seems to be winning […]
Azerbaijan Tourism Ministry Needs Uplifting
Azerbaijan is one of the most progressive tourist destinations in the world since the outpouring of interest after Eurovision. As an indicator of just how quickly things are ramping up there, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Abulfaz Garayev, just announced this morning the his agency’s need for tourism professionals.
Thomas Cook Launches “Biggest Ever” Facebook Competition
Thomas Cook has just launched its largest multimedia campaign yet, as it spearheads calls for the UK government to support the tourist industry in all sectors – including both domestic and international tourism.
Upcoming: The Festival of Media Asia
Festival of Media Asia, opens their creativity and innovation in media by their first Asia chapter from November 13th thru November 15th in Singapore. Hosted at the Marina Bay Saynds Expo and Convention Center, the gathering hopes to target the challenges Asia marketers, branding, and communications sectors face.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts: The Luxury You’d Expect
Starwood Hotels’ Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts has released a limited edition US destination guide published by Assouline. Part of a set of bound books, the luxuriously crafted books show off the Luxury Collection’s most exquisite properties around the world.
Travelport & Orbitz Safe for Now – and Tomorrow?
Everyone associated with Travelport has to have breathed a sigh of relief on the news that Travelport Holdings successfully revamped their debt, extending their PIK until December of 2016. Unanimous support from their lenders now ensures the travel giants ongoing operations.
Social Media Puts Airlines and Consumers in Touch
With the Summer travel season underway full tilt, major airlines engage customers via social media channels. Planning a trip or vacation has never been easier, or more socially connected than this year. ExactTarget helps put companies and customers in the digital conversation – better communication, means better customer retention, according to anyone’s news.
Terra Firma, Friends, and Travels Shared Through Google +
If there is one thing concrete that we can say binds all of us, it is good old Terra firma herself. In a very real way, the Earth beneath all our feet, like our own humanity, can teach us a lot about one another. Maybe this is one reason travel is so fantastically popular – as human beings we a
Seamlessly Topguest Hypes Best Western Union
Okay, I have finally had enough. Looking into the travel tech footlocker of startups out there, potential is about all there is out there at the moment. And for Best Western and a company called TopGuest, a bit of scornful ranting due from a Web 2.0 evangelist from the early days. The reason, someone out there in PR land still thinks everything needs to be “seamless” in its integration. BS
Gogobot Integrates Facebook and Foursquare Check-Ins
You have probably seen them on various websites and even found enjoyment clicking as many as you could, but after the thrill of clicking wears off, it is not exactly clear what purpose Facebook and Foursquare check-ins serve. Gogobot hopes to change that with its check-in integration for user passport profiles. It works rather simply, […]
Ticket Prices Skyrocket – Google Shrugs
The online travel war between OTA’s, airlines, and other interested parties has grown into an industry damaging PR nightmare. American Airlines, Google, Expedia, all the major players may not realize how frustrating their power moves are for the little people. These companies are jeopardizing their own future, and that of developers all over the world.
Expedia Dumps American – Can the Airline Still Fly Online?
Now American Airlines’ fares are dropped from Expedia altogether. With the company claiming no effects on sales, and their ongoing posturing to be seen as in control, is American in trouble? America’s 3rd most powerful airline company has entered into an online marketing war it may not be able to win.
Eastern Europe Digital Engagement 2010 – Montenegro
Montenegro has been selected as a finalist for their stewardship in sustainable tourism by the WTTC. But as far as digital engagement and branding, their online presence is scarely even felt. A wonderfully simple and useful tourism website goes almost to waste without social media or continual outreach of any kind. What is the Ministry of Tourism thinking?
Eastern Europe Digital Engagement 2010 – Lithuania
If you surf to Lithuania’s online country portal you will be enthralled with just how pretty and refined that country’s online presence is. As websites go, their portal is nearly perfect for engaging visitors and imparting crucial information. However, closer scrutiny reveals an all too common missing link between the tools of engagement, and the actual commitment needed.