A new startup called Twigmore is aimed directly at putting people and their real impressions of “places” in the correct order. Unlike many “geocentric” travel tools, this new entry tries to arrange for local review wisdom for your trip planning. At least this seems like the gist.
travel tools
Social Media: Does Your Hotel Speak It?
In news from Paris, Concorde Hotels & Resorts has apparently become one of the first hotel chains to really take social media seriously. Beyond the lip service most businesses pay to the social channels, Concorde shows the way to true engagement, or so it appears. Let’s find out about something I call “integrated messaging” – the power of coordinated efforts in social media – or the lack thereof.
Hilton: Listening, Showing, Communicating in the Digital World
Last week, Hilton extended their Stay Hilton, Go Everywhere campaign with what the hotelier calls the world’s first “iAd interactive” extension for Apple devices. The strategy is pretty simple, take Hilton’s already successful marketing campaign and evangelize it across Apple platforms already adopted by tens of millions. Whether or not Hilton’s so called iAd is a first of its kind or not, the digital engagement is brilliant.
HouseTrip – A Startup Taking Aim At Travel Alternatives
TechCrunch reported on a fascinating startup in April, a new take on vacation rentals called HouseTrip. The news back then was about the Swiss startup’s $2.7 million in funding from Index Ventures, but today it looks as if the company is spending the money wisely. Let’s take a look under the hood of what my old friend Steve O’Hear called; “another play in the holiday apartments space.”
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
Google + and Really Refined Reviews – Coming Soon
The suggested Google Travel entity could be just around the corner. According to the news from Tnooz and Kevin May, Google unceremoniously yanked third party reviews from hotels on Google Maps and Google Places, a move May suggests puts Google’s review credibility down there with TripAdvisor’s. But what if?
Concur Invests Confidence and Money in Yapta
In travel technology news today, Concur, an integrated travel and expense management company, announced a $5 million dollar investment in the Yapta airfare and hotel rate tracking service. Accordingly, Cloncur will now use Yapta exclusively for their TripIt Pro user accounts.
Seasite Engages Business Cruising
Seasite.com, an online portal dedicated to business cruise events, has just released their latest version which allows planners added functionality. Like hotel sourcing portals Cvent and Starcite, Seasite aims to help planners course ship charters.
Preferred Hotel Group Picks RateGain for Intel
RateGain, a company whose BrandGain innovation we just covered on Argo News, has just announced Preferred Hotel Group’s adoption of their iRate advanced intelligence tool. RateGain’s cutting edge rate shopping system, combined with the hotel groups iRate program, will afford managers real time advantage across multiple channels.
Rick Steves Android App “Localizes” Europe Travelers
European travel guru Rich Steves has just announced the release of his new Android app, Rick Steves’ Audio Europe. For a heightened sightseeing experience, for destinations across Europe, Steves has created a groundbreaking new tool. Audio Europe is another piece in the perfect mobile travel toolbox.
Agoda Goes Mobile with Free iPhone App
Agoda, the leading online booking portal in Asia, has announced a new iPhone application. Free for download, the app allows Agoda customers to view and book up-to-the-minute rates at more than 150,000 properties around the world.
Travel Media Group Launches Edgy Marketing Tool
In travel technology news, Travel Media Group has just launched Travel Media Interactive, a so called next generation marketing and reputation management tool. A division of Dominion Enterprises, TMG is targeted at online marketing solutions for the travel industry.
GetYourGuide: Swiss Movement for Tours
Travel and tourism in the digital world is branching out in “pioneer” fashion more and more these days. One startup we took a look at today, GetYourGuide, illustrates vividly what is possible with the right people behind an endeavor. GetYourGuide, founded in 2008, is a development that has been hard at work becoming the digital world’s tour and specialty activity “go to” platform.
Oyster Travel Reviews’ Latest Pearl – Oyster Shots
Oyster.com, one of the most innovative travel review entities in the world, announces what they term “Oyster Shots” – a first ever photo powered hotel search engine.