Skyscanner launches flight search within Facebook

Story from Travelmole.com:

"Flight comparison site Skyscanner has launched a way of finding flights via Facebook.

The new ‘Skyscanner for Facebook’ tool allows Facebook users to post a flight request on Skyscanner’s Wall and receive a price quote and flight details back in seconds.

The tool has been created specifically for Facebook functionality, which means there is no need to navigate away from the Facebook site or install any apps.

Users simply ‘like’ the Skyscanner page to use the tool.

The post also includes a link to the flight details on the main Skyscanner site, from where flights can be booked or options filtered.

The service uses ‘free text’ technology that means customers don’t have to select pre-set dates or destinations.

TravelMole tested the site and it did, indeed, come back with a response within a minute.

For example, the Mole posted “Gatwick to Amsterdam, July 29" and within seconds Skyscanner Flight Search had emailed back with a link to flight options, including £121 Cheapest direct (easyJet) £135 Cheapest indirect (British Airways, easyJet) £140 Shortest (1 hour 10 minutes out, 1 hour back).
It included a link to all 126 results and a link to click for further searches.

Even if customers don’t have specific dates, they can enter “Manchester to Malaga in August” to request a quote for the cheapest flights in that month.

Skyscanner director of sales and marketing Frank Skivington said: “Travel companies are starting to realise that there is more to Facebook than collecting fans, and we’re proud to have developed a pioneering tool for members that has been created with Facebook users in mind.”

Ebookers Explorer iPad app claims to be the 'first social media travel guide'

As posted by Brad Girtz in Travolution.com

"Ebookers and digital solutions company Fortune Cookie have developed a new iPad app they claim is the first social media travel guide.

The ebookers Explorer application aggregates social media content from around the web to create a dynamic travel magazine, integrating with services such as Flickr, Facebook, YouTube, Google Blogs and Twitter.

It also serves relevant hotels from the ebookers inventory.

The new app is set to launch at the travel agent consortium Advantage's 2011 conference, where Justin Cooke, Fortune Cookie CEO will be speaking with Travolutions own Simon Ferguson. The new software is not intended to handle bookings, but rather to help inspire users in the early stages of the travel decision-making cycle.

Users will be able to share content from their personalized magazine with friends and family by Facebook, Twitter and email."

The application is already available at http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/ebookers-explorer/id431915790?mt=8


My comments: Well, it seems as an interesting application, however its real value could unfold if the app had the additional function of locating and presenting travel content within the network of your existing friends!!!! Its not stated in the specs, however I do not have an iPad to test it out. Any one with an iPad out there who can test this and tell us if there is such a thing? Simply comment on the post!!!

Five secrets for social media success from Sofitel

As it appeared in ehotelier.com

Following a comprehensive study by PhoCusWright, the travel industry's esteemed research authority, Sofitel Luxury Hotels, in partnership with Travel Spike is proud to announce the details of their successful social media strategy for their nine properties in North America. The report focuses on the best practices for hoteliers to build a quality and relevant following on important social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.  While many companies focus solely on numbers, Sofitel has implemented a plan that drives targeted repeat customers to their social media sites on a daily basis.

The following are several Facebook/Twitter- tips for hoteliers to consider, that have been proven effective by Travel Spike, on behalf of Sofitel building a strong presence within the social media realm:

Tip #1 - Appoint a social media coordinator for each property. This person will be the eyes and ears to what is happening on the property level, including sharing specials at the spa or menu changes at the restaurant.   They will coordinate with sales, marketing, weddings, meetings & events and the concierge to share the updates so their social media team can get the message out.

Tip #2 - Be authentic! Customers don't want to read updates that sound like a robot has written them. Sofitel is a unique upscale brand known for its stellar service and French style, so the social media updates stay true to the product.

Tip #3 - Target your demographics.  For Sofitel, targeting discerning travelers and gourmet diners remains a top priority.

Tip #4 - Sprinkle in local events.  Show off your concierge skills by becoming the local inside source for events, parties and festivals. Sofitel Los Angeles, for example, tweeted live from their recent Golden Globe Gifting Suite.

Tip #5 -Engage with your audience, don't just sell. The quickest way to lose a consumer is to ‘bang them over the head' with product information.  Sofitel Washington DC, for example, asked their Facebook fans what DC tips they would like to receive - consumers responded that they wanted to hear more about museums, family travel, luxury dining & romantic tips for couples.

The results speak for themselves as within a year, Sofitel went from 1,000 'random' followers on Twitter to over 28,000 ‘quality' travelers.

"We are honored to be recognized by such a prestigious travel research firm such as PhoCusWright," said Director of Marketing," Gabriela Navejas, "Sofitel looks forward to strengthening our social media platforms with our travel partner, Travel Spike, by providing fresh content and exclusive offers to our growing online audience."

How antisocial are social media during holidays?

As per MyDestinationinfo.com press release via PRNewswire (March 14, 2011)

Antisocial Media: iPad Madness Causing Holiday Sadness?

The age of antisocial media is upon us. A recent online MyDestinationInfo.com survey, conducted by YouGov, revealed that 30% of UK holidaymakers who use a portable multimedia device update their Facebook status when on holiday, while 26% check their social feeds and 8% tweet (of those holidaymakers updating Facebook, women are busiest: 35% compared to 25% of men). Even more startlingly, 48% of the holidaymaking technology generation (those aged 16-24) use their devices to update their Facebook status when on holiday, while 43% check social feeds and 19% tweet. 

These figures underline the notion that we are quite literally incapable of switching off from social media, as we become increasingly interconnected.

The iPad 2 launches today; will this increase the trend in antisocial media whilst on holiday?

The survey revealed that only 2% of people currently use an iPad in the UK, which is surprising given the hype surrounding the product's launch.

Given that the iPad is a portable multimedia device, its usage whilst on holiday is expected to increase as it gives the user the capability to stay connected and be entertained whilst away from home. This 

increase is most likely to affect the way full time workers interact with their devices whilst on holiday.

Full time workers have many uses for their devices whilst on holiday, but use such devices mainly for emails (61%). The antisocial media trend is also highlighted -this group is not just working on holiday, they are also connecting socially with their devices. 28% of full time workers say their device usage, whilst on holiday, is geared towards checking their social feeds (Twitter, Facebook newsfeeds etc.) with a further 32% using their devices on holiday to update their Facebook status. This begs the question; do we ever really switch off on holiday?The iPad would provide the perfect platform for workers to regularly satisfy their social and working and entertainment needs (watching movies, playing games etc.) whilst on holiday.

The trend of antisocial media becomes clearer when studied across a wider range of devices. The percentages of smartphone users who keep using their device while on holiday are as follows:

- 88% Apple iPhone

- 79% Android

- 85% Blackberry

- 86% Symbian phone (Nokia)

James Street, MyDestinationInfo.com co-founder commented: "My dream holiday is one without my phone, laptop and iPad so I can completely switch off, relax and enjoy myself. Unfortunately it remains a dream. There's nothing more antisocial than only having someone's partial attention while they check their feeds and update their status."

In addition, the overall usage figures across all devices being used while on holiday (tablets, smartphones, laptops, desktop computers and e-book readers) are as follows:

                                    Activity    Percentage

                                      Emails           61%
                                       Calls           37%
                                         SMS           39%
        Checking Social Feeds (e.g. Twitter,
                         Facebook Newsfeeds)           26%
                           News Subscription            5%
                               Reading books           18%
                              Watching films           12%
                          Listening to music           31%
                               Reading blogs            6%
                               Playing games           25%
                         Updating my blog(s)            3%
                     Facebook Status Updates           30%
                              Twitter Tweets            8%
                               Photo Sharing           15%
               Checking In (Facebook places,
                                 foursquare)           14%
             Localization (maps, local info,
                                  languages)           27%

These figures show that social media has very much become a part of the modern holiday experience, and with the new iPad 2 which became available to the public last Friday, it will be easier than ever for holidaymakers to stay connected wherever in the world they are. Whether this is cause for gladness or sadness is a debate that is only likely to intensify for years to come.

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2205 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 7th - 9th March 2011. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 16+).

Live map on the phenomenal contribution of Twitter on tsunami and earthquake affected populations

The contribution of Twitter on the distribution / exchange of information regarding the recent tsunami and earthquake is expected to be phenomenal among the populations affected today.  You can witness live the huge information flow on http://trendsmap.com/  I am sure that Twitter and associated mapping / tweets aggregating platforms will prove today very useful to million of people around the globe. Let's hope for the best for those affected. 

Social Media and the Hospitality Industry: Holding the Tiger by the Tail

The Center for Hospitality Research (School of Hotel Administration, Cornell University) just released a new report on social media and the hospitality industry, by Glenn Withiam.  To download the full report (free registration is required) click here.


Executive Summary (as published in School of Hotel Administration, Cornell University website) 


Social media present a golden opportunity for the hospitality industry to make greater contact with its customers, with an ultimate goal of developing a partnership for brand growth and development. Underlying that opportunity are the twin dangers that hospitality operators will mishandle their social media connections or that customers (and the media themselves) will move on, leaving the industry behind. So, just as hotels and some restaurants have built their websites, they now have to make sure that their site is optimized for search engines, have mobile apps, and, more to the point, keep customers involved in a conversation about the operation. Although many hotel chains have embraced mobile apps, Facebook, and other channels, others are hardly represented at all in the social media firmament. One great potential advantage of social media is that guests are willing to share information about their likes and dislikes. By using appropriate analytic methods, hoteliers can get a sense of what guests want generally and how they react to the hotel specifically. Most important right now is the development of mobile apps, since travelers expect to use their mobile devices to book rooms or other travel services on the spot. A comprehensive strategy of customer engagement will employ all social media, whether it’s Facebook or Flickr, YouTube or Twitter—or all of them, and will also help you keep an eye out for new applications and customer desires.

The 2011 Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report

The World Economic Forum recently released its 2011 Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report:  "Slowly recovering", and "cautious optimism" are expressions used, to describe the current status of the industry. The Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report measures and analyzes the drivers of T&T competitiveness in economies around the world. In this year's report findings, Switzerland, Germany and France have the most attractive environments for developing the travel and tourism industry.