Social, the most ‘heboh’ part of Indonesian travel
We all know the numbers. The fourth most populous country in the world. Top five in terms of Facebook and Twitter users. High mobile penetration. Huge spike in internet usage growth.No wonder global online travel players are all trying to get into Indonesia. But for me personally, the most interesti [...]
The Wrap: Weighty issue of Fat Tax resurfaces
In the news: Fat Tax for overweight airlines passengers, Malaysian travellers going online, iPads for Malaysia Airlines’ A380sWeighty issue of Fat Tax resurfacesA recent suggestion by a Norwegian economist, Dr Bharat P. Bhatta, that airlines should charge overweight passengers on a "pay as you wei [...]
Game-changing ‘Travel’s Amazing Online’ reality series to be launched
A new “Travel’s Amazing Online” reality series competition, targeted at audiences throughout Asia, will soon be launched by an alliance of online travel players in the region.To be run along the lines of an “Amazing Race” which has run an amazing 23 seasons, the campaign aims to promote th [...]
Who wears the pants in travel and social media? Hint: It’s not men.
A guest blog by Katherine Tse, marketing communications manager at Circos Brand Karma.Aesthetic. Modernity. Trendy. Renovated. Fancy.Why do these words matter? For one, any hotel would want these superlatives attached to their image.But more than that, those descriptions make up 70.6% of all posi [...]
Social media, mobile shaping Indonesians’ travel decisions
Social media and mobile are changing customer behaviour in Indonesia and travel suppliers must be aware of these trends if they are to engage with travellers from this market of 250 million people.Graham Hills, managing director of Wego Indonesia, speaking at ITB Berlin said that with Internet user [...]
How to leverage the big picture: A Snapshot of Visual Social Media
A guest blog by Megan Peterson, Sabre Hospitality Solutions' social media manager, who manages social media campaigns for Sabre’s hotel customers. She presents a landscape shot of visual social media and ways in which hotels can work with trends in social media to increase loyalty and grow booki [...]
Online is the preferred way most travellers plan their trips
The TripBarometer by travel site, TripAdvisor, reveals most travellers go online, use their mobile devices and troll travel review websites when researching and planning their trips.A total of 35,042 people from 26 countries participated in the online survey from December 2012 to January.2013. (Dow [...]
The Wrap: Rise of social loyalty programmes – BalticMiles Brainstorm recognised for innovation
In the news: Loyalty award for BalticMiles Brainstorm, Red Carpet Service from AirAsia X, real-time flight availability from Bangkok Airways, new airport for MedanRise of social loyalty programmes – BalticMiles Brainstorm recognised for innovationMulti-partner loyalty programme BalticMiles, owned [...]
Top travel websites for January: Australia, New Zealand, China
The main players on the online scene – Wotif, TripAdvisor, Expedia, Qunar, MaFengWo - continue to rule in Australia, New Zealand and China, while the airline sector sees dominance by Qantas, Air New Zealand and China Southern Airlines. (Full report below and in slides)AustraliaWotif.com (12.49%) [...]
Uber takes off like a dream in tech-savvy, novelty-crazy Singapore
Took my first ride on Uber - Everyone's Private Driver - last week and have to say, what a good experience. Easy to book, easy to enjoy – swank limousine, water, wet towels at your disposal – and a well-trained, well-spoken driver who drives well, and knows his way around.The US-based start-up [...]
