https://www.mediapost.com/Noneen-usMon, 18 Sep 2017 13:00:03 -0400https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/307450/making-motel-6-mobile-friendly.htmlMotel 6 may be best known for one of the great ad campaigns in hospitality history - the use of spokesman Tom Bodett and the tagline, "We'll leave the light on for ya." It's still running after more than 30 years.Mon, 18 Sep 2017 13:00:03 -0400https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/307450/making-motel-6-mobile-friendly.htmlhttps://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/307283/key-digital-insights-about-the-2017-summer-travel.htmlSpringtime concerns about travel bans hampering summer travel faded, and as summer 2017 draws to a close, it seemed on track to equal or surpass the strong summer travel seasons of recent years. From a digital perspective, a SimilarWeb analysis of traffic to travel sites - which is highly seasonal, peaking in the summer - showed this summer's peak of 1.07 billion visits in July is almost exactly the same peak as in July 2016. The future continues to look bright, as consumer enthusiasm for travel, and experiences more generally, continues to grow.Thu, 14 Sep 2017 13:00:04 -0400https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/307283/key-digital-insights-about-the-2017-summer-travel.htmlhttps://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/307125/generation-what-the-critical-customer-segment-tra.htmlMillennials and baby boomers are constantly at the center of media and marketing attention. Older consumers have the experience, status and spending power; younger consumers are digital natives, focused on "experiences" and traveling by the masses. But what about the group squeezed in the middle: the 35- to 54-year-olds?Mon, 11 Sep 2017 13:00:04 -0400https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/307125/generation-what-the-critical-customer-segment-tra.htmlhttps://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/306708/bridging-the-gap-between-travel-consumers-and-mark.htmlUnderstanding travel consumers and their purchasing process is certainly not a day at the beach for marketers. A travel consumer's journey is extremely complex due to a number of factors. First, it's important to consider the reasoning behind travel consumers' interests and behaviors and how they differ across devices. Are consumers researching upcoming trips to take soon or dreaming of a future "bucket list" journey? How long will it take them to actually book a trip? What devices are they using to research their options and what devices are they using to book travel? Travel marketers need to view the entire panorama of possibilities.Thu, 31 Aug 2017 13:00:04 -0400https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/306708/bridging-the-gap-between-travel-consumers-and-mark.htmlhttps://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/305725/monitoring-the-mouse.htmlIt turns out that a mouse - at least a computer mouse - is not really quiet. Every time a human being moves it to get to someplace else on a screen, that human is telling us something about what they're thinking - and may ultimately be doing. For marketers, that could be crucial, according to a company called ContentSquare, a user experience analytics platform for websites and apps that deploys artificial intelligence to come up with its insights. It has almost 200 clients across multiple industries but with quite a few in travel, including Air France and Best Western.Mon, 14 Aug 2017 13:20:04 -0400https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/305725/monitoring-the-mouse.htmlhttps://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/305296/boutique-hotels-are-dead-long-live-boutique-hotel.htmlIn today's ever-changing landscape of hotels, we must recall the origin of "boutique" properties, and acknowledge the changes that have made for the new paradigm of what the term represents today.Thu, 03 Aug 2017 13:00:04 -0400https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/305296/boutique-hotels-are-dead-long-live-boutique-hotel.htmlhttps://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/305239/how-content-can-help-hotels-compete-with-vacation.htmlTravelers will mostly opt to experience their destinations as "the locals" do. In fact, myriad destination specific experiences are the main reason for leisure travel. It seems obvious, but hotels often miss that important detail. While hotels often craft polished, streamlined, inclusive and on-premise engagements for guests, it is off the beaten path where the magic is happening.Wed, 02 Aug 2017 13:00:05 -0400https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/305239/how-content-can-help-hotels-compete-with-vacation.htmlhttps://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/304840/back-to-the-basics-the-core-marketing-tools-you-n.htmlWhen a traveler visits a new destination for the first time, they often don't know where to look to find out what's going on, what's coming up and where the go-to hot spots are. In other words, there's no Yelp for events.Tue, 25 Jul 2017 13:00:04 -0400https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/304840/back-to-the-basics-the-core-marketing-tools-you-n.htmlhttps://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/304404/making-the-change-from-old-media-to-new.htmlMichaela Guzy is a one-woman reflection of what has happened in the media in the last few years. After reaching high-level positions at publishing houses like Conde Nast and American Express Publishing, she dropped it all to start a website called OhThePeopleYouMeet (OTPYM) - dedicated to travel adventures focused on, well, the people you meet when traveling.Mon, 17 Jul 2017 13:00:04 -0400https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/304404/making-the-change-from-old-media-to-new.htmlhttps://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/304138/otas-better-at-engaging-consumers-offline-than-in.htmlAs hotels and airlines look to renegotiate their contracts with online travel agencies (OTA), they may want to take a closer look at how well each OTA performs in driving consumer conversations offline and online. Since social influence has a proven impact on sales, a quick chat at the water cooler or a Facebook Messenger discussion about an upcoming vacation or weekend getaway is a leading indicator of who will secure the booking. Right now, TripAdvisor, Expedia.com and the other OTAs are outperforming hotels and airlines in this all-important battle for share of conversation.Tue, 11 Jul 2017 12:59:03 -0400https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/304138/otas-better-at-engaging-consumers-offline-than-in.htmlhttps://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/303229/virtual-reality-not-seen-as-substitute-for-travel.htmlAs virtual reality and artificial intelligence make their way into the travel industry, consumers may not be fully on board.Wed, 21 Jun 2017 13:00:04 -0400https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/303229/virtual-reality-not-seen-as-substitute-for-travel.htmlhttps://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/303022/the-m-word-we-arent-who-you-think-we-are.htmlTravel and adventure-seeking have a new, greater importance in the Millennial lifestyle. They are taking more vacations than ever, with 70% reporting the desire to visit every continent. They place a premium on authentic travel experience: cultural appreciation, living like a local, and off-the-beaten-track experiences are more sought after than partying and other "traditional" tourist activities. I think this is awesome. It's a wonderful trend that inspires tourists to go further, learn more and become more aware of their world.Mon, 19 Jun 2017 14:00:04 -0400https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/303022/the-m-word-we-arent-who-you-think-we-are.htmlhttps://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/302686/modern-marketing-means-mobile-messaging.htmlThe move to messaging as a primary form of communication between companies and consumers is, if anything, accelerating - and it's time for marketers to be sure they are at least up to date on what this channel might mean for them and their specific products.Mon, 12 Jun 2017 13:00:06 -0400https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/302686/modern-marketing-means-mobile-messaging.htmlhttps://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/302546/the-iot-checks-in-bringing-connectivity-to-luxury.htmlOne of the oldest industries in the world is poised to pave the way forward for one of our newest technologies, the Internet of Things (IoT). Luxury hotels could be the frontier that finally moves the vision of IoT fully connected living from CES displays to real life. Frankly, given all the efficiency and cost saving advantages the IoT could bring the hospitality industry, it's almost surprising it hasn't happened yet. (McKinsey finds that IoT hype actually understates the full potential.) So it seems appropriate now to take a moment to imagine how we should communicate this revolution to the end user, the global affluent guest.Thu, 08 Jun 2017 13:15:04 -0400https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/302546/the-iot-checks-in-bringing-connectivity-to-luxury.htmlhttps://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/302202/thinking-about-the-unthinkable.htmlRecent terrorist attacks remind all of us in travel that we need to consider the impact and plan for the unthinkable, while still celebrating life.Mon, 05 Jun 2017 13:00:04 -0400https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/302202/thinking-about-the-unthinkable.htmlhttps://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/302196/turn-your-destination-into-an-event-for-new-visito.htmlTourist destinations face the ongoing challenge of driving visits. Something new-a restaurant, attraction or hotel-certainly can help keep a destination's message fresh from year to year. But, what about seasons when there's simply nothing new to talk about? How do you attract new visitors while keeping loyal guests returning year after year?Fri, 02 Jun 2017 12:00:07 -0400https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/302196/turn-your-destination-into-an-event-for-new-visito.htmlhttps://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/301969/the-honest-truth-staff-and-guest-relationships.htmlThere are two relationships critical in managing your hotel property. The first is your relationship with your associates, and it is cultural. The second is your relationship with guests, which is emotional. The two are related because how well you do with associates relationships will determine your success with guests relationships.Tue, 30 May 2017 10:00:07 -0400https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/301969/the-honest-truth-staff-and-guest-relationships.htmlhttps://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/301553/how-google-might-shape-next-generation-travel.htmlLast week, Google held its annual I/O summit at its headquarters in Mountain View, Calif. Many developers, executives and experience designers gathered to see what's next in Google's sprawling and often experimental product roadmap.Mon, 22 May 2017 11:00:08 -0400https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/301553/how-google-might-shape-next-generation-travel.htmlhttps://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/301219/targeting-summer-travelers-through-social-media.htmlSummer vacation spending in America was projected to reach $89.9 billion in 2016, with 65% of Americans reporting that taking a vacation is important to them. In fact, the average American will plan at least three weekend getaways between Memorial Day and Labor Day.Tue, 16 May 2017 13:32:04 -0400https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/301219/targeting-summer-travelers-through-social-media.htmlhttps://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/301098/the-new-languages-of-marketing.htmlA recent press release from the Acme Hotel Co. in River North, Chicago, included these phrases: Snapchat Spectacles, Amazon Echo, ESP Guitar, DIY cocktail.Mon, 15 May 2017 10:00:06 -0400https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/301098/the-new-languages-of-marketing.htmlhttps://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/300666/destination-unknown-travel-brands-amidst-the-curr.htmlAs we reach the midpoint of 2017, the U.S. dollar is strong, domestic traveler optimism is up, and the market is experiencing positive consumer sentiment. This after a new administration took the reins in January amidst an increasingly divisive political climate - and introducing a travel policy that temporarily restricted inbound travel for certain international travelers. This shot heard 'round the world reasoned protection, anticipation, and readiness; however, it also echoed sentiments of unwelcomeness and created an immediate (and costly) decline in U.S. tourism. But we have seen this before.Mon, 08 May 2017 12:00:09 -0400https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/300666/destination-unknown-travel-brands-amidst-the-curr.htmlhttps://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/300200/harnessing-the-brain-power-in-travel.htmlTourism Cares works to develop, enhance and unite the industry's pro bono volunteering efforts.Mon, 01 May 2017 11:00:06 -0400https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/300200/harnessing-the-brain-power-in-travel.htmlhttps://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/299751/iot-extends-reach-into-the-travel-market.htmlWhile travel has been one of the first industries to move the bulk of its customer service and commerce online, we could now be on the edge of travel's next big evolution - the embedding of IoT devices as a core part of the travel experience.Mon, 24 Apr 2017 16:07:47 -0400https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/299751/iot-extends-reach-into-the-travel-market.htmlhttps://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/299494/heightened-millennial-expectations-shift-the-trave.htmlToday, travel doesn't just stand for getting from one destination to another for millennials. Traveling is a part of their identity - a vital experience that helps them understand, grow and continuously reinvent their sense of self. In fact, it is so important to this generation that young adults rank travel as more important than escaping from their student loans, buying a "big ticket" item, improving relationships with family and friends or even starting a family of their own.Thu, 20 Apr 2017 12:00:10 -0400https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/299494/heightened-millennial-expectations-shift-the-trave.htmlhttps://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/299026/the-image-is-a-destination-marketers-friend-tap.htmlTourism marketing today is a lot like food advertising - using images to trigger the crave. With travel as with food, that "want to have it, want to be there" feeling relies heavily on imagery. A single image can communicate what a destination, attraction or business offers in a literal snapshot.Tue, 18 Apr 2017 09:00:06 -0400https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/299026/the-image-is-a-destination-marketers-friend-tap.htmlhttps://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/299264/monitoring-social-media.htmlHow do you keep up with what billions of people are saying on social media? Relax. Somebody is doing it for you. Local Measure, based in Sydney, Australia, calls itself "the leading customer intelligence platform in the tourism and hospitality sectors" and works with major companies like Accor, IHG, Virgin and Qantas.Mon, 17 Apr 2017 11:00:07 -0400https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/299264/monitoring-social-media.htmlhttps://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/298837/5-tips-for-redesigning-a-hotel-restaurant.htmlWhenever you want to make staying at a hotel the most desirable option for your guests, give them an amazing food and beverage experience so they don't have to worry about leaving and blindly picking from a long list of restaurants they don't know.Mon, 10 Apr 2017 11:03:06 -0400https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/298837/5-tips-for-redesigning-a-hotel-restaurant.htmlhttps://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/297905/winning-instagram-the-tsa-way.htmlCreating compelling and original content for social media is a challenge for most brands. In travel, we are, at least, gifted with the use of exotic locations, and a domain in which people have interest or passion. But nonetheless, it's hard to consistently come up with material that can continually divert an audience and prompt interest in what a brand has to say in a busy social feed.Mon, 27 Mar 2017 12:00:06 -0400https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/297905/winning-instagram-the-tsa-way.htmlhttps://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/297430/focusing-on-the-local.htmlTip O'Neill, the legendary Massachusetts congressman, famously said, "All politics is local." And now it seems all hospitality is local. Hotel brands and operators are racing to out-local each other. They profess to be training their staffs to be the equivalent of classic concierges: knowing the hottest new restaurant in town, where to get the best deal on clothing and where to hear music usually reserved for those in the know. And they're employing technology in the form of interactive maps and virtual reality to step up the local game even more.Mon, 20 Mar 2017 10:00:06 -0400https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/297430/focusing-on-the-local.htmlhttps://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/296994/does-programmatic-make-sense-for-travel-marketers.htmlIn the last few years, there has been a lot of discussion around "programmatic" or "advanced" TV advertising. Lots of companies are coming to market with the promise to make TV advertising more efficient. But for those not steeped in the tech world, it can be a confusing landscape to navigate. You may be asking, "What exactly is programmatic TV and does it make sense for me as a travel company?"Mon, 13 Mar 2017 15:39:03 -0400https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/296994/does-programmatic-make-sense-for-travel-marketers.html