HA D&T Perspective Sample

Issue 16: 3rd May 2013
Hotels offered Google ad tool

HeBS Digital, the online technology and marketing group, has launched an advertising tool that allows hotels access to Google Hotel Price Ads.

It is hoped that the product will give hotels, particularly independent sites, a chance to compete with online travel agents on a more equal footing.

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TripAdvisor promotes rave reviews

A rise in TripAdvisor rankings can lead almost immediately to an increase in nights booked, according to Micros E-Commerce.

The comments came as TripAdvisor launched the Rave Reviews widget, which allows hotels to showcase only the best reviews on their website, moving the company ever closer to the role of hotel marketer.

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Thomas Cook is listening

Thomas Cook has announced the launch of the ‘Thomas Cook Listening Lab’, a dedicated social media monitoring facility.

The move represents a shift on the part of the company from broadcasting its intents to taking note of what consumers are saying and engaging with them.

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In-room phones dial out

Landlines in hotel rooms could soon be a thing of the past, delegates at this year’s International Hotel Technology Forum in Lisbon were told.

Several operators were reported to be investigating alternatives, including intercom systems, as customers’ use of mobile phones continues to hit revenue, forcing new in-room income streams to be considered.

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Expedia cuts forecast as competition grows

Expedia’s share price dropped by 8% after seeing its Hotwire business struggle and cutting its full-year forecasts.

The group said that it would continue to focus on its mobile business, growth of the Expedia Traveller Preference programme and plans for the global expansion of Trivago.

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