Social Networking in Travel - KLM Airlines

March 30, 2007

We all know Web 2.0 (or Travel 2.0) are the current buzz words. We also know that Social Networking sites in travel are the trend of the present. I have written about a few of them over the past few months (VibeAgent, PairUp, Airtroductions), but we haven’t really seen much from travel suppliers in the hotel, airline, or tourism industry, have we?

Well, I was quite surprised that of all possible travel verticals, the airline industry would be the first (at least to my knowledge) to launch social networking sites. KLM has just recently launched customer-centric online communities that connects business people doing business in China and Africa. KLM is also planning to launch communities for India and Russia, as well as lifestyles - and has recently launched Golf as the first sport-themed social networking community. Why emerging markets? Well, entrepreneurs that are looking to connect with like-minded business people to get tips and tricks on how to engage and interact in those countries have been signing up and log-in at least once a month on average. In addition to making contacts, KLM also organizes offline club events for members and provides benefits such as free airport transfers.

However, when an airline can do it, what about hotels or destinations. I would think that Club-themed resorts such as Club Med, Sandals, etc. could build communities, as well as Vacation Ownership and Private Residence Clubs. Interesting…my question: is this the new wave of innovative CRM strategies, and can it be a shift from expensive loyalty points programs? Is there a way to increase loyalty and increase revenues by building social networking sites in travel, or is it just a fad? In any event, I thought KLM’s efforts were an innovative way of leveraging technology and the Internet by capturing a need in the market.

Popularity: 28% [?]

Written by Jens · Filed Under Featured, Jens, Social Media | 1 Comment

Online Matchmaking for Plane Travelers

March 12, 2007

Airtroduction

Now here is an interesting thought: Have you ever checked-in to your flight, and you wished that you could influence who you would be sitting next to over the next few hours on that plane, or not sitting next to - a mother with a crying baby, a big guy with body odor, or the smart interesting entrepreneur, or even a beautiful girl (or guy)???
Read more

Popularity: 28% [?]

Written by Jens · Filed Under Featured, Jens, Social Media | Leave a Comment

Online Community for Hotel and Travel E-Marketers

February 13, 2007

The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) has launched virtual communities for its special interest groups, including its Travel Internet Marketing Organization (TIMO). As member of HSMAI’s Board of Directors and founding chair of TIMO, I am especially proud and excited that we now have such a powerful tool at our fingertips to communicate and share ideas. In addition to forums, the community includes resource links, papers and articles, and the ability to easily connect with other online travel marketers. HSMAI has launched also a similar community for its Revenue Management Special Interest Group. If you are an HSMAI member, I encourage you to log-in and to partake in the discussions by visiting www.TravelInternetMarketing.org.

The mission of the Travel Internet Marketing Organization is to:

- To help travel supplier brands leverage the Internet to maximize profitability, while protecting brand integrity.

- Increase awareness of issues, opportunities and trends as it relates to Internet marketing and distribution in the travel and hospitality industry.

- Develop and recommend standards and ethical guidelines for the Internet as a marketing medium in the travel and hospitality industry.

Please read today’s official HSMAI press release below.

Popularity: 30% [?]

Written by Jens · Filed Under Jens, Social Media | Leave a Comment