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Related Comments
Web 2.0 playing big role in decision process
| Date | Wednesday, August 27, 2008 |
| Name | Nick Fowler |
| Company | BlueSky |
| Position | Sales and Marketing Director |
| Comments | I whole heartedly agree that web 2.0, or travel 2.0 as you so aptly refer in ‘Web 2.0 playing big role in decision process’ in the 26 August issue, is essential both for customers looking for travel recommendations and those wanting to succeed in the travel industry. Social networking sites, blogs, user forums and the rise in the power of Google has meant that any business which relies on the internet to do business needs to be aware of web 2.0 – which is just about every business on the planet. For an industry which is all about exploring new and exciting places - the travel trade has been slow to embrace online technologies. But now it cannot live without them. Web 2.0 is real people power in action. Knowing what customers want is the key and web 2.0 has market intelligence at its core. Web 2.0 encourages customers to talk about products, services and experiences, offering insight and advice. Consumers are no doubt influenced by these reviews – in fact, two thirds claim such advice is used to make final decisions when booking a holiday. With such a large chunk of the consumer base using web 2.0 to guide purchases, the involvement of travel professionals is a must. Used correctly – anything from posting customer reviews on your site to creating a branch in Second Life – web 2.0 is a powerful marketing tool. Nick Fowler Sales and Marketing Director BlueSky Travel Systems |
