The new project is a user-generated database, where members of the public can share stories of those travel companies who have gone out of their way to support their customers during this time.
A new initiative is highlighting those travel companies that are helping their customers and communities during the Covid-19 outbreak.
Amidst a great deal of negative press surrounding the travel industry during the pandemic, #ShineOnTravel aims to break through the negativity with stories of positive action being taken by the travel industry during these challenging times.
The new project is a user-generated database, where members of the public can share stories of those travel companies who have gone out of their way to support their customers during this time – whether it has been offering a full refund quickly and easily, rebooking holidays for future dates with as little hassle as possible, or helping to safely return holidaymakers home when lockdown began.
The new initiative is also looking to hear about those travel companies who are supporting their communities through fundraising efforts; providing essential accommodation and equipment, and providing special offers for doctors, nurses, carers and other key workers.
While recent headlines appear to be focused on tales of customer complaints about large travel companies, #ShineOnTravel is primarily focusing on small travel companies – the sector of the industry which has arguably been hardest hit by the pandemic and still in many cases, are doing the most to help out.
On the #ShineOnTravel website, members of the public can read positive stories already submitted by others and can submit their own stories, whether it is a company who has personally helped them or simply something that they have read about in the news or social media.
All submissions will be verified by the #ShineOnTravel team before being posted to the site to ensure that all submissions are authentic and accurate.
The #ShineOnTravel initiative was launched by SEO Travel, a digital marketing agency specialising in SME travel companies. SEO Travel has seen first hand how the Covid-19 outbreak has drastically impacted their clients, and the brave and positive actions which their clients have taken in face of this crisis.
SEO Travel wanted to shine a light on these travel companies and the many others like them who are doing all they can to help out during these tough times, and whose voices are being lost among the negative noise. The agency launched #ShineOnTravel to create a positive corner of the internet where good news stories about travel companies can be shared. When travel restrictions are lifted, holidaymakers can reflect on those travel companies who shone the brightest during these dark times, when it comes to booking their next trip.
As well as sharing positive tales from the travel industry, #ShineOnTravel also encourages the public to do what they can to help support the travel industry and small travel companies during this difficult period.
The overarching ethos provided by #ShineOnTravel is to keep talking about travel – from browsing travel sites to engaging with travel companies on social media, and thinking about where you would like to visit when travel restrictions are lifted. #ShineOnTravel also suggests customers consider postponing booked holidays to a future date rather than cancelling entirely, where this is feasible for them.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
