Kamis, 26 Maret 2015

15 HOTEL MARKETING TRENDS for 2015

1. Personalisation 
2015 will see a rapid rise of personalised web experiences. Hotels will begin to use data in more sophisticated ways to develop tailored content and target customers based on their preferences and online behaviour.

2. Mobile isn't a trend
Mobile bookings will continue to grow at a fast pace throughout 2015. With a prediction that mobile travel bookings will reach $39.5 billion in 2015, contributing to 25% of the total online travel market.
 

3. Booking abandonment
With approximately 98% of visitors to a hotel's website abandoning the funnel, booking abandonment tools are the answer to driving customers back through the conversion funnel for 2015.

4. Meta search
There is still a long journey to be taken by Meta Search providers to make this an effective channel for hoteliers. The challenge for 2015 is to ensure Meta search channels deliver bookings at a profitable CPA.

5. Mobile payment
2015 will see "mobile payment" become mainstream for mobile hotel bookings. In the past year, the online retail industry witnessed a surge in alternative payment methods such as PayPal, with up to 1 in 4 mobile transactions now through these channels.

6. Owning our own real estate
The average traveller journey from research to booking takes 24 days and includes 21.6 touch points. 2015 will see an increased focus on owning your brand voice on all channels.

7. Pay to play social media 
Social platforms will continue to make significant algorithm changes which will affect the social reach of promotional and sales driven content, Hotels will increasingly need to pay in order for this content to be seen.

8. Persona driven content
Hotel must become customer-centric and look at a hotel through the lens of customer rather than the hotel marketer. Hotels need to start understanding what their customer personas want and need from a hotel and tailor their experiences around this.

9. New SEO
With Google now monetizing 100% "above the fold" for hotel search results, Marketers must push the boundaries for organic traffic, 2015 is the year of new SEO - where optimisation moves away from traditional tactics and focuses more on overall customer experience across all channels.

10. Programmatic marketing
We are set for an explosion of Programmatic bidding throughout 2015. Currently 35% of total ad spend is spent on display advertising bought through "programatic" technologies.

11. Audio-visual content
Studies show that people remember 10% of what they hear, 20% of what they read and 80% of what they see and do, 2015 will see the growth in visual storytelling, allowing hotels to grow a vibrant and engaged community.

12. Experience driven strategies
2015 will witness a growth of experience driven marketing strategies, today's consumers want to stay with hotels that acknowledge their preferences and desires...engage your customers through immersive brand and product stories that create excitement and stir their emotion.

13. Proximity technology
91% of smartphone users have their devices within arm's reach 24/7, hotel marketers can take advantage of this by using proximity marketing where various rich media and permission based messages can be pushed out to customers based on location.

14. Baby boomers'
Baby boomers' are the wealthiest generation and becoming increasingly tech savvy with 33% of internet users now falling into this demographic. Its imperative that hotels include this generation when it comes to their 2015 digital marketing strategies.

15. Holistic approach to revenue management
The rapid change in consumer behaviour will require hotels to adopt an integrated approach to revenue management by more strongly involving sales and marketing in the decision making process. Convergence of these roles will be crucial to managing distribution channels effectively in 2015.



Source : netaffinity.com

Selasa, 10 Maret 2015

THE BEST APOLOGY

DON'T apologize for someone else's feelings.

"I'm sorry you're mad," is not an apology. It's condescending.

DO apologize for your own actions and attitude.

"I'm sorry I was rude," is an apology that takes ownership. Be specific about what you did wrong. "I'm sorry for whatever made you mad" is NOT going to work.

DON'T add an excuse in your apology.

"I'm sorry I was rude, but I was really irritated," means you're not really sorry. You feel justified for the way you acted and you expect to be excused. One way to remember this is that when you say "I'm sorry but.." you're really just a sorry butt.

DO ask for forgiveness when you apologize.

"I'm sorry," on it's own, is just a statement. It requires no response. "Will you forgive me?" is a humble request that can rebuild a relationship. When you ask your spouse to forgive you, wait. Listen. Be prepared for them to say in response, "I need a minute, I'm not there right now." When you are in the wrong, you are never owed forgiveness.

DON'T expect a reciprocal apology.

Let's say you were in a fight. You were both rude and hostile to each other and now you've decided to be the brave one and apologize first. Do not apologize expecting your spouse to apologize equally. When you recognize you have done something wrong, just own your part of it. The end.

DO attempt to make a repair.

Once you get through the brutal, "I'm sorry. Will you forgive me?" it's wise to make the next step and ask, "Is there anything I can do to make this right?"


#STAYMARRIED


Source :  Pinterest

A Brief Packing List: 6 Essential Things You Need To Carry

You are going to a trip within a few days. You may like to carry light bags when you are traveling with your friends or alone. But there are some essential things you should never forget while packing your luggage bags. At first, make a list of essential travel items.

These items do not only include cosmetics and dresses, they also include medicines and documents. If you are going to the beaches, you should take lots of sunscreen lotions and umbrellas with you. When you are going to the mountains, you should carry woolen clothes, tent materials, lot of dried foods and money.

1. Travel Documents
Travel documents are very crucial. These include passports, flight tickets, and visas. If you forget to take any one of the items with you, you can face many problems in the future. Without the visa and passport, you are not able to cross the borders. These documents are very important for traveling to foreign countries. You have to show your flight tickets in the airport. If you do not have these documents, you cannot check-in. It is always a good idea to carry the ID proof and driving license if you have any.

2. Clothes
You should pack your dress according to the destination. Outdoor activities require special dresses like sports pants and sports accessories. Short trips do not need lot of dresses. If you are going to a cooler place, then you should take lots of woolen clothes and jackets along with you. Take two-three pairs of shoes for emergency purpose. But you should keep in mind that you are taking dresses that are quite comfortable for you. Making yourself, a fashion statement is not a good idea when you are traveling.

3. Items for Entertainment
When you are traveling, feeling of boredom is quite common. In such cases, you should carry iPods, MP3 players, laptops and smart phones to hear music and watch videos. You can also carry story books and novels for reading. Books are the best ways for entertainment. Books will never make you feel bad. Now, most smartphones have the facility to download e-books from where you can read stories and books.

4. Cameras
Digital cameras are one of the vital items for travel. It helps you to capture the special moments in a frame. You can cherish those memories even after you return from the trip. Put your camera and batteries in your bag before going out.

5. Medicines
These two are most important items you should never forget. You should take emergency medicines for fever, stomach pain, headache, injuries and for other physical problems. Though, medicine stores are available everywhere, but is the best idea to carry your own medicines with you.

6. Money
Money matters the most. It is not necessary that every place should have ATM counters. You should carry enough cash along with you. If you are traveling to foreign countries, it is better that you exchange the currency at airports.
These are some of the important items you should carry in your luggage bags. If you forget to take any one of it, you can face many severe problems while traveling. So, make a list and then pack your bags.

Source : Ezinearticles

5 Advices To Make Business Travel Interesting

By : Anum Sharf


Business trips can be tough for many travelers and not everyone takes it lightly. Homesickness, stale croissants and Jetlag leaves the most experienced business travelers wilting over their laptops and tablets at the airport lounge. But the new generations of business travelers have been evolving and bringing a new concept of business travel.

Being a traveler myself I have to frequently fly to the UAE for my business meetings, but I don't only spend my time in the hotel staring at the PowerPoint slides. I try to brainstorm when I'm walking on the beach or out for coffee at some comfy café. Here are my five tips on how to make your business travel, interesting rather than boring.

Don't Sleep As Soon As You Land
When you land at your destination don't just go to the hotel and sleep. Yes, I know you must be going through Jetlag but there are other better ways to deal with it. I prefer going out for a nice meal and then a walk around the park near to my lodging place. Plus try not to stay at a hotel, I recommend that you book a comfortable house in a friendly neighborhood, this way you remain in a lively environment rather than the high-rise hotel areas which usually get deserted by night hours.

Make It Fun For Yourself
Being a frequent traveler for business trips I have discovered that there are many people who travel for their work dealings but don't restrict themselves to work only. Like I always explore the city or the local neighborhoods by the end of the day or once my business meetings are over I spend two more extra days only for leisure.

Go For The Local Good Food
When you are going on a business travel the good part is that all your expenses are covered so why not eat at a good restaurant. My first official work trip to Asia was overall good except for the part that I tried the strategy of booking my hotel near the airport. So I had to eat at the restaurants located near to my hotel, but that was my worst mistake as there is no food culture there if you want to eat good food, then you must try the restaurants near the local neighborhoods and eat what the locals eat.

Get Some Fresh Perspective
When you reach a new destination you need to get some fresh air and fresh perspective. Sitting in your hotel room won't get you a fresh perspective. I try to approach new people at the coffee shops, mostly; I'm the kind of person who would rather like to sit in a café then a club. So when you spend time outdoors you meet new people and get to know their opinions which help in getting a fresh perspective yourself.

Surround Yourself With Creativity
Creativity brings inspiration, my business trip checklist doesn't only includes tasks to be done, it also includes beaches, parks and art galleries. I like to go to places where I can get inspired. For me visiting an art gallery or museums is good as it refreshes my mind and I can think better about work and other things.

Source : Ezinearticles

Bali packing list - 9 things you don't want to forget

Assuming that you have remembered the essentials - passport, clothing, swimwear, etcetera - here you have nine things that should help you to an even better holiday in Bali and that you might have forgotten on your own packing list.



Source : Vilondo

10 Hidden Beaches in Bali

Everyone knows that Bali has beaches; it's one of the main reasons people travel half way across the world to visit the Island of Gods. Whether it's the exotic black volcanic beaches of the west or the soft white sand beaches in the south, there's sure to be something for every type of beach-goer.
Visitors are bound to have heard of the beaches at Kuta, Nusa Dua and Sanur, but what about those that are a little harder to find, tucked away down a beaten track or nestled below secluded cliffs? Here we share some of our favorite hidden beaches in Bali... It may take a little longer to get there, but it's worth the effort!

1. Perasi Beach (Pasir Putih)

 

Perasi Beach is also known as "White Sand Beach" or "Virgin Beach" and is located in the Karangasem regency in East Bali. If you're looking to get away from the crowded beaches like Kuta and Sanur in the south, then this beach is for you.

No hotels, villas or any other tourist accommodations are visible from Perasi Beach, only views of Gili Biaha on the horizon. There are a couple of food stalls and shops that offer local food, snacks and beverages for visitors, and it's also possible to rent an umbrella and sun loungers for the day.

Located about 4.5 km east of Candi Dasa, Perasi Beach is about one and a half hour's drive from Denpasar. Follow the Jalan Raya Candidasa-Bugbug main road to the village of Perasi and look out for a dirt road opposite the village’s Pura Bale Agung temple that leads to the beach.

Signs may display various names such as "White Sand Beach", "Virgin Beach" or "Pasir Putih". It's then a one-kilometer drive down a bumpy track to the beach, where parking is available under shady palm trees.

 2. Balangan

Balangan is a favorite hangout for surfers and is located on Bali's Bukit Peninsula, not far from the world-famous break at Uluwatu.
 
It's possible to spend the night at Balangan, either at one of the guesthouses on the bluff or at one of the beach shacks right on the beach. White sun umbrellas line the stretch of sand at the base of the cliffs and is the perfect place to soak up the sun while the surfers amongst you catch some waves out front.

3. Green Bowl

Getting to Green Bowl can be quite a task but once there, you can expect a quiet, secluded beach and world-class surf.
 
Located on the southern coast, next to the derelict hotel site of the Bali Cliff Resort, visitors need to walk down hundreds of concrete steps to reach the beach. At the base are a few bat caves; pretty harmless during the day as most of the bats are asleep.

Green Bowl is known as one of the best surf spots on the island, and is not suitable for beginners. Access is from the long stairway at the temple next to the closed Bali Cliff Resort.

4. Amed Beach

The name "Amed" actually refers to several small fishing villages located along Bali's East coast. With breathtaking sunrises and excellent diving and snorkeling, Amed is a favorite weekend destination of ours.
 
The charming seaside villages are fairly spread out, so they don't feel like they're on top of one another and the views of Gunung Agung are another reason to stay a while and take it all in.

Amed is about two and a half hours from the south, passing through the Karangasem and Klungkung regencies. It's also a great base from which to explore other local attractions such as the Tirta Gangga Water Palace and Goa Lawah Temple.

5. Dream Beach

Aaronosteen, on Flickr
Although not on Bali itself, Dream Beach on nearby Nusa Lembongan had to be included amongst the Top 10 Hidden Beaches list. The small island of Nusa Lembongan is a 30-minute speedboat ride from Sanur or Benoa Harbor and offers no cars, world-class sunsets and secret, secluded beaches.

Dream Beach is located on the southern shores of Lembongan, with fine white sand behind a row of palms and thorny shrubs. There's also simple beach-style accommodation, as well as a cafe serving local food.

6. Karma Beach

This private beach is part of Karma Kendara resort, located in Ungasan on the Bukit Peninsula, and is also known as Nammos Beach - the name of the private beach club of the same resort. Access down to the beach is via a funicular, with views of the white sand beach and azure waters.

Nammo's Beach Club charges an entrance fee which you can then use against the price of food and drinks, mainly of a Mediterranean style. It may seem a little pricey, but spending a day on a private beach without the hassle of hawkers bothering you every five minutes is worth it. Being waited on hand and foot doesn't hurt either!

7. Finn's Beach

Another little slice of paradise is the private beach located below the Semara Luxury Villa Resort in Ungasan.

The best part is getting to this beach, via a two-minute funicular ride between two cliff walls. A fee of Rp.250,000 per person is charged for outside guests which is later deducted from the food and drinks bill (an excuse to indulge in the delicious menu created in a semi-open kitchen).

Finn's Beach is family friendly and is the perfect way to enjoy the sun and the sea. To get to the beach, take the road down Jalan Pantai Selatan Gau in Ungasan and follow the Finns signs.

8. Balian

The west coast of Bali has a different look and feel, with black volcanic sand beaches and pounding surf. The waves at Balian attract surfers from around the globe and accommodation is easy to find.

Balian is situated at the mouth of a wide river and is roughly a two-hour drive from Seminyak, depending on the traffic. The road to Gilimanuk can be a bit of a hairy drive, so take care and be patient with all the trucks traveling to and from Java.

9. Dreamland Beach

One might get put off by the developments at Pecatu Indah, but Dreamland remains a beach worth visiting. With turquoise waters and a white sand beach, you can only imagine what Dreamland was like before all the expansions. Also a popular surf break, Dreamland is accessed via a winding road that leads down from the huge Pecatu Indah gate.

10. Padang Padang

Last but by no means least on our list is the sweet little bay of Padang Padang. Situated on the way to Uluwatu, access to the beach is down a flight of stairs that pass through a stone crevice.
 
Padang Padang is also a world-famous surf spot and when it's big, you can watch some of the best surfers on the island doing what they do best. For non-surfers, it's a great beach to just chill out and catch some sun but bear in mind that at high tide, there's not much beach at all.

Grab a bite to eat at one of the local warungs and undoubtedly you'll come back with a new sarong (or two)...

 

Five Things A Honeymoon Accommodation Should Not Have


Every honeymoon should be as perfect as it can get. One of the ways to reach perfection is sometimes highly dependent on the accommodations chosen. The honeymoon accommodation can make or break the entire honeymoon and maybe even the entire marriage. The first few days spent in dreamland by a married couple can be the first real test of the marriage.

Some of the worst things that can happen in a honeymoon location that can truly test a newly-married couple's marriage are as follows:

1. Lack of privacy of the honeymoon lodgings.
Honeymoons are meant for the couple to enjoy each other's company before work, kids, and other events come into the picture. Lack of privacy can really be annoying because instead of enjoying each other's company, the newly-married couple will end up worrying about the nosy couple next door or the fact that the place is really exposed to the prying eyes of the public for the couple to enjoy doing anything on their own.

2. Rude staff and unreliable service.
Every guest in vacation lodgings expects very accommodating staff and excellent service. This is so much more with a couple on their honeymoon. That phase of the marriage should be relaxing and enjoyable but rude staff and unreliable service can really ruin the whole event because it runs very thin in this scenario.

3. Tasteless and unappetizing food.
Food should really be one of the best parts of the experience in every honeymoon. If the honeymoon accommodation cannot provide delectable food, it should be crossed out from the list of couples looking for prospective honeymoon lodgings. If appetites are satisfied, there is a higher chance for couples to relax and enjoy the whole event.

4. Noisy environment.
One of the worst things a couple can do is schedule a honeymoon during holiday breaks and in a place where college students spend their breaks. If it cannot be helped that the honeymoon is scheduled during a holiday break, at least the lodgings should be located away from the noise of college kids having unending parties. The noise can ruin an otherwise quiet and relaxing mood that the honeymooning couple should be in.

5. Unexciting view.
Honeymoon accommodations should have romantic views to enhance the couple's romantic mood. If the accommodation is surrounded by buildings, the mood can quickly change from romantic to toxic. Hence, care must be taken in choosing the location of honeymoon lodgings.

Some marriages survive beyond the first few months after the honeymoon because they survive the test of worst honeymoons. Some do not survive even just the honeymoon phase because they failed the test of dealing with the worst honeymoon ever. The wisest thing, really, is not to put the marriage to the test so early and make sure that the honeymoon phase is one of the best experiences every newly-married couple should have.

Source: EzineArticles