“Special Co-Host Stuart Butler with Fuel Travel gives us the ‘rule of fours’, La Quinta give a new/same take on rewards, Marriott makes a ‘peace offering’ to Starwood faithful and Expedia and Priceline again show us how to get it done”

Animated recap

Show Player

Co-Hosts

Show Notes

:02 — Intro to Stuart Butler
:05 — Holly Zoba joins
:06 — Tm Peter joins
:10 — Ed joins
:13 — Email use and how it best to be used
:22 — How Full does the sequence of services to a client
:33 — Discussion on the new travel study with Stuart and Ed
:41 — Robert joined
:41 — How reviews should used on a website
:54 — Specific process on the use of the three email engagements with an incoming and exiting guest
1:04 — Discussion IBM Watson Content hub
1:15 — La Quinta Rewards program
1:20 — The terrible article from Tnooz about OTA’s
1:30 — Priceline and Expedia growth
1:33 — Tim Leaves
1:35 — Expedia’s Great Britain’s website
1:40 — Trivago platform
1:42 — AR article and how weird it was for examples for VR it is more than that
1:45 — get the basics done first then play with the leading edge new toys
1:53 — Influencer program with Flip.to
2:02 — Show ends

Topics

crazy cool Expedia site

https://www.expedia.com/OMGB

Trivagos new free hotel manager

https://www.trivago.com/hotelmanager/

IBM Watson Content Hub

Create, manage, and deliver engaging and relevant customer experiences with our cloud-based, cognitive-powered content management service.

https://www.ibm.com/us-en/marketplace/cloud-cms-solution

How augmented reality can supplement hotel mobile learning

http://ehotelier.com/insights/2017/02/28/augmented-reality-can-supplement-hotel-mobile-learning

The Independent Hotel’s Guide to Engaging and Retaining Guests

http://blog.hebsdigital.com/the-independent-hotels-guide-to-engaging-and-retaining-guests

Marriott Turns to Starwood Vet to Run All Three of Its Loyalty Programs

Marriott Turns to Starwood Vet to Run All Three of Its Loyalty Programs

New York revises down 2017 forecast, blames Trump

http://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/New-York-revises-down-2017-forecast-and-blames-Trump

Q4 2016 earnings roundup
http://www.hotelnewsnow.com/Articles/115898/Q4-2016-earnings-roundup

La Quinta Launches Enhanced Loyalty Program

La Quinta Launches Enhanced Loyalty Program

Does your hotel financial statement pass the test?

http://ehotelier.com/insights/2017/03/02/hotel-financial-statement-pass-test

Skyscanner Enlists Finnair for Most Robust Airline Instant Booking Yet

Skyscanner Enlists Finnair for Most Robust Airline Instant Booking Yet

Political Threats Force U.S. Tourism Boards to Examine Their Roles

Political Threats Force U.S. Tourism Boards to Examine Their Roles

1) Opening a hotel? Give all your distribution to online agencies

https://www.tnooz.com/article/give-distribution-to-otas-focus-on-guest-experience/
The stupidest suggestion I have ever read. Weirdly, lots of support for the idea in the comments…
2) Priceline and Expedia 2016 Results
Room Night Growth:
Expedia +21% (+16% organic growth – excluding eLong, Orbitz & Homeaway)
Priceline +28.7%
Total Marketing Spend:
Expedia $4.37 Billion
Priceline $4.21 Billion
Total $8.58 Billion