Brands That Can Make Your Travels More Relaxing

Posted By Ivy Chang - January 12, 2012

I don’t fly out to places very often, but when I do, they are usually long-haul flights – meaning a minimum of 5 hours or longer.  Most of the time, I will have a friend or relative flying along side, so being able to talk to someone is usually not a problem; however, for those that fly solo most of the time may find themselves sitting next to a person read more

We&Co Lets Consumers Show the Love

Posted By eknab - July 20, 2011

New mobile app start-up We&Co is closing the gaps between services and consumers. The platform allows users to connect with people who provide quality services and get rewards for doing so. Instead of checking in before engaging in the environment, the user is prompted to thank the employees that helped them if they did a good job. Implications: This promotes transparency, illustrates a high level of customer service quality, makes for read more

“Digital Detox” for Stronger Brand Connections

Posted By eknab - July 7, 2011

A number of hotels, including the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel, are allowing visitors to surrender their electronics for discounts of up to 15%, as well as other perks such as massages. Guests must hand over their devices upon check-in to participate. Implications: This illustrates the broader concept of brands challenging consumers to do the unthinkable. According to PR Newswire, 79% of us take work-related devices with us on vacation, showing how read more

Ritz-Carlton Brings Concierge Service to Foursquare

Posted By gsteen - June 28, 2011

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has launched World Concierge, a Foursquare-based concierge service that offers users tips about local destinations, landmarks and activities. The hotel chain hopes that this service will drive increased usage of their on-site concierges, who increase loyalty and customer satisfaction by building relationships with those who stay at the hotel. Implications: Location-based services can be a very effective way for marketers to deliver helpful information when and where it read more

A Social Game for Travelers

Posted By sspearman - June 8, 2011

After conquering the world of online travel sites, what would you do next? Jeff Katz, founding CEO of Orbitz, has decided to start a new social game called Travel Game. Players can choose to play one of two games using Google Earth to render the gaming environments. Players can earn Moola, a form of virtual currency, and are also eligible to win trips to certain destinations or other discounts. Implications: Social read more

InterContinental Making the Most of Mobile

Posted By eknab - January 25, 2011

The hotel group is increasingly adopting mobile tactics, including commerce-enabled mobile websites and applications for Android and iOS. Many of the efforts include rewards for consumers that check-in at IHG hotels. Implications: Big marketers, once shy in the face of mobile solutions, are increasingly ready to embrace them. Cultural Macrotrend: Ready, Set, Go! via Mobile Commerce Daily