Technology in Focus
Guest Writers are not employed, compensated or governed by TD, opinions and statements are from the specific writer directly
Some small news snippets from the travel technology world.
TrekAmerica hails success of ‘Live’ site
TrekAmerica has hailed its ‘TrekAmerica Live’ website a success after its first year of operation. The website, which enables those on its tours to share images and blogs on their own page, has seen unique visitors per month increased by 40% ,with 60% of its customers now using the site.
“Given the current trust issues which have been brought into light over travel review sites, it is more important than ever that we drive traffic to our genuine and live experiences from current Trekkers,” said Andrew Oakley, e-commerce manager at TrekAmerica Live. “We have entered a climate where people trust recommendations from their peers more than a company’s sales pitch and TrekAmerica Live is perceived as this independent platform to offer real experiences and advice”.
kulula signs Sabre deal
South African low-cost carrier kulula has signed a distribution deal with Sabre. The carrier will include its fares and schedules through the system as well as real-time seat availability. “Sabre is a great business partner and we know that using its technology will only help kulula in its growth,” said Brian Kitchin, the airline’s executive manager for sales and distribution.
WTM tech deals break through £100m
Travel technology exhibitors generated more than £100 million in deals at last year’s World Travel Market, it has revealed. The announcement comes after the show expanded its technology area by 40% and continues to be adopted by the travel industry for a variety of reasons. The growth now means the technology exhibitors are 6% of sales from WTM, which are expected to reach £1.6bn overall.
“The amount of business WTM 2011 conducted for Travel Technology exhibitors is phenomenal and is a testament to WTM’s role in facilitating business for its exhibitors on a truly global scale,” said Simon Press, exhibitions director WTM at Reed Travel Exhibitions.
Relocation networking site launches
A new social networking website has launched to provide destination information to people who want to study, work or live abroad. The site, named IslandX, was devised after its founder Marius Hjelset became over-whelmed with the information available on the internet. “Social networks have a role to play in helping people make informed life choices, and we want to provide a platform to address the current online relocation confusion,” he explained. More than 10 million people migrate each year, with the International Office for Migration estimating 400 million people will live outside their home-country by 2050.
