Accor launches A-Club Places application on Facebook

Some hotel chains are only just waking up to the fact that social media channels equal booking channels.  Some are only just realising it could be an idea not to just have a presence on Facebook, but to let clients book on Facebook.  Accor have been ahead in the game for a while now, and this week announced that they had the first location-based application to reward a hotel group’s loyalty program members.

Accor launched A-Club Places, an innovative and unique Facebook application, available to A-Club loyalty members.  The launch of this application is part of Accor’s strategy to develop its presence on the Internet, on mobile phones and social networks.  Sales through these direct distribution channels represent close to 29% of the Group’s total sales.

The new service allows members to check in on the application on Facebook and rewards customers with a badge depending on the regularity of their stay and on the type hotels the stay at which convert into A-Club points.

This just shows how hotels are having to develop their online presence in social circles even more carefully.  Its important to offer as much of your baseline service on as many channels as possible, and Accor have plugged the gap with their loyalty program.

The launch of TTIcodes – but have we heard it all before?

On Tuesday, I attended the launch of TTIcodes, an initiative being rolled out by Travel Technology Initiative (TTI) to try to solve one of the most frustrating, and in reality, fundamental problems in the hospitality and travel industry – hotel codes.

Without getting too geeky about this, a clear problem exists (and has done since hotel distribution began) – knowing where a hotel is precisely located – and how to keep that data current.  If you think about the hotel distribution landscape, we are in a fragmented world bad up of hotel chains, hotel representation companies, wholesalers, bedbanks, online travel agencies, GDS’ and technology providers – all need a key piece of information to distribute and even share their content – the hotel location, referenced to a hotel code/property number.  Put another way, it’s the kind of questions we hear every day: “What is a property called on channel ABC?” or “Is this the same property being offered on channelXYZ?”.  And remember, this isn’t as easy as it sounds.  Properties close, chain ownership, chain, representation company all the time.

Simple?  Well, actually no.  Every company in the business has their own code.  Therefore, as soon as you share data between multiple parties, or you take a data feed from another provider, extracting data to match to your own hotel database and being able to present third part data accurately is a logistical nightmare.

Of course, all types of providers work to geo-code their content – but as everyone does it differently, often stores too much information, and the process is almost entirely manual you see where firstly mistakes are made, and how often this information can change and cause you trouble.  Imagine sitting trying to map a location for a hotel – not every country has a sophisticated postal system, or has been accurately mapped by Google Maps, making the task near impossible.

So, with the problem explained (to a very high level!) you can understand the need for such an initiative.  Put simply, TTI have created TTIcodes with the help of a third-party company called GIATA, who are already geo-coding and creating a master database, to create a unique hotel identifier.

Why has it taken so long?  Ask yourself this question, and you get a simple answer.  The hospitality industry is vast and fragmented – add to that the fact that everyone is sharing content – and getting all invested partied to agree on a set standard is difficult.  Of course, people have tried this before – it’s been on the HEDNA agenda in the past for example.  But to be honest, it’s never got quite as far as the TTI initiative.

So what exactly are TTIcodes?  TTIcodes are unique hotel identifiers aimed at revolutionising the way travel companies handle accommodation by simplifying de-duplication of accommodation feeds from wholesalers, bedbanks and other accommodation providers.  TTIcodes aims to become the widespread standard in this respect for the travel and hospitality industry and be the single most important global identifier for hotels and other accommodations.

Is there a cost?  Of course.  But before you judge, TTI are not for profit and it’s cheaper to buy this information from TTIcodes that GIATA directly.  I’ll let you investigate the pricing on the TTI website yourself.  The process is simple – GIATA upload your hotel database and map the properties against their database, adding any new ones and applying a new code to them.  You then get a range of access to the entire database.

The key is also involving hotel properties themselves – and I was pleased to hear TTI will encourage hotels participate in TTIcodes has devised a simple low cost pricing structure for both individual properties and hotel chains that wish to participate in the services.

Will it succeed?  I don’t know. Although the power behind this, GIATA have a large customer base and have coded some 215,000 properties, its day one for TTIcodes.  It’s certainly worth a look if you find yourself struggling in this area, and one to watch carefully.

The top Irish hotels getting social

Outside of Hotel Insight, my role in the hospitality industry allows me to get really involved in the Irish market, and for that reason, I was speaking with my friend Christina, the owner of CG Online Marketing based in Ireland, about her thoughts on hotels using social media in her primary market.  We had such a good conversation, that Christina offered to provide her insights into this area – so this post is courtesy of Christina!

Christina: “According to Failte Ireland’s visitor survey, everybody loves the Irish hospitality. In my mind, this means that the Irish charm and warm nature is perfect for social media – so here I’ve compiled a list of the top Irish hotel social media pages and campaigns and together we can you can judge if the Irish brand of hospitality translates as well online.

1)     First up is the Cliff House Hotel, Ardmore, Co Waterford

A stunning location on the south-east coast and close to Ardmore Bay, the Cliffhouse Hotel are lucky to have the ocean as a backdrop.

Twitter: @cliffhousehotel

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheCliffHouseHotel

These guys were born to tweet and never miss a chance to respond (great customer service).

Practically 4000 Twitter followers and high engagement levels. They have been known to tweet and serve simultaneously.

Their Facebook page is just as busy – plenty of pictures, updates and they even shared a few mentions on third party blogs – nice!

Not one question was left unanswered and the tone was consistently upbeat.

An encouraging start!

2)     Next we have, The Clanard Court Hotel, Athy, Co Kildare

Set on the outskirts of Dublin city, the Clanard Court is a popular local for those living in Athy.

Twitter: @ClanardCourt

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ClanardCourtHotel

Let’s look at their social media

This hotel set hearts aflutter with their ‘Love Match’ Facebook campaign to win a wedding

(the one of your dreams, of course).

The competition stages:

• Couples upload their images
• Four then progress to stage two
• Each couple is filmed discussing their prospective partners
• Fans had to guess the couples.
• Winners crowned (Love match)

Full coverage here

What I loved about this campaign was the innovation and personalisation of it. Interactive, multimedia-driven (upload images and video interviews), personality (some cool questions like ‘What celebrity does your partner look most like?’) and the amount of time and commitment a campaign of this magnitude must have taken. This is more of a free-fall into social media, as opposed to a side-step and it is a testament to what social media can do for a hotel.

3)     In at 3 is The Maryborough Hotel, Douglas, Co. Cork

The Maryborough hotel (a client of mine, incidentally) is well-known for a warm and friendly service. They are constantly adding to the hotel (Pet Farm, Team Building and Dome) and are dedicated to their guests.

Twitter: @TheMaryborough

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/maryborough.cork

Let’s look at their social media

The Facebook page has personality! Sales carries this function and it’s updated almost daily – sometimes with offers, something with links, and sometimes a just a feel-good shout out.

You may not note the strategy at play, in fact you might be forgiven for thinking there isn’t one at all…but, there is! The updates are all goal-driven – Talking about Santa’s visit, buying Christmas vouchers, Spa offers, etc. Mostly, there’s a sales message at play, but it’s packaged behind an energetic and happy voice, so fans respond.

‘#leaders11 Have to say the Energy is just Electric here in the Sherrard Suite Tonight!!!’

Plus – they use #tags for tweets and create a nice buzz for their offerings.

There are countless hotels in Ireland worth a mention, like The Cork Airport Hotel – winner of a number of marketing awards and promoters of an edgy, creative vibe (vibrating seats  – need we say more?) http://www.facebook.com/corkinternationalairporthotel, plus The Burlington Hotel in Dublin http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Burlington-Hotel-Dublin/102643726883 where every status update gets a picture (for those not in the know – this increases your chances of being seen by your fans).

Bio

Christina is owner of CG Online Marketing (www.cgonlinemarketing.com) and has ten years experience in online marketing communications from working with Premier Recruitment Group, LA Fitness, Monarch Airlines, Thomson Travel and a host of other companies. Christina is dedicated in providing unique online marketing solutions tailored to individual client needs, and ensuring that all online activities run smoothly and obtain the best ROI possible. Specialties:Online marketing Online media Social Media/Social Marketing SEO / PPC Google analytics (qualified in GA IQ) Web trends + insights, Data segmentation and targeting, Customer Behavior analysis, Digital design, Writing, Ethical marketing Green marketing / Sustainable tourism and Hotel + travel online marketing.

 

The Anti-SOPA Blackout Day

The video says it all – but think about this in terms of blogging.  It could mean that a blog, someones own views and opinions, can be censored and closed down – the internet is the only place you can speak your mind and give your opinion – don’t let that be destroyed – show your support.

Some great support shown online today too:

 

HBAA confirms executive committee for 2012

News just in – the Hotel Booking Agents Association (HBAA) have just announced the executive committee for 2012, with Chris Peacock, co-founder and director of Conference Care, leading the HBAA as Chairman over the next 12 months.

Chris brings with him a wealth of experience in the industry, having previously assumed the roles of Treasurer and Vice Chairman of the HBAA, alongside many achievements throughout his career.

Chris will be supported by Zibrant’s managing director Chris Parnham, who has been elected as Vice Chair.  Parnham has been involved with the HBAA executive committee since November 2010 and his recent participation as head of the membership committee has been pivotal in helping the Association raise its sector profile and achieve an increase in membership.

Peacock said, “I feel extremely privileged and excited to take up this role. I know from my association with the HBAA that it really is a powerhouse for best practice and that it continues to go from strength to strength based on the forging of strong relationships both within the organisation and externally.

“We will continue to equip our members with the tools for their business to grow, offer best advice in any new legislation that is planned and aim to become a key player in the development of future industry leaders.”

Parnham said, “I am very pleased to have been appointed; it really is a great honour. I very much look forward to working with Chris Peacock and the new executive committee when I take up my appointment.”

HBAA’s Executive Director, Peter Ducker, said, “I am delighted that Chris Peacock and Chris Parnham have agreed to take up these high-profile roles. Their knowledge and experience in the UK and overseas will be a great addition to the Association as we try to grow the HBAA’s brand in important overseas markets.”

The full line up is:

Vice Chair – Chris Parnham, Zibrant
Past Chair – Juliet Price
Executive Director - Peter Ducker
Treasurer – Stephen Usher, Trinity Event Management
Academy Committee Chair – Ellis Salsby, Ellis Salsby
Events Committee Chair - Jill Fleming, Absolute Corporate Events
Technology Innovation and Environment (TIE) Committee Chair – Adam Woods, Hotelscene
Membership Committee Chair – Tracey Symcox, BSI
Marketing Committee Chair – Andrew Deakin, Conference Care
Meetings Committee Chair – Gareth Crowder, Zibrant
Special Projects - Sue Burgess, Inntel
International Projects – Steve Ockerby, Logical Venue Solutions
Serviced Apartment Sector Chair – Ricky Kapoor, Hotelworld

FourSquare milestones from 2011

Courtesy of FourSquare. Appeared on the FourSquare blog 23rd December.

Seasons Greetings from Hotel Insight

Before I sign-off for the Christmas break, I wanted to take the opportunity to wish all my followers and subscribers a very Merry Christmas and my best wishes for 2012.  Without you, this blog would be nothing and I genuinely thank you all for reading my posts, the discussions we’ve had in 2011 and connecting so invaluably.  Hotel Insight will be back shortly after the Christmas / New Year break, although I am sure nothing will stop me on tweeting

Best Wishes,

Simon

Founder & Editor, Hotel Insight

Bill Marriott & Arne Sorenson Video

Bringing on the festivities at London hotels

I’ve been talking on the blog recently about creating positive publicity for your hotel whilst bringing in extra revenues in unique and interesting ways.  The key is thinking of a concept that captures the public’s imagination, whist using the resources on your doorstep.  Christmas provides the perfect setting for doing just that, whilst remembering that only the truly imaginative will succeed at a time of year when money is often tight.  So I wanted to write a festive and fun post covering some of the seasonal activities going on at some of our London hotels.  I hope your inspired – or become a little more festive at the very least!

The May Fair Hotel is sparkling with seasonal spirit as it hosts its very own gospel choir!  Talented vocalists, Hot Butter Soul Collective, performed at The May Fair on Thursday 8th and Friday 9th December allowing you to escape the Christmas crowds and drop by to enjoy an array of traditional Christmas carols with a soulful spin, including Silent Night, White Christmas, Joy to the World and Have Yourself a Merry Little Xmas.  The hotel even provided hymn sheets so everyone could join in and get get festive!

The Berkeley Hotel have created a very inventive concept – “Winter classics on the big screen“.  Hot chocolate, Christmas classics and Moncler blankets set the scene on the Berkeley’s roof top terrace, from 18th November 2011 until 31st January 2012.

Known as the place to see and be seen during the summer months, The Berkeley’s Health Club & Spa is transforming its roof-top terrace into a pine-filled forest cinema this year. Hotel guests and Londoners are treated to winter classics on the big screen while nestling between warm Moncler blankets, fluffy cushions and hot water bottles. Home-made hot chocolate and Berkeley mince pies are on hand to complete the festive atmosphere while heating lamps will keep guests warm when the cold really sets in.

Home-made hot chocolate with marshmallows make for the perfect treat while watching winter classics such as ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ and ‘Bridget Jones’ Diary’. Towering high above bustling Knightsbridge, this pine-lined outdoor theatre is London’s only private cinema featuring only four seats, whisking you away to the ultimate winter wonderland.

Marriott London County Hall, located in the centre of London on the south bank of the Thames, have published their top five activities in the capital this Christmas, incorporating packages at their hotel:

1. Visit the Ice Rink at the London Eye, enjoying the breath-taking views from the pods, and the slips and glides from ice rink. Book into the Silver Bells package and enjoy a three-course meal and tickets to the London Eye as part of your stay. (From £330 prpn based on two night stay)
2. Enjoy the serene beauty of the Messiah by Candlelight at the Royal Festival Hall after indulging in the quintessentially English afternoon tea.
3. Explore the Real Food Christmas Market before enjoying the culinary excellence of Executive Head Chef Chris Basten’s County Hall Restaurant Menu.
4. Experience the magic of the Southbank’s Christmas Market before warming up with a special Winter Cocktail in the County Hall Leader’s Bar.
5. Head across the river for the traditional Midnight Mass in Westminster Abbey and wake up to a very special Christmas at County Hall.

Finally, the Jumeirah Lowndes have create two great Christmas packages: “Stay and Skate at Jumeirah Lowndes” which included overnight accommodation in a deluxe bedroom, ice skating at the Natural History Museum, a Winter Warmer cocktail at Lowndes Bar & Kitchen, continental breakfast, fruit platter, box of chocolates and mineral water in your room.  “The Spirit of Christmas” package offers a unique chance to experience the local area of Belgravia with a bespoke candle-making course at Rachel Vosper’s Kinnerton Street boutique and tickets to ice skate at the Natural History Museum.  The package includes overnight accommodation in a deluxe bedroom, a bespoke two hour candle-making course with Rachel Vosper, one of the UK’s leading chandlers, a Winter Warmer cocktail at Lowndes Bar & Kitchen and two tickets to ice skate at the Natural History Museum.

Hopefully these Christmas ideas have well and truly got you in the mood for Christmas and given the hoteliers amongst you some ideas and inspiration at just how creative you can be.

Your average day on Facebook [infographic]

I saw noticed this infographic today, created by Jess3 and posted on the Mashable website and wanted to share it with you as it represents very clearly the average day on Facebook, with some very interesting statistics.