Travel Technology

February 24, 2009

Yelp deleting negative reviews for a fee?

Tweet Some reports have surfaced from local media about complaints from local merchants that Yelp is willing to remove negative reviews for a fee. I do not know whether these reports are accurate and reflect an overall Yelp strategy or whether there are rogue Yelp! sales reps offering this service to boost their own volumes. It should be noted that […]
February 17, 2009

How will Twitter impact the Travel Industry?

Tweet In spite of tough economic times, the microblogging site Twitter continues to receive funding. I have to admit that even though I have a passion around all things related to emerging technologies, I have had some trouble understanding how Twitter fits into the mix and how it can impact the travel industry. That recently became much clearer. The concept […]
February 9, 2009

It all about the App Stores

Tweet Apple launched its App store in March of 2008 permanently changing the way mobile applications are distributed. Today there are over 15,000 apps in the iPhone store, but there’s a lot more to come…. New app stores have been announced from RIM Blackberry, T-Mobile and Google. There has also been some speculation that both Microsoft and Nokia may be […]
January 25, 2009

Travel and Tourism – Largest Industry – Small Number of Specialists

Tweet I have been working in the travel industry since 1982. It never ceases to amaze me how in such a huge industry, the largest in the world, people are so interconnected. This really hit home recently while I was working in Kuwait. During the reception after this year’s PhoCusWright in Hollywood, my friend and colleague Philip Wolf commented that […]
January 19, 2009

TMC as Consultants – Are We There Yet?

Tweet For years a familiar theme heard throughout the business travel industry concerns the evolution of TMCs from order takers to true consultants for their corporate clients. I often classify TMCs into three groups- mega (Amex, CWT, BCD & HRG), 2nd tier and third tier. This is based on size of the company and their regional or global reach. Late […]
January 15, 2009

Middle East Travel Market

Tweet I am currently back in Middle East. This is my sixth trip since July 08. Rapid growth is still the norm here despite the economic downturn, though the market is showing some signs of a slowing down. Even hot markets such as Dubai are showing signs of a slowdown as many construction projects have been slowed or put on […]