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How social media affects electronic hotel distribution

December 14, 2009 | Hospitality Industry

While buzz does not necessarily equal buy, members of a panel called “Economy in Transition” at last weeks HEDNA meeting in Las Vegas pointed out that hotels should get back to basics of listening to their customers - who not only are online but living online - and providing an excellent travel experience no matter how they found us.

Having a buzz online doesn’t always equate to consumers rushing to book hotel rooms, so it’s important for hotel operators and other travel-related companies to know what’s being said throughout the Internet about their properties.

Members of a panel called “Economy in Transition” told attendees of the Hotel Electronic Distribution Network Association meeting at the Wynn Las Vegas on Tuesday that because social media is becoming more and more omnipresent, the wise thing to do is keep tabs on it.
Jay Hubbs, director, hotel revenue management for Expedia Partner Services Group, Hotwire, said that when there are so many people with no vested interest in a brand talking about that brand in a public forum, it’s important to monitor that and take appropriate action.

“Buzz does not necessarily equal buy when somebody’s posting negative things about you, your brand or your hotel,” Hubbs said.

Get the full story at HotelNewsNow

Read also a couple of chick’s take on the topic at ideahatching.com

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