A Corporate Retreat in the Scottish Highlands!

Corporate retreats are an integral part to the success of any organization. It is critical to sometimes step aside and relook at strategies and spend some quality time with colleagues outside of the workspace.

It was the Scottish Highlands calling for us this year and our retreat turned out to be the perfect combination of fun, team building and work epiphanies!

Without further ado, here are some glimpses of our Scottish sojourn – as they say, a picture speaks a thousand words!

A little change of scenery is often just what a business needs to invigorate productivity and company culture. Having clear goals and objectives, training and planning where all can be heard, coupled with fun and team bonding activities, are all important factors to create an effective and memorable corporate retreat. Here’s to our team spirit & bonding!

The Week, That Was – November 2018 Week 1

In five minutes or less, keep track of the most important news of the week, curated just for you. We present to you hand – picked news on latest industry perspectives and some general updates. Read on!!

eRevMax has unveiled unveil AgentX101 at WTM London 2018

eRevMax has unveiled AgentX101 – a revolutionary 360 Degree Platform for Travel Agents & Tour Operators during WTM London.

https://www.erevmax.com/ratetiger-news/ratetiger-news-archive/oct2018-erevmax-unveil-agentx101-wtm-london.html

 How Social Media Can Increase Hotel’s Direct Bookings

According to experts, 45 percent of travelers encounter hotel social media during the beginning of their booking journey, 45 percent encounter it during the middle and 11 percent at the end.

Recent projections have valued the *B2C e–Commerce business to over 3.2 Trillion dollars by 2020!

https://erevmax.com/blog/index.php/2018/11/how-social-media-can-increase-hotels-direct-bookings-2/

 The Changing Customer Experience: Keynote urges hoteliers to examine their operations

Customer loyalty isn’t dead, it’s just much harder to earn and much harder to keep because it’s so easy to leave today.

http://www.hotelinteractive.com/article.aspx?articleID=41922

 Will Google stay off the OTAs patch?

As Google’s meta-model becomes increasingly monopolistic Pamela Whitby begins a series on how travel distribution is evolving. Part 1 takes a look at the Google factor

https://www.eyefortravel.com/distribution-strategies/will-google-stay-otas-patch

Digital trends to watch in 2019

There’s been a massive shift in guest behavior and booking habits due to trends like artificial intelligence and mobile usage. But the question isn’t whether these trends are important. Hereére three core trends that hotels need want to watch in 2019.

http://hotelnewsnow.com/Articles/291331/Digital-trends-to-watch-in-2019

Connect with us for your connectivity needs to make the most of online revenue. https://goo.gl/3gKUJZ Thanks and have a good day!

Travel and Holidays – What Does the Future Hold in Store?

Every day, new marketing techniques and tools are launched almost every week – which increases the complexity of the marketing sector. Experts have different ideas and opinions about how holidays will be like two or three decades from now. The possibilities are limitless.

Virtual travel will be ‘in’:

Travel is likely to become virtual In the future. By the year 2050, holidays for most people will be about enjoying the popular as well as not so popular attractions of the world from the comfort of home. Time travel will be in, and it will be possible for travellers to visit New Orleans before Hurricane Katrina ravaged it or seeing the Pyramids right after their completion – all through virtual reality. They will be able to customize their surroundings and the weather, and also get a digital tour guide. They can also make situational or hypothetical travel – such as visiting the Taj Mahal without the tourists. This will help them remove the stress of travel without needing to visit the locations actually.

Travel and Holidays

More personalized travel experience:

Travel brands, in order to get brand recognition and loyalty, need to make use of customer data in such a way that shoppers can get value. The travel marketing techniques are likely to be made more personalized to help customers find the most relevant travel products and ideas for their choices – whether it comes to room, hotel, airline, airport or occupancy duration type.

Smarter Retargeting:

While retargeting has existed for quite a few years, it is expected to see more innovation. Travel companies will use live user session user profiling in real-time, which would allow a smarter retargeting that offers more relevant recommendations and information to users. For travel brands, it can increase the ROI significantly on every interaction.

Use of Chatbot technology:

Travel brands are making increasing use of the chatbot technology from companies such as Amazon, Expedia and Skyscanner, in an attempt to pre-empt the purchase requirements of customers. The use of Cortana or Alexa can be expected sooner rather than later.

Use of PWAs (progressive web apps):

These come with all the good things about mobile websites and mobile-based applications. These are delivered online and act just like native apps. PWAs help sell holidays quickly and form an important part of the overall user experience. The programs also operate in areas with inferior connectivity or in those spots where connectivity drops and comes – as in cars or trains. These will help travellers on the move.

Get Hotel booking channel manager software at https://www.erevmax.com/ratetiger/ratetiger.html.

eRevMax to unveil AgentX101 at WTM London 2018

The ‘first of its kind’ 360-degree management solution for Travel Agents & Tour Operator

eRevMax, the global hospitality technology leader, will unveil its revolutionary new integrated management solution for Travel Agents & Tour Operators – AgentX101 – at WTM London 2018, being held between 5 – 7 November at ExCel Centre.

AgentX101, powered by LiveOS, is the latest addition to eRevMax’s award-winning suite of products for the hospitality industry professionals that are looking to manage their business efficiently and optimize profits.

“We have always endeavored to build innovative technology that is intelligent, easy-to-use and affordable – to help simplify revenue management and connectivity needs of the hospitality industry. With AgentX101, we go one step further in empowering over 600,000 travel agents and tour operators worldwide, to streamline their daily operations and focus on creating, managing and delivering memorable journeys for their clients,” said Reuel Ghosh, CEO, eRevMax.

The first of its kind management platform for Travel Agents and Tour Operators, AgentX101 provides 360-degree visibility into production sources and suggests actions and alerts to maximize potential. Already tested by some of the biggest names in the industry, the web-based solution will help travel agents automate their daily tasks, improve decision making with real time data, and gather all business information in one place.

eRevMax will also be showcasing it’s recently launched Central Reservation System along with new enhancements in RateTiger and LiveOS.

The company is co-hosting the HospitalityUnited.Club Drinks Reception @Stand TT720 on 6 November 2018 at 5pm. To register, contact us on marketing@erevmax.com

 

eRevMax appoints new Senior Vice President to head operations

Josef Lapka to spearhead product innovation, commercial operations and product delivery

eRevMax, the hospitality technology solution expert, today announced the appointment of Josef Lapka as the Senior Vice President – Operations. In his new role, Josef will lead the company’s operations and be responsible for executing the company’s operational and growth strategy with immediate effect.

A highly accomplished travel technology executive, Josef brings over 17 years pivotal experience in technology and development with 7 years’ experience specific to the realm of hospitality technology and operations. He joins eRevMax from HotelREZ Hotels and Resorts, where, as the Executive Director, he was responsible for daily operations and strategic expansion. As eRevMax further innovates and ventures into new hospitality technology territories, Josef’s role will be crucial in spearheading the company into the next chapter of product innovation and growth while improving the commercial operations and product delivery.

“As we focus on our product portfolio expansion and technology integration, Josef, with his leadership skills, business acumen and industry foresight, is the right person to align eRevMax’s next generation hospitality technology solutions with industry-leading operational practices. He is uniquely qualified to drive strategic prioritization and accountability within the organization, with a laser-focus on operational excellence,” said Reuel Ghosh, Group CEO – eRevMax.

“I am excited to join eRevMax at a time where it is setting new benchmarks in the hospitality technology space,” said Josef. “We have a talented team and the technological backbone to deliver on our promise of delivering gold standard of connectivity, solutions and services to our customers and partners.”

Josef completed his Master’s in Digital Media and IT from the University of Portsmouth, UK. Besides his native Czech, he is fluent in English and German. He will be based out of London, UK, with time spent in eRevMax’s core global locations in Orlando, Kolkata and Bangalore.

eRevMax celebrates ‘Daan Utsav’ with Hope Kolkata Foundation

Daan Utsav, also known as Joy of Giving festival is celebrated every year from October 2 to October 8 in India.

eRevMax, under its CSR initiative, has partnered with Kolkata based NGO – Hope Kolkata Foundation, to celebrate ‘Daan Utsav’ – an initiative that encourages the joy of giving. Employees of eRevMax have enthusiastically volunteered and contributed generously to help the children of Hope Kolkata Foundation’s Naba Asha home, a center that works closely with street children and aims to provide them food, shelter and education.

“Hope Kolkata Foundation is very pleased to be working with eRevMax for the all-round development of street children in Kolkata. eRevMax is one of the active partners who have taken keen interest in working closely with the kids at our protection homes. The team has been conducting various activities and has wholeheartedly supported us through Daan Utsav,” said representatives from Hope Kolkata Foundation.

This occasion was also a time to celebrate the efforts of people who are often forgotten or neglected but who make a huge difference to our daily lives. eRevMax recognized all its housekeeping, security and other support staff with small token of appreciation for their everyday efforts that keep our office running smoothly like clock-work.

Launched in 2009, Daan Utsav is India’s annual ‘festival of giving’. Celebrated every year, in the week including Gandhi Jayanti (October 2-8), it brings together people across the country to participate in their own ways and give back to the society.

Run Udai Run

eRevMax CTO completes Great Scottish Run in Glasgow

He has done it! Again. On 30 September, Udai Singh Solanki, our CTO and Managing Director – India finished the Great Scottish Run and stunned all of us at eRevMax!

A sports enthusiast, Udai has taken his passion for running and made it an integral part of both his personal and corporate life.

The Great Scottish Run was a major challenge. This was Udai’s first half marathon outside India. With more than 15,000 runners taking part in one of Scotland’s biggest running event, the day began with glorious sunshine. The 13.1-mile journey started in George Square in the heart of Glasgow. The runners had to cross some of the iconic landmarks of the city including using the Kingston Bridge, the Clyde Arc, Nelson’s Monument and Finnieston Crane. And just as the organizers promised, every mile was different.

The bagpipers, live music and drumming bands ensured the runners have a good time all along. “It was fun to finish Great Scottish Run – Half Marathon. The cold weather, wind and some occasional rain shower made for the perfect set up for long run. It was an amazing experience!” said Udai.

Udai has been practicing with a running group in Kolkata to improve his stamina and endurance level.

“Running requires persistence, patience, and hard work, principles vital for successful business as well. It also liberates your mind. These long-distance runs have been meditational for me,” said Udai, who has been encouraging his colleagues to take up fitness and sports seriously.

Just a week before the Scottish run, he completed Damloop by Night 5 English Miles in Amsterdam, where he was attending a business meet.

Team eRevMax says a huge congratulations to Udai. We already can’t wait for next one.

The Week, That Was – September 2018 Week 4

In five minutes or less, keep track of the most important news of the week, curated just for you. We present to you hand – picked news on latest industry perspectives and some general updates. Read on!!

Why hotels need metasearch?
Metasearch helps travelers compare hotel rates from various online travel agencies and other booking sites in one place. In metasearch sites, hotels and online travel channels publish their rates and availabilities.

https://erevmax.com/blog/index.php/2018/09/how-meta-search-is-relevant/

Behind TripAdvisor’s renewed push to inspire travelers beyond just making sales
Already 750 content providers have signed up for TripAdvisor’s new feed of personalized recommendations from friends, social media influencers, and publishers, debuted earlier this month.

http://hotelmarketing.com/index.php/content/article/behind_tripadvisors_renewed_push_to_inspire_travelers_beyond_just_making_sa

Special Report: The online travel sector faces challenges
Benati says: “Europe is a mature market, especially in the UK, in Germany, in Scandinavia. Growth in online travel has plateaued, which calls for more targeting of market share. At 5%-6% a year, online growth is still outpacing growth elsewhere, but it is slowing.

Know more about this article: http://www.travolution.com/articles/108868/special-report-the-online-travel-sector-faces-challenges

Drive direct bookings even when you’re being undercut
Fixing disparities takes time – and while all the details you need to replicate a disparity can be found in the Disparity Dungeon, getting in touch with OTAs and getting them resolved doesn’t always happen instantly. On those occasions when you are not in parity, there are four options you can use to continue to drive direct bookings.

https://www.triptease.com/blog/direct-bookings-when-undercut/

New tools gives hoteliers a chance to quantify impact
The U.S. Travel Association has rolled out an interesting new tool that lets those in the travel industry put a number to their economic impact.

http://www.hotelnewsnow.com/Articles/290518/New-tools-gives-hoteliers-a-chance-to-quantify-impact

New Google travel tool tells you when to book your holiday travel
Slowly but surely, Google is expanding its portfolio of travel offerings that now range from hotel- and flight-booking services to trip planning tools. Today, it’s launching yet another set of new travel features that focus on travel planning and hotel bookings.

https://techcrunch.com/2018/09/27/google-launches-new-travel-planning-tools/

BridgeStreet Adds Hostels and Vacation Rentals to Biz Travel Platform
When extended stay booking provider BridgeStreet Global Hospitality relaunched its digital platform last year, the company became something of an outlier in the corporate travel space: a mini-online travel agency for business travel that also connected directly with travel managers around the world.

https://skift.com/2018/09/12/bridgestreet-adds-hostels-and-vacation-rentals-to-biz-travel-platform/

Connect with us for your connectivity needs to make the most of online revenue. https://goo.gl/3gKUJZ Thanks and have a good day!

How Metasearch is relevant

 

Metasearch helps travelers compare hotel rates from various online travel agencies and other booking sites in one place. In metasearch sites, hotels and online travel channels publish their rates and availabilities.

Travelers today are more information savvy than ever and researches their travel meticulously. Their planning, especially for hotel booking, begins at OTAs and metasearch.  Spending a few minutes updating profile on Meta sites can increase bookings and can generate more revenue for hoteliers.

 Meta Search Allows for Direct Bookings

Two of the largest OTAs, Booking.com and Expedia’s online advertisement spent more than that of all hotel brands combined. While traditionally, hotels spend around 8% of their budget on marketing, for OTAs, it is over 50%. Getting attention of travelers on the complex world of online, where PPC rules, has become increasingly challenging for hoteliers. It is here, metasearch comes into play.

Metasearch sites allow for visitors to book either through OTAs or through the brand website. Working on the CPC model, the rates are displayed with emphasis given to highest bidders. Hotels pay when someone clicks on the link. Metaseach sites like TripAdvisor and Google also, in addition, offer the CPA model where hotels pay the channels a commission whenever a traveler books from their brand website.

Metasearch is still holding strong

In recent time, Booking.Com and Expedia has substantially cut down their metasearch ad spent. While this move led to some debates over the viability of metasearch, in my opinion, this gives hotels a unique advantage to drive more direct bookings. MReports show that meta search statistics are up by 13 percent in recent years and are continuing to grow.

In utilizing meta search channels, hotels can remain modern and relevant, and can widen and diversify their audience.

Comparison Features can be Beneficial

A popular feature of meta search channels is the availability to compare select hotels against each other – something that OTAs typically does not offer.

Believe it or not, comparison isn’t solely based upon price. For example, it has been found that an estimated 71 percent of users look to basic information, while 67 percent of users compare photographs. Comparison may seem daunting, but it’s actually a good chance to show off.

Upgrading to two-way connectivity can help you improve your channel content, by making it quicker and easier to update multiple channels with up-to-date information regarding the establishment.

With meta search considered to be one of the biggest marketing techniques of the year, there has never been a better time to add these channels to your distribution portfolio. Make sure you choose to work with digital marketing specialists with relevant channel connections to get it right the first time.

Connect to metasearch channels like Google, TripAdvisor, Trivago, HotelsCombined, Skyscanner & Escapio. Manage them via RateTiger. Improve your direct hotelrevenue!

Book a demo today – https://goo.gl/3gKUJZ

 

 

 

 

The Week, That Was – September 2018 Week 3

In five minutes or less, keep track of the most important news of the week, curated just for you. We present to you hand – picked news on latest industry perspectives and some general updates. Read on!! Luxury serviced apartment in Manila recommends RateTiger for streamlining online distribution Upscale serviced apartments in the Philippines, Makati Diamond Residences, has improved online sales with efficient rate and availability distribution through RateTiger. The property offering 410 apartments has been using RateTiger Channel Manager and Shopper to manage online sales channels in real-time. https://www.erevmax.com/ratetiger-news/ratetiger-news-archive/sep2018-erevmax-luxury-serviced-apartment-manila-ratetiger-onlinedistribution.html Hoteliers see independents as ‘long-standing’ trend Despite major brands adapting and adopting what independent hotels are doing, investors are still looking for true unique and independent properties in the short and long term. http://www.hotelnewsnow.com/Articles/290479/Hoteliers-see-independents-as-long-standing-trend TripAdvisor plots social network, goes all-in on personalization At a press event in New York yesterday, TripAdvisor co-founder and CEO Steve Kaufer unveiled “the new TripAdvisor” – a revamp of the platform that allows users to connect with fellow travelers as well as brands, publishers and influencers to share content and receive personalized recommendations. https://www.phocuswire.com/TripAdvisor-plots-social-network Expedia data shows hotel preferences of Chinese travelers Chinese travelers are broadening their accommodation choices, with an impressive 55 percent staying at independent hotels with local flavor, versus 49 percent at international chains. Download the full report: http://www.citmhotels.com/index.html TripAdvisor evolution could benefit travel agents The reviews giant, which has 456 million global users, this week revealed details of the next evolution of its website, which will allow users to follow travel brands and influencers they trust. It will fully launch later this year. The new site is being tested with 500 travel ‘partners’, who will be able to add their expertise to the 661 million traveller reviews. http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/articles/311959/tripadvisor-evolution-could-benefit-agent-experts Why suppliers need distribution mapping Information is the key to success, and in B2B, it can be difficult for suppliers to access the information they need to control and improve inventory sales. With distribution mapping, you can see whether or not your inventory is mapped and made available to the customer by the distributor. If you’re a hotel supplier, your revenue is dependent on your distributors’ sales. If they don’t sell your inventory, you don’t make money. https://medium.com/gimmonix-blog/why-suppliers-need-distribution-mapping-919e222a1707

Connect with us for your connectivity needs to make the most of online revenue. https://goo.gl/3gKUJZ Thanks and have a good day!