Newsletter : Easter 2010
brought to you by New Zealand Tourism Guide www.tourism.net.nz
In this easter newsletter:
Editorial
Why do you think travellers stay with you or decide to visit your attraction etc? Is it because they just like the look of it or do you think it appeals to them based on other things? The results of a recent international survey indicated that travellers are most influenced by detailed information about the place to stay, activities and events, maps, photo's and special offers, closely followed by reviews and advice from family and friends.
So why should this be of interest to you?
As your Web site is a key marketing tool, why would you not have this information readily available for the traveller? There's also a very strong argument that a travellers decision is also based on the destination and how well it satisfies their needs. In essence give the traveller reasons to stay or visit. Make it easy. One of the best ways is to put yourself in the shoes of the traveller. Pretend you are travelling to Scotland and want to stay somewhere. What sort of things would you like to know and what would make you comfortable enough to make that booking or to put that place on the 'must visit' list.
At the end of the day it's common sense but you need to stand back from your business to do this successfully.
IS YOUR BUSINESS AT RISK?
Recent statistics from one of New Zealand's leading claims assessment firms shows that approximately 50% of New Zealand businesses do not survive a major loss. This is due to inadequate insurance programmes, poor risk management planning and the lack of risk management advice from an appropriate organisation.
The tourism industry in New Zealand has experienced continued changes and faced numerous challenges in recent times. Innovation and market leading are terms that come to mind when we see the progress that many organisations have made in there marketing and PR to attract the tourist dollar to New Zealand and the many tourist operators and accommodation providers to choose from.
However this has increased the exposure to risk for many organisations and without the necessary specialist advice your business could be at risk.
Consider the following questions:
- Do you deal with overseas tourists?
- Do you provide a product or service that is exported?
- Is part of your business or business experience located outdoors?
- Does your business have a physical, adventure or adrenalin component to it?
- Have you recently invested further funds into your business?
- Is the profit of you your business protected in the event of a major incident?
- Does your business have Directors?
- Does your business have employees?
- Are you concerned about the increases in ACC levies that will occur in April?
- Do you use the internet to assist in the marketing of your business?
- Do you support the New Zealand Tourist Industry Association?
- Has it been some time since you had a review of your business's exposure to risk?
If you have answered 'Yes' to any of the above questions or have some unanswered questions of your own then you need to consider getting a 'Business Health Checkup.'
Aon New Zealand is the major force in Insurance Brokering, Risk Management, Employee Benefits and Claims Management. We understand New Zealand Tourism and due to our specialist experience and branch network represent a number of tourist operation and service providers throughout New Zealand.
If you have an enquiry or would like a no obligation assessment please email Brett Saunders with your name, business and contact details. He will contact you directly for a chat.
Google Travel
According to PhoCusWright, Google does not hide the fact that the travel industry is one of their key markets. They continually churn out new innovations that improve travel related search and advertising.
Google Travel and YouTube were both represented at The PhoCusWright Conference last year and their message was clear: video, maps and mobile are the technologies that will shape the future of travel. The promises of a video search driven travel discovery process are still a bit far off, but Google's recent move to experiment with adding hotel prices to Maps is a big step.
Direct Bookings
Are you using the BookIt booking system on our site yet? With over 600 tourism operators using this, it makes sense to check it out. In fact BookIt was recently purchased by TradeMe which just goes to indicate how good BookIt really are.
In a nutshell as long as you have a gold listing on www.tourism.net.nz you can join BookIt on our site. If you aren't sure if you do or don't have a gold listing just phone 0800 14 65 49 and we'll check for you.
It's quick and easy to add a "book now" button to your New Zealand Tourism Guide listing.
- Free setup, no additional ongoing monthly or annual fees
- Additional marketing coverage on www.tourism.net.nz for free (view directory here)
- Rates and booking button added free to your listing (view examples here)
- Commission of 12% (all credit card fees covered) only payable by you upon a confirmed booking
- You control what you offer to the traveller
- This is a great time of year to get set up and be ready to take bookings immediately
- New Zealand Tourism Guide are proud to use the proven and reliable BookIt online booking and payment system
- BookIt integrate with several other booking systems which enables you to simply update that booking system and the BookIt system will be updated automatically.
Click here' to register now for free! (allow up to a week for processing and final setup)
Google Custom Search - Make Life Easy For Your Site Visitors
By Mark Rocket (www.avatar.co.nz)
If you've got more than 20 pages of content on your site, then it's a good idea to seriously think about adding a quality search option to your site. Some people like a directory structure, other people prefer a search option, so it's good to give people the choice they're after.
What is a Custom Search Engine?
Put simply, it means you can add a search box to your site that will just search your site(s). A Custom Search Engine or CSE is an advanced and specialised search engine, tailored specifically to each individual Web searcher. By using Google's core search technology, a CSE can restrict or prioritise search results based entirely on the sites specified by each searcher.
With a Custom Search Engine you can:
- Include search refinements in results pages so it's easier for Web searches to find the information they need
- As you surf the Internet, add Web sites to your search engine's index
- Apply your Web site's characteristics to search results pages
- Encourage clients, customers and friends to contribute to your search engine
With Google Custom Search, you are also able to create a customised search experience for your own Web site by:
- Including one or multiple Web sites or specific Web pages
- Hosting the search box and results on your own Web site
- Providing fast and relevant search results
If you have any questions about Google Custom Search or want to add a search facility to your site, then contact Avatar.
We welcome any feedback — send your comments to: news@tourism.net.nz
Regards,
The Team
Ph 0800 14 65 49
www.tourism.net.nz
New Zealand Tourism Guide Limited
Head Office: Level One, 534 Colombo Street, Christchurch