On Marketing
❖ dave bodle
Enhance Your Business With the Newest Technology This columN iN ThE February
the newer technology. Some will work
2012 issue kicked off the New Year
handsomely with what you are already
with a few simple, cost-effective, tech-
doing. Here are a few to consider:
nology-based travel marketing ideas. It was determined a good website is essential if you’re going to keep up with
3
leverage suppliers wisely. One of the biggest assets that
tour operators can add to their toolbox is a supplier that can help market a
1
marry your marketing materials
tour to their destination. The majority
and QR codes. Here’s a great
of CVBs and tourism offices will have
today’s tech-savvy traveler. Realizing
way to combine the new with the tried
footage that they can edit to fit just
that web search engines like fresh,
and true. QR codes are those little
about any possible visit to their area.
new content it was determined regular
squares with all the squiggly black
That’s exactly what you’ll need on
additions to your site are indispensable.
designs. It’s barcode technology and
the QR Code-to-website video link. Of
And thoughts were shared on how to
can easily be added to any marketing
course, one of the best assets a sup-
have your website visitors interact
piece. Most printers, graphic designers
plier can have in the marketing tool-
through video views and e-newsletter
and video producers can handle the
box is just such a video. Photographs
sign-ups.
task. Potential clients with a smart-
will always have a place, but video is
phone can scan the code and link to
becoming increasingly important.
There certainly was a ton of good business done “back in the day” with
your web page with offer details, an
catalogs, flyers and brochures. Con-
informative video or a testimonial. That
the new technology and how it will
tinue those tried-and-proven methods
web page can provide considerably
impact the tour & travel segment. I’m
if they are working for you. However,
more information than a single-sheet
all about partnerships and programs
keep the toolbox unlocked and look at
flyer. Of course, the video has that
that blend the proven with something
wonderful ability to demonstrate.
new that will enhance results. New
You can sense my excitement for
technology offers just such an oppor-
2 Spring Ahead to Our
• • • • • • • • • • •
mobile marketing is coming to tour & travel. There’s more to
tunity. On the other hand, some of the
mobile marketing than presenting a QR
new technology-based opportunities
Code and driving customer/prospect
simply do not work for me and I wonder
JUNE ISSUE
traffic to an online spot of your choice.
about their return on investment. If
Washington State North Dakota Washington, DC West Virginia Montana Iowa Delaware Sightseeing Cruises Scenic Railroads Canada/South Pacific Group Itinerary Planning Guide
The United States is moving towards
you’re not a writer, why waste your
having as many mobile phone subscrip-
time maintaining a blog? What good is
tions as there is population. In most
Twitter if you’re limited to a set number
major cities there are more households
of characters? Who hasn’t lost interest
without landlines than there are with
in Facebook and the absolute drivel
the traditional telephone service. The
that’s mixed with a few posts of
opportunities in the travel business are
substance?
See our page-flip edition & past issues at
LeisureGroupTravel.com We can help showcase your business to groups. Call us 630.794.0696 or advertising@ptmgroups.com
58 April 2012
endless. Consider Bluetooth proximity
The simplest way of looking at the
marketing. Suppliers at a tradeshow/
new marketing technologies is remem-
marketplace blast a message to all
bering who brought you to the dance,
Bluetooth-enabled phones promoting
but realizing a look around the dance
a special at their booth or seminar. At
hall really doesn’t hurt.
that same marketplace a tour operator looking to partner with another operator may send out that very message.
Contact Dave at 843-712-1140 or email dbodle@sc.rr.com.
LeisureGroupTravel.com
A R K A N S A S
I L L I N O I S
I N D I A N A
P E N N S Y L VA N I A
T E N N E S S E E
W Y O M I N G
ndta.us
TheaTers are lisTed alphabeTically by sTaTe