New York, NY July 28, 2015 – HeBS Digital, the leading hotel digital technology, full-service digital marketing and website revenue optimization consulting firm co-hosted the 2015 Travelers Mindset Summer Conference along with Google and HSMAI Greater New York Chapter at the Google Headquarters last week, Wednesday, July 22nd.
The conference, centered on the topic “Creating Meaningful Digital Relationships,” brought over 100 hospitality guests and a line-up of industry experts to discuss the unique challenges hospitality industry faces. The mission of the conference was to discuss trending issues that impact the direct online channel and provide actionable steps to capture more market share, including:
- Capturing more revenue during the holiday season
- Developing strong customer relationships
- Accessing revenue opportunities in emerging markets
- Taking advantage of new revenue management tools
- Optimizing the direct voice channel
The following are a few memorable quotes from the presentations.
• Margaret Mastrogiacomo, Director of Creative Strategy at HeBS Digital – “Creating Meaningful Digital Relationships”
“Almost two-thirds (62%) of consumers say that online content and interactions makes them feel more connected to a brand. Yet only 32% find today’s brand communication helpful.”
“Companies who personalize content are seeing a 40% uplift in online sales.”
“Customers connect with brands who share their values.”
“It’s not just the destination it’s the journey.”
• Elana Chan, Agency Lead, Google East Coast Performance Team – “Owning the 2015 Holiday Season”
“41% of consumers use search engines to search for gifts and deals.”
“30% of consumers have already started holiday shopping!”
“29% YoY growth in Travel Cyber Monday searches vs 6% Generic Cyber Monday searches in 2013.”
• Sid Kothari, Executive Vice President at RateGain – “Next Generation Revenue Management”
“+1 point rating improvement resulted in an 11.2% increase in price.”
“Social media activity can significantly influence a hotel’s ability to set prices, drive occupancy and increase revenue.”
• Claire Goodswen, Solutions Architect at Lionbridge –”Tapping Into International Target Markets”
“72% of consumers spend most or all of their time on websites in their own language.”
“72% of consumers said they would be more likely to buy a product with information in their own language.”
“More than half of consumers are willing to pay more if you give them information in their own language.”
• Jason Ring, National System Consultant at NAVIS – “You’re Making Less Money Faster Than Ever”
“Acquiring a new guest is like dating.”
“Consumer confusion” is growing with close to 100 intermediaries between guest and property.”
“Larger viewing screens on mobile devices are leading to increased search-ability and leading to more calls.”
