In today's edition: Frommers sees mobile moves, Sheraton realises $6 billion effort, Utell reminds non-payers, DirectFlights trawls for cars.
This is the regular Tnooz roundup of product news from around the travel, tourism and hospitality industry, all with a technology, online and digital twist - Wednesday 11 May 2011.
- Travelers are increasingly using their mobile devices to access travel content in-destination. No big surprise there. But, Frommer's Unlimited says demand for mobile content has nearly doubled since 2010. In a global survey of 1700 mobile-equipped folks, Frommer's says 52% indicated they were likely to access content such as restaurants and shops on a map or local offers while traveling compared with 27% in 2010. And, respondents aged 18 to 34 were even bigger users, at 72%. You can download the report here.
- Here's an oft-overlooked way for hotel chains to improve properties' online hotel ratings -- throw a few billion dollars at revitalization and pull the flag on subpar properties. Sheraton did these things and as a result Travelocity raised its ratings on 230 Sheraton properties, Sheraton says. It was all part of a three-year, $6 billion revitalization effort. Sheraton removed 60 properties, opened 79 new ones, renovated 120 hotels and crafted 300 new lobbies.
- You've heard of email alerts? While you may immediately think about gate changes and flight delays, Utell Hotels & Resorts began emailing hotels to notify them about their outstanding commission payments to travel agents as part of its TravelCom online commission processing service. There may be no better way to encourage repeat agent business. Paying your bills helps.