Yesterday we officially launched InstaManager™ Multilingual and today, the Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (part of the UN) whose name is Taleb Rifani blogged that in 2012, for the first time, one billion will travel internationally (meaning outside their own borders) this year.
Coincidence? I do not think so. We officially launch InstaManager Multilingual and then1 out of every 7 people on the planet decides to become an international tourist. I think these two are definitely related.
I hope you take the time to read Taleb Rifani’s entire blog post because it really talks about the impact that tourism has on the entire world’s economy. I especially liked his President Obama quote: "The more folks who visit America, the more Americans we get back to work. It's that simple."
Here is a link to the blog post as well as a link to InstaManager Multilingual press release.
Coincidence?
Travel is Global and so is InstaManager!
Read this Press Release on Bookt.com.
I am in the midst of planning a road trip in Northern Europe in May which will require lodging in 5 locales over a 16-day period. This planning task again reminds me of the importance of Guest Reviews for Vacation Rental Websites as I am now doing my own research on FlipKey, TripAdvisor and Booking.com to plan and book this trip.
I have never been to most of the places we will be staying and I am struck by how important reading about other people’s experience is to my process. In fact, I would say that reputation and price have meant “everything” to my process, and it makes me appreciate the InstaManager™ FLEX product even more.
InstaManager FLEX combines FlipKey reviews and marketing (all integrated and automatic) with all of the other terrific InstaManager features and software. Want to see an example in action? Click on the “Reviews” tab on this condo -- who would not be interested in staying here?
I know that FlipKey and TripAdvisor take pains to make sure that reviews are “real” and unbiased. That is one reason why our global InstaManagers have the reputation management functionality to respond to a guest’s review and comments. There will be problems and glitches from time-to-time. It is more important on how and how fast the Property Manager responds.
There are hundreds of features and integrated functionality within InstaManager FLEX. I cannot think of one you can least do without than User Reviews from trusted partners like FlipKey and TripAdvisor.
For more insight into Reputation Management, check out this article written by our CEO, Rob Käll.
Having lots and lots of aggregate data from lots and lots of vacation rental managers is a real treasure trove for Bookt and our clients. Case and point, we recently did an aggregate analysis of our clients that are using the “Held Booking” feature in our software. How many of your reservationists’ phone conversations end without a sale? What if they instead ended with something like this? "Yes Ms. Jones, I understand that you need to think about this a little, but let me put this property, dates and rate on hold for you for 24 hours while you talk to your husband. I just need your name, email and phone to do this. In that way, no one else can book this unit and you are assured of all the details we discussed today. Plus, I will email you this quote in writing right away. Okay?" So what are the outcomes of these held bookings? According to aggregate data for the last 4 months, 65% of the time that reservation will convert into a confirmed booking. That is a powerful concept, isn't it? Are you using this approach it in your business? Do you have the tools to automate the processes? Do you have software solution partner who has the data and knowledge base to help you shape your online success? Bookt clients, including our InstaManagers have these tools. Learn more at www.instamanager.com.
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