eTravel Project

I have not written in a long time. I have been wrapped up in the daily routine of my many tasks at work. No excuse, but this is what happened.

A few days ago I was at brunch with my friends. We were talking about many different topics and one of them was travel. Most of them are seasoned travelers and have visited different continents. I could not help to ask them a professional question to see how DMOs (Destination Marketing Organizations) really help with the decision making process. To my surprise (but not so much), none of them ever goes to a DMO for information or anything else when they pick a destination for their next trip.

I know that just a few of my friends do not represent a solid statistical number, but I could not help from asking the question: “are DMOs still relevant?”. Is our job still justified? Some of them do an egregious job out there, but the vast majority look like a bureaucratic and dusty governmental entity that pays its employees’ salary and keep the boat floating. Are we moving fast enough with the changes that the new technologies offer and younger audience expect us to use? How can DMOs succeed in a highly competitive market arena? What is their real role? Shall DMOs be privatized and work as advertising agencies? Is it ethical to spend taxpayers’ money the way some DMOs do?

Are all these good ideas for a book or just a waste of time?

An article on the Economist got my attention last week, but I did not have much time to post anything. You can judge for yourself (see photo on the left). Apparently the new Romania’s logo was plagiarized.

KICKING off a promotional campaign with a plagiarism scandal is not the most orthodox way to attract clients. But in Romania, it may work. On the day Romania’s “explore the Carpathian garden” tourism campaign was launched at the Shanghai World Expo, a blogger revealed that its logo—a green leaf—resembled that of a British clean-transport company. A Belgian designer then claimed to have produced the image and marketed the rights through an online library. The logo can be bought for $250 and has been used by several other companies throughout Europe.

A little bit of self-promotion here… I frankly do not know of many destinations launching the iPhone travel guide and the Android one. We are also working on the Blackberry version. Here I am copying and pasting the press release we put together to spread out the word… I am very proud of the work accomplished and I really think that this Monaco Travel Guide really rocks. These are the wonders of working with the second smallest county in the world!

The Principality of Monaco offers thrilling vacation experiences, world-class cultural and sporting events, historical attractions, legendary hotels and restaurants and amazing to suit all budgets… To help travelers get the most out of this fairy tale destination, the Monaco Government Tourist Office recently launched the Monaco iPhone travel guide app – (www.monacoauction.com/iphone), offering suggested itineraries and restaurants, event information, travel and shopping tips, and interactive maps designed to help vacationers navigate their way through the Principality. Hot on the heels of its great success, comes the (free!) Android version of the Monaco Travel Guide. To download the app, just scan the QR code with your Android Barcode Scanner, or simply search for Monaco Travel Guide in Android Market.

This world-first, Monaco-specific mobile guide immerses savvy travelers in the local culture, cuisine and contacts. Featuring up-to-date facts and figures and stunning images of the Principality’s legendary attractions, restaurants, bars, nightlife, hotels, shopping, spas and architecture, this uniquely Monaco guide shows phone, address, email or website details – even launches a Google map – at a touch. Hold the very best of Monaco in your hands as you plan your visit or while in the Principality.

Magica Italia is the new video commercial that is going to air in Italy to boost tourism. Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi speaks on the background. Will this video really help tourism and convince Italians to book their summer vacation at home?

Photo credits - Monaco Tourist Office

Monte-Carlo, in the Principality of Monaco, was chosen as the world’s number one destination by TripAdvisor® in the 2010 Travelers’ Choice® Destination Awards. Destinations honored in The TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Destination Awards earn their distinction from those who know them best – real travelers.

TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice winners are based on the millions of real reviews and opinions from travelers on TripAdvisor.com™ over the past 12 months. The top destination was determined by a combination of TripAdvisor travelers’ favorite places and overall popularity on TripAdvisor.

TripAdvisor, the world’s most popular and largest travel community, has 15+ million registered members, more than 34 million monthly visitors, and 30 million traveler reviews and opinions.

“We are delighted and thrilled to learn today that TripAdvisor’s esteemed audience of travelers have voted Monte-Carlo the world’s best destination for 2010,” said Maguy Maccario, director, North America, Monaco Government Tourist Office.

Maccario continued, “Monaco is a truly international destination with events, attractions and activities covering a range of interests, budgets and tastes. With its breathtaking views, legendary hospitality, fine dining, acclaimed cultural offerings and premiere sports events, we are confident the magic of the principality will continue to enchant guests from around the world as we welcome them to our fabled shores.”

In 2008, Monte-Carlo rated #44 on the Travelers’ Choice Destinations Awards list and has made the huge leap to the top beating other great cities including Sydney, Rome, Tokyo, and San Francisco, which topped the best US destination list.

“Millions of travelers on TripAdvisor have identified the world’s most amazing destinations,” said Christine Petersen, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. “From stunningly beautiful locales to spots with outstanding attractions, the 2010 Travelers’ Choice Destination Award winners are truly incredible places that travelers love.”

For travelers reviews on Monaco and Monte-Carlo, visit: http://www.tripadvisor.com/TCDestinations-cTop25-g1 and for more on Monaco visit: www.VisitMonaco.com

For the complete 2010 Travelers’ Choice Destination Awards list, go to www.tripadvisor.com/TCDestinations.