eTravel Project

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?

According to eMarketer, privacy concerns are not really affecting social media traffic’s growth. Personally, I think that consumers have not really fully grasped the consequences of releasing too much information online. However, marketers should take note.

Read full article at www.emarketer.com

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.

My latest business trips have been a hassle and technology has not helped much. I plan and buy my travel itinerary on Expedia.com. In my last two business trips Expedia failed to alert me of any change happening to my flight. Both flights were canceled and then badly delayed.

I forward my itinerary to Worldmate Live. I have the free edition, that now integrates with LinkedIn and Blackberry. While I did not even board, I was already at my destination according to Worldmate and received a message if I wanted to post my new status on LinkedIn.

When I learned that my flight was canceled, I called the hotel booked on Expedia from my blackberry. The hotel was very gracious, but they said they could not change my reservation and I risked to be registered as a no-show unless I told Expedia to send them a fax with the change. A fax??? By the way, I was not even asking for a refund. The battery of my phone was running out, so I decided to call Expedia from another phone.

After about a 7 minute wait, I was able to talk to Expedia customer service. Customer service was courteous , but far from understanding the situation. They did not get that it was not up to me to change the reservation with the hotel. I call the hotel again and they say that no change was made to my reservation since they needed a fax from Expedia. I called Expedia for the second time. After another long wait, I found somebody more competent on the phone. She puts me on hold while she speaks to the hotel’s front desk manager. Finally, she ensured me that the hotel is holding my reservation in spite of the fact I was not going to show that night.

I arrive at the destination after the flight was postponed two times. I was able to avoid a long wait at the airport by checking the flight status online, but my flight was delayed when I arrived at JFK once again. Anyway, my luggage did not arrive. It arrived at the hotel only the night of the next day.

Also what’s wrong with Delta Wi-Fi on board? Every time I tried to connect it said  “service is temporarily unavailable”. No luck even with Wi-Fi!

This past weekend I went on a trip that I had to cancel for personal reasons last month. I booked a short weekend stay directly from the suppliers’ websites (hotel & transportation) and did not have a problem to reschedule my travel arrangements. What a different experience! No more Expedia.com for some time for me now.