Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts

Thursday, November 25, 2010

The 5 Most Popular Travel Destinations in Thailand

Travelers who are planning a trip to Thailand will be able to choose from a wide variety of wonderful travel destinations. There are many beautiful Thai islands from which they can select as well as other type of travel destinations such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Tourists can choose to visit the North of Thailand which has beautiful mountains, magnificent flora and fauna and unique hill tribes. Those travelers that have a preference for a nice relaxing beach holiday can choose to stay at one of the popular Thai travel destinations such as Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin or Koh Samui.

Thailand has something to offer to all travelers which is why Thailand is such as ideal tourist destination. If you need help in deciding where in Thailand you should spend your vacation then be sure to consider the following 5 most popular travel destinations in Thailand.

Bangkok

Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and nearly all travelers Thailand Thai popular travel through this lens. Although Bangkok has a bad reputation because of traffic problems and air pollution, Bangkok is definitely bad for a destination where every traveler a few days on holiday in Thailand would have to spend. Bangkok has many attractions, including beautiful Buddhist temples, a variety of spectacular shopping malls and unique activities such as the floating market.

Phuket

One ofthe most visited travel destinations in Thailand is Phuket. This popular island is in fact the largest island in Thailand and Phuket has many attractions to offer its visitors. The beaches on Phuket are among the most beautiful beaches in Thailand and there are plenty of excellent Phuket beach resorts from which travelers can select. Many travelers choose to visit Phuket on vacation because of the world famous Phuket nightlife and the many great Phuket bars. Other popular tourist attractions on Phuket include the Phuket Fantasea Show, the Simon Cabaret Show and of course a number of world class golf courses. A number of different airlines offer multiple flights a day from one of the Bangkok airports to Phuket International Airport.

Pattaya

Pattaya is the beach resort area which is closest located to Bangkok which is why many local Bangkok residents visit Pattaya during weekends. The beach at Pattaya is actually not very impressive when compared to the beaches found on Phuket or Samui however the beach is not the primary reason why Pattaya is one of the most popular travel destinations in Thailand. The biggest attraction for many visitors is in fact the lively nightlife which can be found in Pattaya. There are thousands of beer bars and other type of Pattaya nightlife venues where tourists can mingle with the lovely Thai girls that work in these establishments. The fastest way to reach Pattaya from Bangkok is by car. A taxi from Bangkok to Pattaya will cost you around 1200 THB.

Samui

Samui is a beautiful tropical island which is located off the east coast of Thailand. The beaches on Samui are even more beautiful then those found on Phuket. The most popular Samui beaches are all located on the east coast of Koh Samui and are Chaweng beach, Lamai beach and Big Buddha beach. If you are looking for a resort area on Samui which offers plenty of activities and plenty of nightlife venues then be sure to book a hotel or resort in Chaweng beach. Both Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways offer several daily flights from Bangkok to Samui.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai offers travelers a different type of holiday experience then what those travelers visiting one of the beach destinations experience. Chiang Mai is located in the mountains in the North of Thailand. Chiang Mai is a great destination for those travelers that would really like to experience Thai culture and the cultures of the hill tribes. If you enjoy the nature then Chiang Mai is a great choice as there are various great attractions in and around Chiang Mai such as trekking, rafting, elephant riding and visits to the nearby hill tribes. A number of different airlines offer several flights per day to Chiang Mai from either one of the Bangkok airports. The best time to visit Chiang Mai is during Song Kran which is the Thai New Year festival.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Amazing Travel to Thailand

It was a kingdom long before Westerners came and saw. But the Westerners never conquered this tiny Kingdom of Thailand. This Southeast Asian country is known as "The Land of Smiles" - a beautiful place with white beaches, golden temples, and roaming elephants. For those who want to enjoy the sun and the sea, they only have to go to the warm Andaman Sea; for people who want to see large numbers of might gray elephants, they can go to the Khao Sok rain forest where the animals have free rein.

Planning a trip to Thailand would not leave people broke and bankrupt when they return home. Choosing bargain round trip flights to Thailand from Australia and New Zealand are readily available from good carriers, such as Jet International, Tiger Airways, and Thai Airways. Travelers are advised to book their flights November to February. Bangkok is the hub for many Asia and Australasian flights. One word of caution though: hopping from Bangkok to Bali or Vietnam needs a special visa so it is best to carry extra passport photos, just in case.

With a few hundred dollars from quick cash loans, a group of friends could a take a backpacking trip to Thailand and there are plenty of things to enjoy for everyone. For the hardcore athletic types, they could choose from white-water rafting, kayaking, and even wakeboarding. For the ladies who lounge, the Thais are known for their invigorating massages and wellness spas. Even though it's a small country compared to its neighbors like Vietnam and Cambodia, Thailand is full of things to do for adventurous tourists-from elephant rides to night market shopping! When in Bangkok, the crazy capital city, travel experts advise first time tourists not to take taxis because the place is known for crowded streets and terrible traffic. For a unique travel experience, first time tourists could try the river ferries and the Thais' very own motorcycle taxi innovation, popularly known as the tuk-tuk.

Although there are lots to see and experience in Bangkok, adventurous tourists are encouraged to go outside of the bustling city and plan to go to two other choice destinations such as Chiang Mai and Phuket. These are famous resort spots: the former is known for its gastronomic specialties and abundance of exotic animals, like the elephants and the monkeys (incidentally, these creatures have their own training school!) and the latter for its spa treatments and grand hotels. Although travelling is a time of letting go and enjoying every experience, first time tourists should always keep an eye on their travel budget and put close tabs on their reserved fast money so they could still use some when emergencies occur.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Loyalty Programs in Travel and Hospitality Sector and Key Role of E-CRM

SECTION ONE: TRAVEL LOYALTY

INTRODUCTION

The travel sector offers quite a few loyalty programs - some of which are quite well-known, and successful as well. Within this sector, the sub-vertical that definitively takes the lead in loyalty program adoption and innovation is the Airlines sector.

Airlines were among the first businesses to introduce loyalty programs to their customers. Frequent-flyer programs date back to early 1980s when American Airlines started the now iconic American Advantage (AAdvantage) program. Through the Sabre computer reservations system, American Airlines had amassed a database of around 150,000 of its best customers.

SOME THE INDUSTRY'S BEST CONTEMPORARY LOYALTY PROGRAMS

The Star Alliance Network is a partnership where frequent flyers can accumulate and redeem miles on the following airlines: United Airlines; Lufthansa; Air Canada; SAS; British Midland; Varig; ANA; Singapore Airlines; Austrian Airlines; Thai Airways; Air New Zealand; and Mexicana.

VARIG's Smiles Program is the most popular frequent flyer loyalty program in Latin America. With Smiles, passengers can earn miles on every VARIG flight, as well as regional, domestic and international flights on Rio Sul, Nordeste, Pluna, South African Airways, Spanair, Alitalia and participating airlines of the Star Alliance. Miles earned can be exchanged for free tickets, upgrades and other benefits.

US Airways offers its members greater privileges through additional offers by its Dividend Miles program on travel on US Airways and its partners. The features differ for its three membership types - Silver Preferred, Gold Preferred and Chairman's Preferred.

SECTION TWO: HOSPITALITY LOYALTY
INTRODUCTION

In the days of inception, the hospitality industry offered loyalty programs together with the travel industry. With time, as the airlines stated their own Frequent Flier Programs, the hospitality industry launched independent frequent guest programs as well. Holiday Inn was amongst the first to launch its own loyalty program, in January 1983 followed by Marriott with its Honored Guest Awards program in the same year.

SOME THE INDUSTRY'S BEST CONTEMPORARY LOYALTY PROGRAMS

The recent launch of "Any hotel, Any where" card by the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), the world's largest and most global hotel company, is one of the best initiatives in the context of new age loyalty programs in the hospitality industry. IHG has recently added a new feature to its customer loyalty program: Priority Club Rewards.

Starwood Preferred Guest is another of the best loyalty programs in the Industry. The program made headlines when it launched in 1999 with a breakthrough policy of no blackout dates and no capacity controls, meaning members can redeem free nights anytime, anywhere.

Park Hospitality, part of Minneapolis-based Carlson Hospitality Worldwide, consists of Park Plaza and Park Inn hotels in North America. The hospitality group primarily offers services to a range of guests in suburban and leisure destinations. Park Rewards, part of the Gold Points Rewards guest loyalty program, is based on a point system awarding 10 points for each U.S. dollar spent on accommodations at Park Plaza and Park Inn hotels in North America.

Radisson Hotels and Resorts' channel-based Relationship Building Loyalty Program, called 'Look To Book', has been very successful as well. Radisson is the only hotel company to offer a patented on-line loyalty program for travel agents, which allows them to automatically earn points towards valuable merchandise and incentive awards in return for booking Radisson hotels.

Hyatt offers a global loyalty program - Hyatt Gold Passport. Hyatt Gold passport offers features like earning points towards free nights with no blackout dates, selecting in-hotel services and special offers, beginning with the very first stay. The benefits offered are based on the type of membership the guest holds. The three memberships offered by Hyatt Gold Passport are Gold, Platinum and Silver, based on the frequency/ number of visits.

Hospitality industry in developing economies such as in India are not left behind either The Welcom Award program recognises the needs of a business traveller and through its strategic alliances with travel partners, endeavors to build rewarding relationships.

SECTION THREE: COMMON PROBLEMS WITH LOYALTY PROGRAMS, AND THEIR MITIGATION BEST-PRACTICES

While the consumer awareness of loyalty programs as well as the business priority accorded to them are both growing in tandem, the effectiveness of such programs, and the consequent ROI that a business generates out of them continue to be significant challenges. Here below are a few key areas that deserve focused attention of enterprises that are implementing or running such programs:

"7 out of 10 loyalty card owners own more than one loyalty card," avers a recent Frost & Sullivan research. The problem out of this rampant loyalty card and loyalty program proliferation, researchers say, is that surprisingly few consumers know which hotels are covered by their frequent-stay cards, thereby missing out on earning hundreds, even thousands, of points. Blame it on poor communication by the companies or the sheer numbers of brands, say the experts.

Traditionally, customer relationship management focus in hospitality has always began and ended in one phrase: "customer satisfaction." The presumption is very simple: Customers will appreciate good service so much that they would not go to your competitor. In other words: Customer satisfaction plus quality of services equals customer loyalty.

The truth is that customer satisfaction does not always equal customer loyalty.

Research shows:
• 40% of satisfied customers switch hotels without hesitation (Forum Corp.)
• 65% to 85% of customers who choose a new hotel claim to be satisfied and very satisfied with the
former one (Harvard Business Review)
• 85% of customers claim to be satisfied, yet willing to switch to other hotels (University of Texas).

These are compelling numbers, clearly indicating that even for the best-of-class service provider hotels there is a crying need for focused and ongoing relationship building and relationship deepening exercises with their key clientele.

Electronic customer relationship management (e-CRM), in the context of the exploding Internet distribution and marketing in hospitality, is a business strategy supported by Web technologies allowing hoteliers to engage customers in strong, personalized and mutually beneficial interactive relationships, increase conversions and sell more efficiently.

This means that almost every time an Internet user lands on a hotel Web site a branding interaction occurs, thereby creating either an opportunity, or a threat, for the hotel. This branding interaction can be positive (brandbuilding) or negative (brand-eroding).

A. Customer Knowledge

Knowing your Web site visitors is an extremely important consideration when conceptualizing and designing your hotel Web site and your e-CRM strategy.

The 2004 RUSH Report shows:

• 56% of all visitors on hotel branded Web sites are leisure travelers and 32% are business travelers. Approximately 3% of hotel Web site visitors are involved in meeting or event planning.
• 34% of all visitors on hotel branded Web sites seek information about the hotel, while 30% of the visitors come to make or change a reservation.
• Business travelers look for directions and high speed Internet.
• Meeting planners look for function room floor plans and capacity charts.

The benefits:
• Identifies your most valuable customers with best lifetime value perspective (20:80 principle)
• Allows guest-centric data mining: Guest history, guest profiles, past bookings, preferences, etc.
• Enables informed decisions in real time
• Allows fast response times
• Offers real-time guest lifetime value
• Delivers business insight to executives, marketers, sales

B. Personalization
Personalizing the customer experience on the hotel Web site is a powerful conversion and retention tool. Customizing your interaction with your most valuable customers (those 20% who generate 80% of your business) will provide significant long-term rewards.
Personalization at the property level should start by:
• Identifying all "electronic touch points" with your customers (hotel guests, meeting planners, travel professionals, etc.) and creating an action plan.
• Personalize all electronic communications with your customers. Adopt a policy on how to address your guests via e-mail (first name only, Mr./Mrs. plus last name, etc.).

C. Customer Support

It is important to understand that customer service is only one aspect of e-CRM and is primarily a reactive function aiming to improve performance and efficiency, while e-CRM as a whole is a proactive long-term strategy.

Customer support in the Internet age relies on a wide range of tools and techniques. Here are some to consider:
• Web Self-Service Tools: Intelligent service channel management and natural language search engines; directing customer requests to most appropriate support information and services; FAQs; "Ask the experts" self-service chat rooms; interactive maps, directions and business locators.
• Live Service Tools: Push-to-talk functionality and real-time interaction with live agent; instant messaging and chat-room type assistance; Voice-over-Internet Protocols applications; and automation to pre-screen live support (selective approach).
• E-Mail Service Tools: Inbound e-mail management; and automated e-mail response systems capable of automating 80%-90% of e-mail volume with 98% accuracy, dramatically improving service and reducing support staff by up to 40%.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Budget Travel In Thailand: How to Travel in Thailand With Style and Without Bankruptcy

Thailand was my first tourist destination outside Europe and North America. Based on the sage advice of my Thailand-experienced friends, I was sure that this paradise vacation would be carried out on ridiculous costs. However, back home, I have found out too late, that during my little Thailand adventure I have spent almost the same amount of money as one of my regular surges to Europe. If only I knew that carefully planning your trip to Thailand can manifest itself in huge savings. The following list includes some solid advice that can help those novice Thailand visitors to save significant amounts of cash and still enjoy their vacation:
1. Season choice. Traveling in Thailand Islands during the low season can save you up to 25% of the accommodation costs (up to 25$ per bungalow per night if you choose high standard - not luxury - accommodation). Similar to many other world locations that are based operate seasonally; there is a significant price fluctuation across seasons. Not less important is that fact that the weather in Thailand is quite pleasant even during the low season. The temperatures' difference between the "hot season" and the "peak season" is miniscule, and during the "wet season" one can experience only a mild occasional rain. Therefore, in Thailand one can lower accommodation costs by avoiding the peak season without paying the price of suffering from unbearable cold or coping with endless monsoon.
2. Transportation. Getting from Bangkok to your final destination in one of the Southern Islands by train or bus instead of by plane can save you up to 80$ each way. You can save a bundle if you arrive to Bangkok International Airport in the evening. In this case you save, besides the gap between relatively expensive airfare and train or bus ticket, the first night's accommodation cost as well (40$ - 100$ per bungalow per night in high standard - not luxury - accommodation).
3. Food. In Western style countries, the more you pay for your dinner the better it is, so everyone can make a personal decision about getting an appropriate cost - benefit balance. In Thailand, and especially in the Southern Islands it is much simpler: in most cases, the cheaper the better. Expensive restaurants in Thailand Islands usually specialize on Western food that is neither authentic nor of superior taste; a standard dinner will cost you 10$ - 30$ in a restaurant of this kind. Alternatively, the dinner in a cheap restaurant with plastic chairs will cost you 3$ - 8$ and it is usually both tasty and authentic. My most disappointing Thai dinner was served in a fancy restaurant in Bangkok and had cost 120$ for a couple, whereas my best dinner was served in a cheap family restaurant in Koh Phangan. The owner - young mom named Mam - prepared the meal for us exactly as we wished it would be and charged us with measly 5-6$ per person.
4. Air Conditioning. The presence of air conditioning in your room can make a huge difference in accommodation rates. For example, the same room rates in the same resort can vary from 15$-30$ for a bungalow with a fan to 40$ - 100$ for an air-conditioned bungalow. Although choosing an air-conditioned room during the hot season (such as March - April) is crucial, if you visit Southern Thailand during the rainy season - a bungalow with a fan can both satisfy your needs and cut your expenses in more than a half.
5. Location Choice. Similar to the beginning of the world, however, in most places where housing prices and the islands of Thailand to choose depends on your situation. The bungalow in the central beach is situated near the airport or harbor full of nightlife, probably twice as expensive in the same bungalow in a quiet secluded beach. However, accessibility is a problem in the islands of Thailand and the taxi fares and taxi boat fares operate under the same principle that overnight rates. So there is arule you may adopt: if you are looking for social activities and busy nightlife- stay close to the airport or seaport; otherwise make a little effort and move after your arrival to a remote beach. You will save up to 60% on the accommodation rates this way.
6. Communication. It will probably not come as a complete shock, but the use of cellular phone from outside of Thailand could be extremely expensive. To save on communication costs you can either buy a local cellular phone with prepaid SIM card or use the Telephone & Internet centers services. Mind you that the cost of these services may vary. As usual, if you're calling overseas from your resort's office - it will be more expensive than using a call center in the town. The cheapest solution is probably giving your phone number to your friends or relatives overseas since every call center has a phone number that can be used for calling back.
7. Price negotiation. In tourist locations in Thailand negotiation is a necessity or a way of life. Likewise, in the less touristy islands and areas price bargaining is accepted as well. Just try it - in Thailand price negotiation isn't considered an embarrassing behavior, so you have nothing to lose.
8. Psychology. Although, in Thailand everything is perceived to be cheaper than in your home country, don't be fooled by the seemingly low prices and control your expenses. Buying an enormous amount of inexpensive things can really add up a surprisingly large sum of money.
In my last visit to Thailand, I followed these guidelines, with perseverance and I was happy to report that to travel in Thailand for more than a simple economic problem, it can be fun. Interestingly, Thailand, spend less - the closest authentic local experience. 


 Reference : www.thaisabuy.com

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Low cost travel in Asia

Maybe if you take some effort, especially when browsing the Internet is very good deals during the trip to Asia might Thailand, China, Taiwan, South Korea will be. There are several portals, such as Make My Trip Cleartrip or Travelocity or, where tenders are to travel in Asia can get.

Low cost travel in Asia

A sort of travel in Asia is favorable to find discount airfares, it may purchase tickets via the Internet, andWebsites of the airlines directly or portals like MakeMyTrip. You could go for Airlines low-cost airlines such as Jetstar in Australia or dishes Oasis Hong Kong Airlines as the steering wheel cuts the generous, but tickets are certainly Singapore, which are much cheaper than the established airlines such as Cathay Pacific Airways and the budget of this institution can eat or can pay on board (including mineral water), or their meals are very basic-.the places on theseAircraft can be even more limited, as seats will be larger (with more numbers to fill more passengers). Sure, sometimes, when the newspapers or television or monitored closely in touch with leading travel agencies, one is able to offer attractive prices, airlines such as Cathay Pacific Airways and established Thai Airlines from purchasing tickets may also apply if the funding runs out well in advance if these airlines to price tickets at lower prices-This means that passengers want to win, since it is the best of both worlds discounted tickets and get all the bells and whistles, and are generally traditional airlines such as meals, entertainment on board modern, PTV, good decor, comfortable seats seats available, less cramped seating, etc.

How to find the cheapest trip to Asia?

One way is to look at rates C. this is great place to start to find deals on cheap travel for most of the Asian countries that haveOffers that are truly amazing.
Discover the huge discounts for business trips to China and Japan.

There is so much that Asia has to offer, different cultures, food, dress, language, customs, within the various countries in Asia make it a really fascinating continent. It makes sense before you make your trip a lot of research on the Internet, especially since it takes a lot of very competitive rates, and overall travel experience cancould be better, because more or less know what to expect, what might be more willing to stay more enjoyable.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Thailand Travel

If you are planning a family vacation, the country of Thailand may be wondering how to handle themselves. Not sure what to expect in this country and do not be surprised if you get there. There are many ways for you to leave, it is sufficient to examine the costs, travel time, route e.

There are many airlines to go in, to and from various important places. Airlines including AirAsia, the international and nationalRoutes. It also offers discounted tickets steep when you book a week or two in advance. Another airline, Bangkok Airways, have become "Asia's Boutique Airline". This company can be very expensive. Airline Thai Airways is known as the reliable and comfortable Thai, but is usually more expensive than other airlines.

Under a train is another good way to get around. State Railway of Thailand has a KM-4000-system of a large amountof the country. pay the price that is expected to depend on the speed of the train and the class of vehicle is based. classes of travel including first class, second class and third class.

The first class tickets are more expensive and have a bed for two persons compartment. E 'to have their own AC units together. the third is probably the cheapest way to travel in Thailand, but do not expect frills. It 's the third class with wooden benches, the municipalityrather uncomfortable on a train traveling 10 hours. Second class is a good compromise and a moderate price. The second class is an adjustable seat and a snack or a fine castle.

Buses are everywhere! There are local buses, bus your round-the-City Express, buses, Second Class, First Class buses, VIP buses with 32-34 seats and a large S-VIP bus with 24 seats. As with trains, each bus is equipped with new prices, discounts and tours.

There are somany different ways to get around, are not other ways, including as a taxi, you need not worry about getting stranded. Whether by train, bus or air travel are required to have a shot!

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Egypt Travel - Travel and about

mystical and timeless charm of Egypt have seen for centuries, the old country are among the most spectacular destinations in the world ranking.

Egypt is reached by air, water and road and rail traffic. Who can travel by air passed through the international airport of Cairo, Alexandria, Nozah, Luxor and Aswan in Egypt, Hurghaba the Red Sea and Sharm El-Sheikh, South Sinai.

There are many air passengers that flights to Egypt, including the supply of BritishAirways>, Alitalia, Turkish Airlines, Airlines, Royal Dutch Airlines and Thai Airways International.

In addition to the airports there are a number of seaports for those who want to go to the beach. To travel to the Mediterranean ports of Alexandria, Port Said, Damietta and all possible points of entry. There is also a port on the Gulf of Suez and others, the port of Nuweiba on the Gulf of Aqaba. The Red Sea offers threeOptions for travelers, the ports of Hurghaba, Safaga and Sharm El-Sheikh.

For those who prefer to travel by car, there are three points of entry on land. The voice Salloum border post is in the north-west (for those who want to invest in Libya). The famous border crossing of Rafah on the border north-east for those in the Gaza Strip, the occupied territories and Israel. There is a place on the eastern border at Taba for those who wish to invest in Israel.

The paper work right, And visa is for a stress-free travel to Egypt. Egyptian visitors are not required to Egypt to hold a valid passport. Visa can be either by the Egyptian diplomatic missions and consular posts abroad, the visa can be obtained from the Department or the Immigration and Nationality Administration (TDINA). However, it is to get an entry visa for visitors in all possible main entry points.

Visitors to Egypt's land border from TabaVisit the Gulf of Aqaba coast and St. Catherine can be exempted from visa requirements, and provides a free stay for 14 days to allow you to visit the area. Citizens of following countries are holding a pre-visa: Afghanistan, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Chechnya, Croatia, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Macau, Macedonia, Malaysia, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Pakistan, Palestine,Philippines, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and all African countries.

Those who hold a residence permit in Egypt are not required to obtain an entry visa if they leave the country and return to it within the period of validity of residence permit or within six months, the period is less. There are three types of visas for Egypt. Tourist visas are normally valid for a period not exceeding three months andgranted based on single or multiple entry. entry visa, all visitors arriving in Egypt for purposes such as study and work that are not necessary connected with tourism. This visa is required for the completion of their stay in Egypt. The transit visas are available to travelers in transit through Egypt. In Egypt, visitors different ways across the country in an easy and convenient. These options range from rental cars, trains and luxury coachesDomestic flights connect the city's attractions.

If the next through Cairo, you can rent a limo with fixed rates for your stay near the airport, or use airport transport services covering the country's airports and Cairo. It can be for this service through your travel agent or request information at the airport.

The easiest and most common way to travel within a city is by taxi. They arereadily available in most cities of Cairo, for example, has a fleet of yellow cabs with air conditioning and measured. One is to advise those who book their taxi at least one hour before the scheduled time for their journey. In some cases it is advisable to avoid a receipt as proof of payment, the inconvenience to ask later. Alternatively, you could take a normal taxi on the street or even in front of their hotel. They are usually the city in which they operate in every colorAlexandria, they are yellow and black, is in Cairo in black and white. It 's very important to select the color codes in different cities, so you know, to minimize the risks.

Egypt city has a healthy bus system within and between cities. Examples of Super Jet, Delta and Upper Egypt bus. You go from town to town and offer catering, toilets and car entertainment. "The Wolf" on the road with buses is that too often stop for too longespecially on long journeys. Travelling by train is highly recommended for international travel.

The metro, which consists of two long lines, the cheapest and fastest way to move the governorate of Giza and Cairo, particularly during peak hours (from 14.00 to 17.00). The first, Helwan El Marg has 33 stops, the second from Giza to Shoubra El Khema has 18 stops. Note that the first cars of each train are reserved for women. Summer hours are from 6:00 clockWatches and 1:00 pm Winter hours are from 6:00 a 12.00 clock.

Many carriers offer a wide range of luxury cars and coaches with well trained drivers. car rental companies are represented in major cities and national and international airports. The train is one of the best ways to travel between major cities in Egypt.

Three types of trains are available: the ordinary, express, and the Turbo. The espresso and the turbo are more expensive optionsbut come with the advantage of leading a trip to your destination quickly spoiled with all the dining facilities and air conditioning. An excellent Turbo train service between Cairo and major cities across the country. The train takes about two hours from Cairo to Alexandria where to go.

For those who wish to travel directly to aircraft on the ground, Egypt Air - the national airline - left most of the tourist cities in Egypt, with its reliable domestic flights. E 'candirectly fly from Luxor to Sharm El Sheikh and Alexandria.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Loyalty programs in travel and restaurant services and a central role of E-CRM

PART ONE: Loyalty Program

INTRODUCTION

The travel industry has a number of loyalty programs - some of which are quite well known and successful. Within this sector, which is sub-vertical, which definitely takes the initiative to adopt the innovation in the loyalty program and airlines.

Airlines were among the first companies to loyalty programs for their clients to introduce. frequent flyer programs back to early 1980 when American Airlines started the now iconic American Advantage (AAdvantage) program. Through the computer reservation system Sabre, American Airlines had a database of about 150,000 of its best customers accumulated.

SOME CONTEMPORARY paper industry's best loyalty

The Star Alliance network is a partnership, where, and can accumulate frequent flyer award redemption on the following airlines: United Airlines, Lufthansa, Air Canada, SAS, British Midland, Varig, ANA, Singapore Airlines, Austrian Airlines, ThaiAirways> Mexicana and Air New Zealand.

VARIG Smiles frequent flyer program is the most popular in Latin America. With a smile, passengers can earn miles with every VARIG, and national and international regional flights to Rio Sul, Nordeste, Pluna, South African Airways, Spanair, Alitalia and participating Star Alliance airlines. accumulated miles can be exchanged for free tickets, passes and other benefits.

U.S. Airways offersmore privileges to its members with additional offerings to the Dividend Miles program on travel on U.S. Airways and its partners. The functions are different for the three types of membership - Silver Preferred, Gold Preferred and the President's library.

PART TWO: FAIRNESS 'HOSPITALITY'
INTRODUCTION

In the days of creation, has offered hospitality loyalty programs, along with the travel industry. Over time, as airlines said their frequent flyer programs,Hospitality launches independent frequent guest programs. Holiday Inn was one of the first loyalty program launched in January 1983, followed by Marriott, with its guest rewards program in the same year.

SOME CONTEMPORARY paper industry's best loyalty

The recent introduction of "Any Hotel, where each" board of InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is the largest hotel company and more global world, one of the best initiatives in thenew era of loyalty programs in the hospitality industry. Priority Club Rewards: IHG has recently launched a new feature to its customer loyalty program received.

Starwood Preferred Guest is another of the best loyalty programs in the industry. The program made headlines when it was launched in 1999 with a policy of openness with no blackout dates and no capacity control, ie, members can redeem free nights anytime, anywhere.

Park Hospitality, the Minneapolis-based Carlson Hospitality Worldwide,consists of Park Plaza and Park Inn hotels in North America. The group mainly provides services to a host of guests in suburban and leisure destinations. Park Rewards, the loyalty program, Gold Points Rewards is host to award on a point system of 10 points for every dollar spent on accommodations at Park Plaza and Park Inn hotels in North America.

Radisson Hotels & Resorts' channel-based compounds Building Loyalty program called "Look To Book", wasvery successful. Radisson is the only hotel company to a proprietary online loyalty program for travel agents that automatically collect valuable points for merchandise and incentive awards in return for booking hotels offer Radisson allowed.

Hyatt offers a comprehensive program of loyalty - Hyatt Gold Passport. Hyatt Gold Passport offers features such as earning points for free nights with no blackout dates, selection of hotel services and special offers, starting with the veryfirst visit. The services offered are the type of investment held by the host-based. The three memberships Hyatt Gold Passport offers gold, platinum and silver, according to the frequency / number of visits.

Hospitality industry in emerging countries like India are not behind is welcome Awards program recognizes the needs of business travelers and travel through its strategic alliances with partners who are trying to build fruitful relations left.

PART THREE:Common Problems with loyalty programs, and the reduction of best practices

While consumer awareness of incentive programs and the company a priority, both are growing hand in hand, the effectiveness of such programs and their ROI that a company generates from them are still significant challenges. Here are some important areas that deserve more attention to companies that implement or execute these programs:

"7 of 10 fidelityCard owners have more than one loyalty card, "says a recent Frost & Sullivan. The problem with this card and rampant customer loyalty program of proliferation, the researchers say, that consumers know surprisingly few hotels are covered by their cards frequent stays, lost profit Hundreds, even thousands of points. Blame it on poor communication of the company or the large number of brands, experts say.

Traditional Customer Relationship ManagementEmphasis in the hotel industry has always started and ended in a sentence "Customer satisfaction" The premise is simple. Customers will appreciate good service so that do not go to your competitors. In other words, customer satisfaction and service quality meets customer loyalty.

The truth is that customer satisfaction does not always equal customer loyalty.

Research shows:
• 40% of satisfied customers to change hotel without hesitation (Forum Corporation)
•65% to 85% of customers who choose a new right hotel for satisfied and very satisfied
Ex (Harvard Business Review)
• 85% of customers have the right happy, but willing to switch to other hotels (University of Texas).

They are convincing figures clearly show that even the best-of-service provider of hotel there is an urgent need for targeted and constant relationship building and strengthening relations with its major exercisesCustomers.

Electronic Customer Relationship Management (e-CRM), which went on sale on the Internet to explode and marketing in the hotel industry a business strategy of web technologies allows hoteliers to customers in a highly personalized and mutually beneficial relations improve interactive starts the conversion and support to sell more efficiently.

This means that almost every time an Internet user lands on a hotel site, a branding interaction occurs, whicheither an opportunity or a threat to the hotel. This branding interaction can be positive (brand-building) or negative (brand erosion).

A. Customer insight

You know your website visitors is a very important aspect in the conception and design of your hotel website and e-CRM strategy.

The RUSH Report 2004 shows:

• 56% of all visitors on hotel branded web sites and 32% are businessmen. About 3% of Web HotelVisitors to the site to be involved in the planning meeting or event.
• 34% of all visitors on hotel Web sites looking for information about the hotel brand to come, while making 30% of visitors or change a reservation.
• Business research directions and high-speed Internet access.
• For meetings looking for meeting space floor plans and capacity charts.

Advantages:
• Identify the most important customers with the best prospects in the value of life (20:80 principle)
•Allows guest-centric data mining: guest history, guest profiles, past bookings, preferences, etc.
• Enables informed decisions in real time
• enables rapid response times
• Provides a real-time assessment of lifetime value
• Provides information to corporate executives, marketing, sales

B. Customize
Personalizing the customer experience on the hotel website is a powerful conversion and retention tool. Customizing your interaction with your most valuable customers(Those who generate 20%, 80% of your company) offers significant benefits in the long term.
Level customization of properties should start with:
• identifying all "electronic touch points" with your customers (guests, event planners, professionals, etc.) and creating an action plan.
• Personalize all electronic communications with customers. A policy, as your guests via e-mail (name only, Mr / Ms last name Plus, etc.) address.

C.Français

It 'important to understand that the service is only one aspect of e-CRM and is primarily a reactive function, in order to improve performance and efficiency, while e-CRM as a whole is a proactive long-term .

The customer service in the Internet age is based on a wide range of tools and techniques. Here are some to consider:
• Web self-service tools: intelligent channel management service, natural language search engine, customer needs managerfor the most appropriate support information and services, FAQs, "Ask the Experts" Self-service chat, interactive maps, driving directions and business locators.
• Live Support tools: Push-to-talk and the ability of real time interaction with live agent, instant messaging and chat rooms give assistance, voice-over Internet Protocol applications and automation support for live screen (selective approach ).
• E-Mail Service Tools: incoming e-mail management and automated response e-mailSystems, automation of 80% -90% of the volume of e-mail with 98% accuracy and to improve services and support staff to reduce up to 40%.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

How can I travel in Nepal?

There is only one international airport, Tribhuvan International Airport and has direct flights to and from the following countries: 1) Singapore (Silk Air) 2) Korea (Korean Air) 3) United Arab Emirates (Nepal Airlines, Etihad Airways) 5) India (Nepal Airlines, Jet Airways, Jet Lite, Indian Airlines, Druk Air) 6) China (Air China, China Southern Airlines) 7) Thailand (Nepal Airlines, Thai Airways) 8) Bangladesh (Biman Airlines, GMG Airlines) 9) Pakistan (PakistanInternational Airlines) 10) Bhutan (Druk Air) 11) Bahrain (Gulf Air) 12) Malaysia (Nepal Airlines) 13) Qatar (Qatar Airways). Basically, travelers from all over the world, to U.S., Europe come to Nepal through connecting flights from the positions referred to above.

You can also travel by road from India to Nepal in the north and south of China. You could take the train or bus to the border with Nepal and India continue on the road to various cities of Nepal to achieve. You can travelBanbasa to Delhi border village in India, by bus, it takes about 8 hours. Then take a bus to Kathmandu from Mahendranagar, the additional 15 hours. Alternatively, you can travel by train from Delhi to Gorakhpur (16 hours) and then by bus from Gorakpur to Sunauli (3 hours). Then you can choose to travel to the border town of Bhairahawa in the Nepali side in Kathmandu, Pokhara.

You can also travel by train from Calcutta to Raxaul (15 hours). You can also travel from Patna Raxaul(7 hours) on the bus. Then take a bus from Birgunj, the Nepalese border town next to Raxaul, Kathmandu (10 hours), Pokhara (9 hours). It is possible from Darjeeling to Kathmandu via Kakarbhitta travel to the border town in Nepal. Need to travel from Darjeeling to Siliguri, then from Siliguri to Panitanki (1 hour). Then cross the border to Kakarbhitta and then travel to Kathmandu in a bus (14 hours).

You can travel in a jeep on the road from Lhasa to Kodari, the border between China and Nepal. FromKodari, you may be down to 5 hours on a bus to Kathmandu, capital of Nepal.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Travel Guide to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Jakarta Indonesia!

Jakarta is served by the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, was previously from Halim Perdanakusuma This airport was for all international flights to Jakarta has been used up to the opening of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport Halim Perdanakusuma is simply use ' commercial airport, but the transaction has a large number of turboprop aircraft, charter and general aviation companies. In short it is used for private purposes and the presidential election. Now is the biggest airport in Jakarta, Jakartalocated about 20 km west of Jakarta. It 's the biggest airport in Jakarta, and operating in Indonesia since 1985. And 'success in operation for passenger and cargo traffic.

The airlines used to operate at Jakarta Airport: A large number of flights the flights Jakarta. These airlines offer both domestic and international flights to and from Jakarta. These flights can be booked with business air travel as flights to Jakarta, a number of national and international airlinesJakarta International Airport are operating, Turkish Airlines, Thai International Airways, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, Indonesia Air Asia, Etihad Airways, Emirates, Cathay Pacific Airways, Japan Airlines, KLM, Air Asia, Kuwait Airways and Air China. These airlines offer discounted flights to Jakarta in Indonesia with a specialized travel services.

Services Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport hasfacilities State-of-the-art for all the needs of its passengers' needs. It has four terminals. Terminal 1 is the site of the South Jakarta for domestic flights. Terminal 2 at the northern site is in operation, both domestic and international flights to Jakarta. Terminal 3 is to use an ecological concept and modern, with international flights, while Terminal 4 is in development. Four First and Business Lounges at Transit Lounge are in the starting area. Other servicesJakarta International Airport, are information and help-desk, duty-free shops, souvenir shop, magazines, libraries, banks, bars and restaurants. Under flights to Jakarta from UK tour operators such as with a trustworthy will be a pleasant experience

Friday, September 3, 2010

Air travel trend in India

There was a time in which a limited number of flights operated by airlines on the airline in India. Rich people or people of the highest level enjoyed their travels with aircraft or helicopters. Over time a significant change in the emerging markets of India changed the entire scenario of the country of India. The country was economically sound. The various national and international airlines have been attracted to passengers in India. They began a series scheduled domestic flights and various cities in the world.

The other popular airlines operate flights to India are to reach passengers from India, as follows.

- Air India
- Indian Airlines
- Kingfisher
- Lufthansa
- Air Sahara
- Gulf Air
- Air Mauritius
- British Airways
- Emirates Airlines
- Continental Airlines
- Malaysia Airlines
- SriLankan Airlines
- Japan Airlines
-> Thai International Airways
- Qantas Airways

The growing number of airlines and their Airlines flights to various destinations brought happiness to customers. The competition in reducing the rate served as a bonus for passengers. Now it was easy and comfortable even for a normal person to travel from flights. Different airlines have asked for more aircraft to increase its flight services to cover more destinations.

But all theseThings do not go for a long time. The growing number of workers who were employed in the provision of better services, with a flight into or out of the flight on this page has the burden of airlines. The increasing amount of fuel / air force to reduce the administration of his airline flights to various destinations. The situation was such that some of the worst airlines have begun their redundant employees.