Etihad unveils LinkedIn mapping tool
Etihad Airways has launched an online mapping tool developed in co-operation with LinkedIn to make it easier to message new contacts, arrange meetings and be more productive while travelling. Available at www.etihadmappedout.com, it offers professionals on LinkedIn the ability to search their connections by geographical location and see them displayed on a map making it easier for travellers to connect with their network of contacts as they travel.
LinkedIn members can enter search parameters based on geographical area, which can be countrywide or even a specific city; industries of interest; and first- and/or second-degree connections. The result of the search is a personalised map of the member’s LinkedIn connections, with a listing of business contacts within the region. Members can also reach their contacts instantly by sending messages directly from the contact list.
Saudi travellers lead Wego
Travellers from Saudi Arabia now comprise the largest user base among all Gulf states for travel metasearch leader Wego.
The scale of demand from within the kingdom and the purchasing power of Saudis add huge momentum to the travel industry’s shift from offline channels to online within the Middle East, it says, adding that almost seven in 10 transactions online are for air ticket purchases averaging over $1,600, the highest in the region while accommodation averages at $900 per booking.
Jakarta accounts for a substantial eight per cent of Saudi-based search volumes, more than double in three years; Istanbul and Kuala Lumpur are gaining in popularity while Cairo has bounced to match London, with Bodrum also coming up, it says.
Mandarin Oriental goes Arabic
Mandarin Oriental has launched an Arabic experiential website at mandarinoriental.ae which also offers guests the chance to personalise their stay by creating an integrated guest profile.
The online booking process has also been enhanced, with the ability to easily view and compare rooms and rates. More importantly, the group promises that rates online are the best available anywhere. If a better rate can be found it will not only be matched, but guests will benefit from a further 10 per cent reduction. Currently the Arabic website features 16 of the group’s hotels and the full portfolio will be available online by the end of this month.
Shangri-La Maldives makes the connection
Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives is looking to connect with its guests online via social media platforms. Utilising Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, the resort is encouraging consumers to share every stage of their holiday, from booking right to their return.
The resort acknowledges the importance of Facebook and Twitter to provide audiences with real-time access to the latest news, events and exclusive offers. In addition, the property encourages users to post their own content online through picture sharing sites such as Pinterest and Instagram or by leaving their stay reviews on TripAdvisor. To further support its digital strategy, the resort’s website is now accessible in six languages – English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian and Arabic – making it user-friendly for a wider spectrum of nationalities.