• English (United Kingdom)
  • Български (България)


Objectives

objective

The Conference aims at addressing the relevant topics of Internet impact on the travel industry and providing technology solutions for travel businesses who realize the challenges and actively seek solutions.

Key experts in travel automation will share their experiences in what are the successful models for your business and how to incorporate technology to optimize your business and develop customer loyalty.

Trends in travel automation will be discussed by leading panelists competent to answer all your questions.




Web Design

webdesign

The presentation on this topic will try to define the specifics in the web design for travel and tourism. A comparison between different design solutions will be provided in an attempt to define the successful web site profiles in different areas depending on the target market, customer groups, services, size of the business, and others. Unanimously, everybody is in agreement these days that the web page is a key component of the business environment for a travel agency, hotel, or tour operator.

There are, however, specifics and issues that have to be addressed when developing a travel website. Their hompage, for instance may feature large, attractive photos because of their emphasis on visual appeal. On contrary, you may want to provide as much information as possible to your visitors in order to turn them from lookers into bookers. Become aware that there are several parameters that your web designer should balance in order to best reflect your business idea, service, or else.




Search Engine Optimization

seoSearch engine optimization (SEO) is the process of improving the visibility of a web site or a web page in search engines like Google via the "natural" or un-paid ("organic" or "algorithmic") search results. As an Internet marketing strategy, SEO considers how search engines work and what people search for. Optimizing a website may involve editing its content and associated coding to both increase its relevance to specific keywords and to remove barriers to the indexing activities of search engines. Deciding to hire or outsource an SEO is a big decision that can potentially improve your site and save time, but you can also risk damage to your site and reputation. Make sure to research the potential advantages as well as the damage that an irresponsible SEO can do to your site. The conference intends to discuss at popular level the advantages and benefits of employing this technology and what are the specifics in the travel context.



  Social Media Optimization

SocialMedia

Social Media optimization is considered an integral part of an online reputation management or Search Engine Reputation Management strategy for organizations or individuals who care about their online presence. It is in many ways connected as a technique to viral marketing where word of mouth is created not through friends or family but through the use of networking in social bookmarking, video and photo sharing websites. In a similar way the engagement with blogs achieves the same by sharing content through the use of special blog search engines. Moreover, It is related to search engine marketing, but differs in several ways, primarily for the focus on driving traffic coming from sources other than search engines.

Best cases and samples will be shared with the audience by leading experts in this area. With the increasing role of Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and others as ranking recommendations, the role of SMO is growing significantly. How it could be best applied in doing travel business and what are the specific benefits, and how to recognize them, will be one of the main objectives in the relevant presentations.




Booking Engine Technologies

booking

An internet booking engine (IBE) helps the travel and tourism industry support reservation through the Internet. It helps consumers to book flights, hotels, holiday packages, insurance and other services online. Nowadays, it is a must for the airlines, travel agencies, and hotels who want to target the Internet buyers. One of the early Internet appplication, IBE is constantly under development adjusting to new business models and revenue channels. The presentations on this technology aim to reveal the latest trends and features as well as the associated new business models which may take the best advantage of those technology changes. The changes require not only implementation of the application but also major change in the business processes of the companies using it. That is why it is often referred to as Internet Travel Revolution. Are you part of it or you are out of business. The conference will try to present this technology as an opportunity rather than a threat.



Hotel Applications

hotelapplications

Hotels are the new focal points of the travel business. Travel agencies find it more and more difficult to sell around the corner and face to face. At the same time hotels meet the passengers and serve them. Respectfully, given the proper applications, they can increase the portfolio of services offered to their visitors. Some of these applications will be demonstrated along with a comparison and business analysis of what revenue they can bring and how to handle and organize such services. Funding Opportunities Tourism needs investment. There are different investment opportunities which presentation require a venue to meet investors with the industry. in this regard, the conference plans to have a dedicated panel discussion on funding opportunities in travel and tourism industry. The panelist are challenged to give both broad and specific perspectives on the best approach to these funds specific for Bulgaria and the EU.



Conclusion

These and relevant topics in travel automation will be in the focus of the conference. It is hard to believe that we can accomplish full and detailed coverage of them, therefore, we planned several parallel events to stimulate networking between participants and opportunities for meetings.


Organizing Committee:

John Hazlewood, Chair of the Organizing Committee
Krassi Simonski, Managing Director eCommerceAcademy.net
Blagoy Ragin, Chair of the Bulgarian Hotel and Restaurant Association
Petko Ruskov, Professor of Economics at Sofia University
Gerasimos Perdikaris, General Manager Sheraton Sofia
Krasimir Stoyanov, President and CEO of ORAK Engineеring
Irena Georgieva, Chair ABTTA

ShareShare on LinkedIn

Subscribe for conferеnce updates

Summit Information

Sofia, Bulgaria | Sheraton Hotel
5 Sveta Nedelya sq.
travelmole
provideomotion
scallbg
logo-orac
ttalogo
 
 Lixto_Logo