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All things web and tourism!

Five ways to turn The Hobbit into tourism marketing success

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In 2011 we had the big "Men in Black" offering our country the hope of increased numbers for tourism.

The Rugby World Cup brought plenty of hype, promises and pride as a nation; and we wanted to believe that the whole world was watching us.

Truth is, rugby doesn't hold the attention of some of our largest markets (Japan, U.S. China) and the televised games do not show off our biggest assets as a destination: our landscapes.

In 2012 and 2013 the release of "The Hobbit" movies is the next great opportunity. When it comes to wide spread tourism benefit, the little men with hairy feet are going to stomp all over rugby.

While it is difficult to ascertain the exact number of international visitors who have visited New Zealand as a result of the films, after the 2002 and...

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Tourism Brands - Making the Most of your Online Video and AV Clip

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As a tourism business, you probably already know it's the visual that really engages your customers. You already have your best photos on your homepage, and you may even have a short video featured on your website - this is an excellent start (especially if you already have some video content on your website).

But are you using your video to its full potential?

Today, 94% of travel is researched online so when marketing your tourism business it's important to bear in mind where your customers are spending their time online and how they consume the information they find.

Recent studies reveal the continuing rise of online video. More and more people are using YouTube to search for content; it's now the second largest search engine after Google with their video views exceeds 4...

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Trip Advisor - Like taxes; you don't have a choice

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So we have all heard and read the articles about the recent UK lawsuit which resulted with Trip Advisor no longer being able to claim that their reviews are "real". This was a big blow for the online tourism review site but it does not stop travelers from reading and depending on the site to help make travel purchase decisions.


Trip Advisor is brilliant and simultaneously annoying - we live in a time when the consumer holds the power to help your business or tarnish it.

Take solace in knowing that even the world's most exclusive 5 Star hotels receive silly complaints about inane things like "the banana's in our fruit basket had bruises." People reading the comments can usually identify the "never happy" guests.

Travel purchase is an emotional and often large purchase...

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Historic Central Otago Store becomes an Accommodation and Restaurant!

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Historic Country Store Transformed into Accommodation and Restaurant - Ophir, Central Otago.

Be one of the first to book and experience Pitches Store in its new identity as a six room, historic accommodation and restaurant. Opening March, in Ophir, Central Otago, this unique accommodation allows you to step back in time but with all the comforts of a luxury accommodation.

Certain to become one of those must experience destinations, the Pitches Store transformation has been a six year project for owners Colleen and David Hurd who purchased the run-down heritage building in 2006 with the dream of returning it to its former glory, yet offering a unique blend of history, luxury and culinary excellence.

During the extensive restoration project, Colleen has been based in Ophir...

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Wish we here here...

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Old St Mary's Convent - The Luxury Blenheim Accommodation that captured our hearts!

Luxury Blenheim Accommodation and Wedding Venue

Fairy tales are reality at this luxury Blenheim accommodation

Exciting news for our wonderful clients - Old St Mary's Convent - the 5 star Qualmark Blenheim accommodation, Old St Mary's Convent Vineyard Estate, have just announced the appointment of a new Marketing & Sales Manager, Hannah Lavender.

Bringing plenty of creativity and strategy to the already captivating accommodation, Hannah and Tomahawk have already used their sassy Tourism Marketing skills to create exciting and inticing holiday packages, and improve bookings.

The two packages promise to inspire guests and capture the essence of Marlborough, including a very indulgent Romance Package and a Marlborough Art,...

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Using Pinterest for Tourism Marketing

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There's a new kid on the block of Social Media which lets you connect with your audiences in the most visual way yet. 

When marketing a tourism business, when it comes to piquing the interest of a potential guest or customer, the visual will always work better than the verbal. This is why the new Social Media site, Pinterest, should be of interest to you.

With Pinterest, you can organise images on your own online inspiration board, or pinboard - then engage with your social networks, link back to your website and let people share your images with the world.

Pinterest offers many creative marketing opportunities for your Tourism Business. You can showcase the various details or experiences your accommodation or activity offers in a visually arresting way. Using photos, share...

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