Touristlink Makes Traveling an Everyday Topic for Web Surfers
Maria Valdivieso — January 10, 2012 — Pop Culture
References: touristlink & mashable
Most of the time when people go to a travel blog or website they already have their destination in mind, but Touristlink, a social network for travelers, is trying to make traveling an everyday day topic. Touristlink works as a social networking platform similar to Facebook in which users can communicate with others around the world and get expert advice on their travelling woes.
The way the user profile is created is by setting up lists of favorite destinations, dream holidays and places already visited along with pictures and recommendations. Touristlink also provides tips on popular destinations and helps users discover secret gems that would have been difficult to find using a traditional travel book.
Besides connecting fellow travelers the site bridges the gap between the tourism industry and travelers. Hotel owners, tour operators and travel agents can answer questions, give quotes and close deals with potentials clients across the planet. There is no fee to register or use the site, however, whenever a user books a service through the site (which is also possible) there is a percentage that is taken off.
The way the user profile is created is by setting up lists of favorite destinations, dream holidays and places already visited along with pictures and recommendations. Touristlink also provides tips on popular destinations and helps users discover secret gems that would have been difficult to find using a traditional travel book.
Besides connecting fellow travelers the site bridges the gap between the tourism industry and travelers. Hotel owners, tour operators and travel agents can answer questions, give quotes and close deals with potentials clients across the planet. There is no fee to register or use the site, however, whenever a user books a service through the site (which is also possible) there is a percentage that is taken off.
Trend Themes
1. Social Travel Networks - The rise of social travel networks like Touristlink offers opportunities for disruptive innovation in connecting travelers and providing expert advice on destinations.
2. Personalized Travel Recommendations - Platforms like Touristlink that allow users to create customized travel profiles and receive personalized recommendations present disruptive innovation opportunities in the travel industry.
3. Direct Interaction Between Travelers and Tourism Industry - Touristlink's platform facilitates direct communication and transactions between travelers and various players in the tourism industry, creating disruptive innovation prospects for businesses.
Industry Implications
1. Travel and Tourism - The travel and tourism industry can benefit from disruptive innovation by embracing social travel networks like Touristlink to connect with travelers and provide personalized experiences.
2. Hospitality - In the hospitality industry, there are disruptive innovation opportunities in leveraging platforms like Touristlink to directly engage with potential guests, answer inquiries, and secure bookings.
3. Tour Operators - Tour operators can explore disruptive innovation possibilities by utilizing social travel networks such as Touristlink to offer personalized recommendations, build connections with travelers, and facilitate bookings.
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