Destination Online Tropical North Queensland - 11.11. 2011

Destination Online is a new half-day event series from Travel Trends for regional tourism which launched in Cairns, Tropical North Queensland, on November 11. It explored local and national issues, marketing, distribution, and of course the Internet - an afternoon packed with speakers, panels and debate. Generous support from Travelzoo ensured it was affordable for everyone.

• Where: Hilton, Cairns
• When: 1.00pm - 5.30pm, November 11, 2011
• Bookings: Closed

Program - Destination Online TNQ

(THIS CONFERENCE HAS ALREADY RUN)  

1.00pm - 1.30pm Registration and Coffee

1.30pm - 1.45pm Best of Enemies: Once upon a time travel was a simple industry. Everyone had clear roles and kept within tightly defined boundaries. But that was then, this is now. Friends one minute, enemies the next, before the dance begins again. This opening presentation also covers key travel trends impacting on our already volatile industry.

• Martin Kelly, Director, TravelTrends

1.45pm - 2.05pm Hotel Market Update: Performance snapshot of key Australian markets, including north Queensland, accommodation sectors and customer segments. Presentation examines market analysis from STR Global, covering the local, national and international markets.

• Bryon Merzeo, Australian Manager, STR Global

• Brad Gurrie, GM Australia and SE Asia, Travelzoo

2.30pm - 3.00pm Distribution – Surviving In A Cut Price, Cut Throat, Last Minute World: Distribution has been turned on its head over the past few years – new channels, new partners, new opportunities. Meanwhile, consumer buying patterns – in Australia and key international markets – are rapidly changing. This session of will discuss the new distribution landscape, which demands agility, commitment and, as always, a focus on relationships.

• Todd Parker, Managing Director, Parker Travel Collection
• Brad Gurrie, GM Australia and SE Asia, SE Asia
• Christopher Northam, Area Operations Manager TNQ, Mantra Group 

3.00pm - 3.30pm Afternoon Tea

3.30pm - 3.50pm Case Study – Hamilton Island: North Queensland icon Hamilton Island has done a great job in revamping its website and online marketing strategy, improving web visibility, boosting visitation and increasing booking conversion. In doing so, the team at Hamilton has been able to dispel the myth that consumers don’t shop and – crucially – buy resort product online.

• Bernard O’Keefe, Group Online Marketing Manager, Hamilton Island

3.50pm - 4.10pm Search Landscape TNQ: Social media may get all the attention but, like it or not, search engines are still by a very long way, the number one traffic driver for travel websites. It’s no different in TNQ. This session looks at the TNQ search landscape, the latest search marketing trends and strategies plus other techniques to boost website visits and bookings.

• Rush Pathak, Digital Manager, Tourism Tropical North Queensland

4.10pm - 4.30pm Usability – Websites That Work: Websites are a little like cars. No point if they look great but lack speed and handling. Above all travel websites must be usable and meet user expectations to ensure a healthy and viable online business. Otherwise what’s the point? This session will include examples of travel websites that work, along with a few that don’t.

• Richard Tribe, Director, Ski.com.au

4.30pm - 4.50pm Inside Story: Hear from the co-founder of the TRAVELtech 2011 Website of the Year. It’s a deceptively simple and oh-so-easy to use website. But don’t be fooled. A lot of work has gone into making it good. Richard will share lessons he has learned in creating and developing Australia’s leading car hire site.

• Richard Eastes, International Director, VroomVroomVroom.com.au

4.50pm - 5.20pm Digital Panel – Mobile, Apps, Maps and Other Issues: This will be a group discussion addressing key online and mobile trends, issues and opportunities. It won’t be too serious and will provide a fitting finale to the first Destination Online TNQ. Questions will be asked and answered.

• Bernard O'Keefe, Group Online Marketing Manager, Hamilton Island
• Richard Eastes, International Director, VroomVroomVroom.com.au
• Rush Pathak, Digital Manager,Tourism Tropical North Queensland
• Richard Tribe, Director, Ski.com.au

Networking Drinks: Sponsored by Travelzoo