MIAMI, Feb. 20, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Everyone knows the economy stinks. They're sick of talking about it. So let's talk about something else that stinks -- lodging websites. Many online travel companies, even businesses in general, have websites that stink according to Miami-based website development company Bookt (http://www.bookt.com/). Vacation rental websites (http://www.bookt.com/) that are outdated and don't use the latest technology to keep up with consumer expectations or ecommerce trends, or proper SEO, can make the difference between a business' success and failure, especially in today's weak economy, where businesses are vying for a shrinking number of travelers' dollars.
Although business travel is down, and the industry as a whole is reporting declines, 70% of consumers completed their travel booking online(1) in 2008, and more consumers are searching for and booking their travel online. eMarketer is predicting that online travel bookings in 2009 will grow by 10.5% to reach $116.1 billion, primarily as a result of a dramatic shift from the offline to online channel.
Knowing this, online travel managers need to understand that their online business starts and ends with their website. Their site has to become the first and last point of contact with the travel consumer. In today's travel environment, it's vital to have a website that is as dynamic, well-organized, functional and unique as each resort or location. Online travel managers, including those from campgrounds to vacation rental companies to 7-star hotels, can no longer rely on static, inefficient sites to generate business.
"Websites that are inefficient and not geared to maximizing revenues, cross-sell opportunities or increasing online visibility are literally killing their business," says Rob Kall, President of Bookt which provides websites and "back-end tools" for the rapidly-growing travel sector of vacation rentals -- currently valued at $24 billion and counting. "Some websites are so bad, they actually chase customers away," continues Kall. "Here's an example: pop-ups. Don't you love them? Didn't think so. Then why is it that so many booking engines appear as a pop-up completely separate from the rest of the site? Other examples include sites that don't have enticing images of destinations or quick availability search in the top area of the home page -- right where consumers' eyeballs are hovering. Travel websites have just a few seconds to make an impression - use them well."
Websites need to be user-friendly, search engine-friendly, well thought out and relevant in order to boost conversion rates, improve search engine rankings, and most importantly, website revenues. They need to really speak to vacationers and address their travel and lifestyle needs. Site features like property search and mapping, and seamless online booking tools become keys to online success and increased revenues. Without them, most customers will give up the search and go somewhere else. It is also vital to have a site that is easily found online. What is the point, otherwise?
So how do you know if your travel site is a killer website or business killer?
Kall and his team at Bookt have developed a simple online test Is your site ready for 2009? (http://www.bookt.com/YourSuccess/SiteScore.aspx) that gives travel managers a site score of their website's performance.
Bookt has also created an online success handbook (http://www.bookt.com/YourSuccess/10SecretsDoc.aspx) that includes tips and information on how to create a successful vacation rental website, and advice on what not to do with website development in today's online travel marketplace.
As Kall put it bluntly, "Make sure your site doesn't suck -- if it does, that could be a very costly mistake in 2009."
For more information, please visit www.bookt.com or contact media advisor Jennifer Rodrigues at jrodrigues@thinkinkpr.com or 305.749.5342 ext. 234.
(1) http://www.travelpulse.com/Resources/Editorial.aspx?n=48822