ICE Portal

A Photo is Worth a Thousand Words

by Portál the Penguin on April 30, 2012

Written by Nicholas Blasi, Distribution Channel Manager at ICE Portal

A Photo is Worth a Thousand Words, but a 360 Virtual Tour is Twice as Much
Using Rich Media to Combat Negative C2C reviews

As hoteliers well know, the rise of the Online Travel Agency (OTA) has drastically changed the marketing and distribution arena of the Travel and Tourism industry. The transition from Web 1.0 to Web 2.0 saw the beginning of a new ball game that delivered consumers all the information they needed to comfortably make their travel purchases.  The human element was stripped, so high quality visual content displayed over the web spoke for them; consumers knew what to expect on their upcoming trip.

Many of us may remember, as it does not seem so long ago when this sales network looked considerably different (ahhh the 1990’s when pay phones roamed the earth and Sony Walkman ruled supreme). This market was dominated by the travel agent who provided in depth, professional advice and personal reviews on destinations and lodging; a stark contrast to an interactive mash up website. This model was supported more by the advice of the travel agent and less by any marketing material they had to share with their clients. This advice is back and it is in the form of consumer to consumer reviews (C2C) popping up all over the web.

HD Photography of the ME Cancun Resort

As we say in our business today, “Content is King.” This couldn’t be truer as C2C reviews become an integral part of an increasing number OTAs, it is clear that displaying your property in the best light possible should be at the forefront of your marketing strategy. The numbers show that reviews from fellow travelers are influencing the decisions they make on travel arrangements. In a recent study by Deloitte, 82% of online consumers say their purchase decisions have been directly affected by consumer reviews. One negative review claiming a bad experience or even unfolded guestroom sheets can really hurt future conversions.

Hoteliers must do all they can to hedge this, so what is the answer? Rich Media.

HD360 Virtual Tour of the ME Cancun Resort

What better way to trump a negative review of your property than to give the consumer a complete 360 tour of your establishment? I can’t think of many, except for a fantastic video! The truth is, consumers today want all the information they can get and are expecting that with the capabilities of today’s technology, they will find it when making arrangements for their next stint of fun in the sun.

High quality still images continue to be an important element of marketing your property, but consumers are expecting more. In addition to beautiful photo galleries consumers are seeking an interactive experience that will “Virtually” take them on their next vacation. This will allow them to make decisions on their own rather than making decisions based on reviews of the disgruntled patron.

Think about setting yourself apart from the rest by defending your property with Rich Media and enjoy more consistent occupancy rates.

Interested in Rich Media production or Distribution through ICE Portal but aren’t sure where to start? Give us a call at 1-954-893-6778 or email any time!

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Portál Visits Boston

by Portál the Penguin on March 21, 2012

Portál awoke from his comfy slumber after a day of shooting photos and virtual tours for the Taj Hotel in Boston.

Portál takes a moment to check the day’s weather forecast on the memo left by the considerate room attendants at the Taj.

Portál was about to make it outside to begin his adventure through historic Boston when he is derailed by a familiar delight and cannot help but load up on ice before braving the city streets.

Always the curious one, Portál follows a sign into the subway to save time and see if he can find that ‘white rabbit’ everyone keeps talking about.

Portál’s search for friends leads him into the local aquarium where he finds a couple school yard bullies he hasn’t forgotten.

A clever master of disguise, Portál slips into a crowd of unsuspecting patsies and quickly evades the intimidating pack of seals.

With the coast clear, Portál heads out into the college district of famed Harvard University to dabble in some higher education.

Portál finds a pile of snow clinging to life and dives in to cool down.

With the day getting late Portál finds his way to the “Boston Massacre” site to pay his respects. To his surprise, there wasn’t a shred of Superbowl memorabilia in sight!

Portál takes one last stop to see the grave of Paul Reveere before extending a flipper to hail a cab for one last ride back to his hotel.

We hoped you enjoyed following us on another shoot, tune in next time for another chronicle of Portál’s Travels – and to learn more about having ICE Portal produce rich media and photography at your resort just give us a call at 954-893-6778 or send over an email, we’d love to hear from you!

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Travel Agencies Gain Global Video and Photography with Virtuoso and ICE Portal Partnership

by Portál the Penguin on March 1, 2012

Leading luxury travel agency network, Virtuoso®, and ICE Portal have entered into an exclusive arrangement allowing photo and video content as well as 360-degree virtual tours to be added to Virtuoso’s industry-leading technology platform, Virtuoso Composer®. Virtuoso’s membership will now have access to a library of rich visual content provided by the network’s more than 1,250 preferred suppliers, providing a robust visual reference for client materials and proposals. This latest Composer enhancement comes at no additional cost to the network’s members or preferred suppliers.

ICE Portal, which specializes in the distribution of rich content to more than 30,000 Internet travel websites and more than 11 million global consumers monthly, will power these visual brochures for Virtuoso’s preferred suppliers and its membership. ICE Portal currently maintains brochures for approximately one-quarter of Virtuoso’s preferred supplier portfolio. Both existing suppliers as well as those new to working with ICE will have the opportunity to upload content that can be tagged for the exclusive use of Virtuoso’s membership.

23TouchPoints, the innovative, solution-based technology firm behind Virtuoso Composer, was tasked with finding a company that could meet Virtuoso’s requirement for searchable visual content to accommodate its membership in 20 countries and a supplier network that spans 98 countries.

“ICE Portal has a stellar reputation within the industry based on its innovation, flexibility and commitment to high service levels,” says Matthew D. Upchurch, CTC, CEO and Chairman of Virtuoso. “We received strong endorsements from our preferred suppliers that work with ICE, and we’re gratified with the immediate support from our suppliers who are eager to share their visual content with our membership. Through Composer our members have one unified source for supplier content from contact details to the best offers, promotions and add-ons through one standardized search. This search now includes stunning visuals to share with their clients. Every quarter Virtuoso Composer announces enhancements integrated into this platform. It is this integration that makes Composer unlike any other system. Stay tuned for our next break-through.”

“ICE technology was designed to allow suppliers to manage and deliver all types of visual content to a network of travel sites with varying needs, and we are honored and pleased to be working with Virtuoso to help each supplier get relevant and richer content to the Virtuoso network of travel advisors,” said Henry Woodman, president of ICE Portal.

Virtuoso will begin rolling out supplier brochures on Composer in mid-March. For more information on Virtuoso Membership, contact Susan Spain, Director of Business Development, at sspain@virtuoso.com.
 
ICE Portal and Virtuoso Rich Media Brochure
Sample hotel brochure from ICE Portal on Virtuoso Composer

About Virtuoso
Virtuoso® is the industry’s leading luxury travel network.  This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 330 agencies with more than 7,200 elite travel specialists in 20 countries in North and South America, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand, as well as over 1,250 of the world’s best travel providers and premier destinations.  The network’s member agencies generate over $9.6 billion annually in travel sales, making the group the most powerful in the luxury travel segment.  Their relationships with the finest travel companies provide the network’s affluent clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com. To view Virtuoso’s latest videos, go to http://www.youtube.com/user/VirtuosoTraveler.

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Portál Visits Riviera Maya

February 29, 2012

Portál recently visited the most spectacular inlet of the Mexican Caribbean, Riviera Maya. Fresh spring waters and underground river currents will take you to an open river where you can encounter more than 400 species of plants and animals that live naturally in this 207 acre protected ecosystem. Enjoy an unforgettable experience and commune with [...]

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For Great 360 Images, Bracket and Blend

February 22, 2012

Post originally featured on Black Star Photography Agency, written by Tatianne Lugo, Director of Photography – ICE Portal For some industries, 360-degree panoramic images have gone from novelty to virtual necessity. Travel websites can increase hotel bookings, and real estate listings can increase traffic, just by featuring 360 tours. But beyond hotels and houses, panoramic [...]

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