With less than 30 days to go until the 2014 edition of Travel Technology Europe (TTE), organisers have revealed results from their annual travel technology survey. Affirming the growing importance of social media, nearly three quarters (71 per cent) of travel technology professionals stated that having a presence on sites such as Facebook and Twitter was ‘essential’ to their business. In contrast, just one in ten respondents thought social media is a waste of time.
 
Interestingly, four out of five respondents ranked social media as the tool they have had the most success with when attracting new clients, second only to the company website.

Further emphasizing social media’s growing clout within the travel tech community, survey findings also revealed that travel technology professionals plan to spend more money on social media than any other area, second only to mobile applications. 

As part of the conference programme, organisers have introduced a series of presentations and panel discussion in which industry experts will highlight how social media has helped businesses overcome challenges including:

•    Managing a social media crisis
•    Is loyalty dead in the social world?
•    Travel Mole: Question Time: Social Media…Good or Evil for Travel?
•    GOSS Interactive: Increase sales with Social Media
•    Social media: marketing v selling

Sarina Patel, event manager, Travel Technology Europe commented: “Across the vast array of marketing tools designed to target audiences in every way, shape or form, it seems social media is now firmly on top. With social channels becoming the predominant driving force behind many business’ marketing strategies we’ve beefed-up our conference programme with a whole host of social media sessions to ensure attendees have the latest information to stay one step ahead. For anyone working in the travel technology sector looking to make sense of the social media sector’s possibilities or pitfalls Travel Technology Europe is not to be missed.”

Europe’s specialist travel-related technology and marketing event, Travel Technology Europe is focused on bringing together technology, travel trade and transport professionals to offer insightful expert guidance on technology purchases, useful advice on distribution, revenue, marketing and sales strategies around the hottest technology issues affecting travel businesses.

Featuring a selection of thought-provoking speeches, industry panel debates, practical case studies, buyer-only masterclasses and interactive events, Travel Technology Europe provides practical and inspirational content for Europe’s top travel technology professionals. Over 4000 attendees are expected to attend the two day event in February 2014.

Travel Technology Europe will take place on 4 and 5 February 2014 at Earls Court 2 in London. To find out more about the benefits of attending as a visitor and to register please visit: www.traveltechnologyeurope.com.