Travel blogs are useful to the industry
By Darren Cronian on Thursday, February 14th, 2008

I never doubted this for a minute but I think my recent post about the administration of Leisure Direction, proved this point to me because looking at my stats I can see a large number of travel companies have been regularly visiting this post for updates, including Leisure Direction themselves!

Travel blogs are useful to the industry

The blog post has generated over 1,090 3,223 visitors, and is the 2nd most popular post of the year so far, with the BAA strikes article generating, a stonking 7,000 visitors and over 70 comments left by worried and stressed travel consumers, and with regular updates from readers I am sure that must of helped.

I wonder though do the public trust hotel reviews on a blog the same as reviews on Travel Owl, or travel planning articles on a blog over an article written by Frommners. I’d be interested to hear your opinion of blogs and your experiences.


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11 responses to “Travel blogs are useful to the industry”

RobK | 15 February, 2008 at 12:29 am

If you had asked me to compare a blog over Trip Advisor I would say TA but I am not familar with Travel Owl.

You obviously have a good following from the comments left to the RSS counter, but do they trust you over Frommers that is a tough one.

Rohan | 15 February, 2008 at 7:14 pm

Well I have been a long time reader Darren so yes I would trust you. Would I trust you over many travellers on a hotel review, probably not.

Whose Frommers?

mikeyboy | 15 February, 2008 at 8:33 pm

That’s the first I’ve heard of TravelOwl and what a useless site. Cheeky though, appropriating the owl TA logo .

Darren Cronian | 18 February, 2008 at 9:20 am

Frommers write travel guides Rohan.

Mikeyboy, suppose I was fed up of mentioning TA and other review sites so felt like giving link love elsewhere. I’d not say it’s useless site though.

Sara | 18 February, 2008 at 8:10 pm

Darren I have read most of the comments, and it was crazy in some points with LD staff blaming each other and confused consumers.

You have proved here alone that this site can help consumers because it’s given everyone a chance to update and leave their comments and experience.

Marie | 19 February, 2008 at 1:38 pm

I have found this site to be helpful with my holiday because I was able to read the cmomments from other people.

Darren Cronian | 19 February, 2008 at 1:40 pm

Sara, I am moderating the comments there alot more tightly, lessons to be learnt there for any blogger.

I do think though that the post in question is an excellent example of how a blog can help consumers as people leave their experiences and informtion, updates.

Marie, glad the blog helped you. I’m also glad to hear you got your holiday arrangements sorted out with Leger.

Pauline | 20 February, 2008 at 7:23 pm

I do not think all blogs are useful but yours appears to be. It has alot to do with the writer, and if communicate with your readers.

John | 20 February, 2008 at 10:23 pm

alright dazza! ;)

Rachel Thornton | 21 February, 2008 at 3:22 am

Hi Darren I wanted to thank you for helping me.

Reading the comments left by other holidaymakers really put my mind at rest. I was able to find out the company who were dealing with my booking.

Darren Cronian | 21 February, 2008 at 3:46 am

Pauline, I tip I regularly give is ask questions to your readers, otherwise how are they going to comment.

Alright Johnny! Don’t forget you owe me a pint!

Rachel, I’m glad it’s helped consumers out, I’ll certainly be keeping an eye open for other agency closures and mentioning them.

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