Hotels.com launches new search tool using VisualDNA technology

Published: 11 Sep 2008

Online accommodation website Hotels.com has launched a search tool offering travellers a new way to find their hotel.

The Hotels.com Visualiser, termed as a first for the travel industry, is a new visual approach to searching for hotels that allows travellers to use their "VisualDNA" to find hotels that match their needs.

The tool has been developed by Hotels.com in partnership with technology company Imagini.

Nigel Pocklington, managing director, Hotels.com, said this is the first time that travellers have been able to make their hotel selection based solely on their visual responses.

Explaining the utility of the tool, the company stated: Travellers select from a set of pictures that represent the type of hotel stay they are looking for. They then continue through a series of further images designed to gather information on their hotel preferences and hone the selection of properties returned by the search. These steps include the style of hotel and restaurant they are looking for, the types of activities they plan to do plus whether they are travelling alone, with friends or with a family. The Hotels.com Visualiser then cross-references the selection of images chosen with the Hotels.com database to recommend a choice of hotels that perfectly match the users' unique "VisualDNA" profile. Customers can then click through directly to book a stay at any of the recommended properties.

The process takes than a minute to complete.

Comments

You must be logged in to post comments.

EyeforTravel Research & Reports

01/07/08

Latest data & analysis for the worlds online travel markets - NEW European Online Travel Report 2008, India, China, Russia...

CRM and Loyalty Strategies for Travel

4-5 March, Sheraton, Atlanta

Meet the leading CRM professionals in travel! Attend this event to find out how to energize your CRM strategy and release maximum value from your customer relationships.

Social Media Strategies for Travel USA 2009

March 10-11, 2009, Hotel Nikko, San Francisco

This event will provide travel executives with a definite how-to guide on measuring and monetizing social media. You’ll hear from senior speakers who have cracked the nut and have proven case-studies and analytics to share. By attending you’ll get the tools you need to push you social media strategy onto the next level; find out how to generate leads, drive traffic, boost conversions and ultimately create sales.

Travel Distribution and E-Marketing Russia

18-19 March 2009

Online distribution is set to explode in Russia. Be on the forefront of change and reap the rewards. EyeForTravel gives you the strategy to become a world class travel-marketer in a fast growing market.

Travel Distribution Summit Asia 2009

1st - 2nd April 2009, Singapore

Asia Pacific's largest meeting for the online travel industry, and a key networking hub of the the new year. 2009's schedule includes:
- Travel Distribution & Sales
- Revenue Management & Pricing
- Online Content & Conversion Strategies

Travel Distribution Summit Europe

19-20 May 2009

The event helps attendees sell more, reduce distribution costs, form lucrative distribution partnerships, price your product right and keep your customers happy.... key goals of any successful travel company!That why 1500+ decision makers attend each year making this the world's biggest event for online travel executive and heads of pricng and distribution.

Travel Payment and Fraud Conference

19-20 May 2009, Part for the Travel Distribution Summit

Success is a matter of maximising profits whilst minimising losses…if only it was that simple. Well in some cases it is! The Travel Payment and Fraud Conference is designed to show you ways to minimise loses whilst maximisng the revenues you take. Leading travel companies will share simply strategies to reduce transaction costs and fraud whilst encouraging customer loyalty and conversions.

Hotel Technology Forum

19-20 May, Bussiness Desighn Centre, London, Part of the Travel Distribution Summit

Evaluate the Best Distribution and Reservation and Distribution Technology for your Hotel.

The Get Funded Show - The Travel Industry

19-20 May, London, Collacted with the Travel Distribution Summit

Where investors meet, examine the investment potential and do deals with top travel entrepreneurs. The place to find the future leaders of the Travel industry

Ancillary Revenue & Partnerships in Travel Europe 2009

19-20 May, London

After the phenomenal success of the inaugural Ancillary Revenue in Travel Europe conference earlier this year in Dublin, the event returns for another successful year. This is a must attend event for all travel companies who are eager to take advantage of the mulitude of revenue streams available to them outside of their core product. If you sell travel online then you could boost revenues by as much as 40%!

Destination Marketing Strategies for Travel USA

May 28-29, Miami

For this event we’ll apply EyeforTravel’s winning formula to a new topic. We’ll carry out extensive research, identity the key issues and select top notch speakers from leading suppliers, CvBs and DMO’s. Topics on the agenda include social media and email marketing.