Expedia is one of the largest online booking engines in the world with some 85,000 worldwide hotels registered - Dr de Marco

Online marketing crucial for tourism industry

The Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Dr Mario de Marco said that in an international scenario of late bookings and more independent travellers, online marketing and bookings are proving to be crucial as they highlight the strategic relevance of how internet has completely revolutionised the travel and tourism industry.

He said this during a visit to Hotel Juliani in St Julians on the 14th of August, after it was awarded the prestigious Select Insider Award by Expedia.

Dr de Marco said that Expedia is one of the largest online booking engines in the world with some 85,000 worldwide hotels registered, and it is of great credit to the Maltese hotel industry that five Maltese hotels have made it to the prestigious Select Insider List which features only 1% (850) of the hotels listed.

He added that the fact that Hotel Juliani ranks at the 29th place worldwide, and 11th in Europe, is of great merit for the owners, management and staff of the hotel.

Dr de Marco said that in view of the ever increasing relevance of the internet in the travel and tourism industry, this year the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) will be spending almost €800,000 in online marketing and advertising alone. These initiatives include banners and search engine specialised listings, as well as offers in conjunction with various airlines, tour operators and hotels.

He concluded by urging tourism operators to make more use of the internet and the huge opportunities this has brought about, whilst adding that both the government and the MTA have come up with support schemes specifically targeted for such initiatives by private enterprise.