This combination book/web site is full of practical tips, tools, techniques, resources, and step-by-step strategies to help tourism operators increase their bookings. It will help you increase your web site traffic and then convert curious visitors into paying customers. Each chapter is laid out as a stand-alone entity, so you can begin implementing your online tourism promotion strategy immediately! Country inns, bed and breakfasts, hotels, motels, theme parks, adventure tours, campgrounds, tour operators, outdoor adventures, fishing camps, and guides and outfitters will all find this book invaluable in developing their online strategies. Whether you already have a web site or youre just starting out, you stand to dramatically increase profits through the proven techniques shared in this book.

Topics that were of most interest to me included: increasing hits for your site on popular search engines, tips for creating great websites, how to issue press releases and how to get listed on pertinent directories.

The author obviously put in ALOT of research before putting pen to paper to write this book. The recommended websites alone (at the end of each chapter) are well worth the money spent. My only complaint is that many of the recommended links are outdated or broken - but this is by no means the fault of the author... A must buy!


A Classic for all Travel Related Businesses   March 31, 2004
 10 out of 10 found this review helpful

I am in the process of starting my own specialized tour business and brought this book out of hibernation for review. I had purchased it a couple years ago and it has just been marking time.

The author has done a superb job of guiding someone through the minefield of travel marketing --- and her advice still holds up to date.

I'm sure someone can find fault with not being 'up to date' since 9/11, yet this is flawless strategy that one only needs to update by adding a Google Adwords program, and possibly some eBay listings.

Reminds me of buying a mint 5 year old Porsche, which still offers all the amenities, yet one could upgrade the sound system if you wanted.

If you are going into the travel business, or almost any business for that matter, this is a classic that you can use and adjust accordingly to fit your niche.

Well worth it.


One for the Bookshelf   February 12, 2002
 14 out of 14 found this review helpful

Marketing on the Internet can lead you down a series of complicated and confusing paths. But, if you're in charge of marketing a destination or lodging, gain the upper hand by reading Susan Sweeney's "Internet Marketing for Your Tourism Business."

As soon as you begin thumbing through this 562-page resource, youll want to begin highlighting important passages. Whatever you do, resist that temptation. Why? Because if you start highlighting the important stuff, the entire book will be yellow before you know it!

Sweeney discusses basic marketing principles, web site design, the importance of search engine placement, targeting tourism newsgroups and mailing lists, building web site traffic, using e-mail effectively, developing link strategies with complementary businesses, advertising on line, accepting online reservations, maximizing media relations, and determining if webcasting is right for your site.

I love the fact that Sweeney uses real world examples from the travel industry to illustrate her points throughout the book. Youll learn how the Expedias of this world made it to the top.

"Internet Marketing for Your Tourism Business" is packed with tips that any tourism professional can use to enhance his or her company's presence on the web. Even if you don't have time to read the book thoroughly, it's worth the cover price for the massive Appendix. Its got a great section defining web terms, as well as a comprehensive list of Internet marketing resources.