Optimizing e Future 2009

Travel and Hospitality Online Marketing Conference:

With over a 100 delegates in attendance, Sri Lanka's first Online Marketing Conference held at Cinnamon Grand, Colombo was attended by key decision makers from the travel and hospitality industry. Hosted by eMarketingEye, the event was a success with guest speakers from Google and the Preferred Hotel Group. The event was endorsed by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.

At the Online Marketing Conference

eMarketingEye CEO Rajitha Dahanayake discussed the importance of an effective website, introduced consumer buying cycles for the travel and hospitality industry, and how to use the Internet to attract and target these buyers through each stage.

Google, Online Sales and Operations Manager Joao Cabral, shared statistics on the potential of the online advertising market for Sri Lanka and spoke about the Internet as a proven advertising medium today.

He said that many travel-related businesses currently use Google's AdWords advertising platform to successfully leverage their online presence, reach out to potential customers worldwide and get a great ROI on their online advertising spend. He said, "There has been unprecedented growth in Search Terms such as 'Sri Lanka Hotels' and 'Sri Lanka Flights' since May 2009", confirming the increase in interest on post-war Sri Lanka.

Preferred Hotel Group Regional Director, India Saurabh Rai Bhainagar the importance of technology adaptation and Internet marketing for hotels and discussed case study examples from the Preferred Hotel Group. Naveen Marasinghe from eMarketingEye, a specialist in Social Media Optimization, discussed the importance of using such Media Platforms as Twitter, Facebook and blogs to listen and engage with potential and existing consumers.

Optimizing e Future came to a close with a panel discussion with additional speakers Google AdWords Accounts Strategist Erika Oktora, and eMarketingEye Head of Project Management Niranka T. Perera, joining the forum. Questions and discussions were held on the advantages of using the Internet as a Distribution Channel, Sri Lanka Internet Penetration Statistics, the possibility of tracking Online Campaign performance and Social Media strategies amongst others.

Following the conference the Google, the Preferred Hotel Group and the eMarketingEye teams were available for one-on-one meetings and discussions with conference attendees, offering further insight on the topics discussed at the event.

eMarketingEye CEO Rajitha Dahanayake, said "Optimizing e Future, was the first phase of Online Marketing conferences that we plan to have both here and abroad, Sri Lanka will see more specialised conferences. In an ever-changing industry, it is a must to keep up with the latest trends and part of our scope involves knowing when and where this impacts our clients".