Online tourism survey - Blogs are new word of mouth

The first online survey of opinions of visitors to Ireland provides some interesting insights into the state of the tourist industry in this country.

Nine out of every 10 of the comments were positive.

Word of mouth has always been an important influence in promoting tourism. In the past, a satisfied customer might have told 10 people about an enjoyable holiday experience. But in the various internet blogs a person’s views can be told to a thousand times as many people.

These internet sites have been replacing conventional holiday fairs and guidebooks as inspiration for people deciding on a holiday destination. The survey was able to examine some 5,000 views freely expressed about holiday experiences in Ireland. This would have involved a mammoth task in conventional interviewing.

Complaints are, of course, equally valuable in providing information on how an Irish holiday experience might be enhanced. Some complained about the price of food, drink and accommodation.

One complaint about the lack of extended opening hours at visitor centres should provide an easy remedy. This would be seasonal work that should provide valuable work experience for college students interested in getting into tourist-related industries.