On the Beach: Gamification of Travel Makes for Better Holidays

MANCHESTER, England, December 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

-On the Beach say that social gaming aspects of their Facebook page helps make the process of booking a holiday even better-

On the Beach support "gamification" of the travel industry, encouraging travellers to use their social gaming applications to get to know their chosen destinations. Through Facebook, their customers can save money by collecting points, participating in competitions, winning badges, gifts and discounts, giving them the chance to save money while they plan their family holidays.

According to the WTM Global Trends Report 2011, social gaming appeals to consumers of all ages, the majority between 18 and 34 years, but with 23 per cent aged between 45 and 65. Gartner predicts that by 2015, 70 per cent of Forbes' Global 2000 organisations will have at least one gamified application.

Travellers can use On the Beach's Facebook network to compete for points, which they can redeem for discount vouchers for holidays to Turkey, Ibiza, Spain and other popular destinations. Customers earn points by sharing videos, taking part in contests, answering polls and offering travel tips. The system appeals to people interested in getting to know popular destinations with the help of travellers who have been there before.

Alistair Daly, Marketing Director at On the Beach, comments: "There are similarities between traditional loyalty programmes and social gaming; however, the latter is a way for travellers to get discounts, bookings and improved customer service through a much more personalised and interactive channel, that is, their Facebook accounts, where friendship and professional networks already exist.

"We're trying to avoid customers staring at long lists of hotel and car hire sites that are 'much of a muchness' in terms of service offering. Through the On the Beach Facebook page, customers can enjoy a much more interactive holiday booking process that allows them to get what they want, and have fun in the process."

About On the Beach:

Founded in 1995, On the Beach is one of the UK's leading online travel agencies carrying over 500,000 passengers every year (ABTA K0813). On the Beach provides value for money flights and hotels in the world's most popular beach holiday destinations. On the Beach provides consumers with a huge selection of travel products, from 50 million available seats, more than 30,000 hotels around the world, insurance and in-resort transfer partners. Customers can book online at http://www.onthebeach.co.uk or by calling the UK call centre on 0870 606 07 08.

As the expert provider of DIY beach holidays to the UK market, On the Beach is so confident of its industry leading position, it offers a market leading price match guarantee for its customers. On the Beach will refund the difference if a lower price is found for the same product on any UK website*.

*Offer applies to exact product match

For more news and great deals follow @OntheBeachUK or join the On the Beach Facebook Fan Page.