So long ITB :-(

Unfortunately, I will not be making it to my bloggers panel, since my flight is delayed due to the strike in Berlin.

The title of my panel is "Bloggers vs. Journalists"

Here is my input though:

• We have to differentiate between B2C and B2B publications.
• In Austria there are many B2B travel publications that solely feature press releases and advertorials. These might come under pressure by tourism marketing bloggers.
• As to B2C publications, they will always reach a larger readership, their strength is the "serendipity". Featuring a destination may trigger interest of readers who had not considered or even heard of it before. But the depths of print features is usually limited due to place issues. This is were blogs and forums can provide more value.
• There is of course always a "credibilty" issue in travel journalism. If a journalist enjoys paid trips he or she better not be too critical. However, this is not always the case. Some journalist are very critical indeed.
  
• Should hotels and suppliers treat bloggers just like journalists. This is quite an issue. Lets differentiate again: most blogs do not enjoy an audience as large as newspapers, magazines or TV. Treating bloggers to free trips is a financial matter. I would suggest a creative approach.
• I do believe trade bloggers should be treated as well as journalists when it comes to questions, interviews or others enquiries.
• And I strongly suggest asking every guest if they want to produce online content. Give them the opportunity to provide the links to that content, be it pictures, videos, reviews or blog entries. Gather links to that content and feature it on your website. Give them the power of potential attention by linking to it.

Just my two cents. Sorry for any typos