Hays Travel to overhaul online offering

Hays Travel is developing a new website which will incorporate videos and user-generated content such as reviews and blogs. Charlie Bateson, Hays’ newly appointed head of web and marketing, will be responsible for the new project when he joins in a month. Bates said the plan was to increase the content on the site to…

Hays Travel is developing a new website which will incorporate videos and user-generated content such as reviews and blogs.

Charlie Bateson, Hays’ newly appointed head of web and marketing, will be responsible for the new project when he joins in a month.

Bates said the plan was to increase the content on the site to enable consumers to make a more informed decision and make the service more transactional.

Initially user-generated content will come from an unnamed third party but in time the plan is for Hays’ customers and travel consultants will also create content for the site

“We want to feature picture galleries, videos and blogs and tie up with social networking sites. We see social networking sites as a very important marketing medium going forward because of their increased popularity.”

Customers who have made a booking with Hays will also get access to enhanced content such as the blogs and electronic postcards.

Bateson will also oversee the creation of a standalone website with an online booking facility for Hays Faraway, the group’s new long-haul division, as well as a project to open up the Hays Beds technology to consumers.

Prior to the new position at Hays, Bateson held roles at Trailfinders as well as ran his own business.